SWAG Magazine CA | KEAK DA SNEAK - MR. SUPER HYPHY

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 3

SWAG MAGAZINE CA | LATINO / JANUARY 2015

COVER STORY:

6 -9 KEAK DA SNEAK 48 -51 NU JERZEY DEVIL 14-15 SLOAN BONE

ARTICLES:

27 OKOLO THA DON DIVA 34 JUJU SWAG SHAWTY 16 POZITION TL 42 MAGNOLIA CHOP 43 POZZIE MAZERATI 44 MCC 57 BC 56 ASSASSIN 54-55 BLANCO LOCO 59 BILLY DAH KIDD 63 HIN / CARSHOW 45 ASK TEE RENEE 46-47 XFEST CHRIS RICCI

INDUSTRY INSIDER:

12-13 STEFFEN FRANZ

POWER MOVES:

11 MAR BROWN

INTERVIEWS:

10 NOEL 24-26 POOH-MAN 20-21 KOUNTRYBOI SLIMM 28-29 BLAQ LAB PROD. 22-23 LIL DMAC 32-33 MONT'STAR 40-41 YB

CALENDAR MODEL

36-39 SINDITA 52-53 KARINA MAGARGLE

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30 WORLD STAR DJS 31 ONE DROP SCOTT 60 DJ RAY-D 61 DJ BREEZY 62 GEORGE VON LIGER SWAG MAGAZINE CA

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4 SWAG MAGAZINE CA NOVEMBER 4 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 2014

FOUNDER: Larry Smith & Shervil Smith LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Larry Smith EDITOR IN CHIEF: Ani Galestanian MANAGING EDITOR: Courtney Cherry CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Larry Smith WRITERS: Courtney Cherry Tanisha Renee Gladney Cindi Martinez Rami Bensasi Kevin DesOrmeaux Jacqui Smith GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Aaron Purnell Larry Smith PHOTOGRAPERS: COVER PHOTOS Keak Da Sneak by: Zeny Durano Nu Jerzey Devil by: Ramon-R54 Larry Smith Curtis Jermany MEDIA TEAM: Bay Area Block Report Li-Mari Garcia Dski Le'Melle - Yee TV GRANT MONTECILLO CLARK TAPIA BACALTOS Anthony Rphotography Barrientos JOHANN BONTUYAN TRIFON ELDRIN BAJARIAS Yung Cassius King Dondon RamosLucky Dollazz Eric Torsen Jill Torsen Pharoah Films CONTRIBUTORS: Raymond A, Smith Bo Berry Cindi Martinez UEG Girls UEG Radio Rafael "Amigo" Rojas Steffen Franz Lex Luga SSC Marketing Group Bay Area Block Report Jill JEt Torsen: SWAG Global Radio Eric Torsen: SWAG Global Radio Shonta Jones Nina Sanchez FausTina Cano Bobby Ford PRINTING: Music That Pays http://www.musicthatpays.com/

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K A E N S A D K HE TRUTH BEHIND KEA ALS T REVE NT” E M E V O M Y THE “HYPH GROUP. AND HIS RAP

RY

HER BY: COURTNEY C

“That’s what got me here today. Hard work, dedication and sacrifice.” ........... KEAK DA SNEAK

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Born in Alabama and raised in the city by the Bay, Keak da Sneak has always carried his region on his shoulders. He’s the originator of the hyphy movement, coining a nation wide phrase and member of the legendary rap group 3X Krazy. His discography is full of hit albums like Real Talk 2000, High - Tek and Copium and he still commands major radio play.

OAKLAND, CA

is not from the bay, he’s from Oakland. As a matter of fact, he IS “Oakland” and his twenty year career in the rap game is proof of that.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

Keak Da Sneak

"Window’s” featuring The Jacka and Mickey Shiloh is his current club banger. It’s produced by Bay Area hit maker Traxamillion, cosigned by DJ Big Von and is burning up the airways. So many people know Keak, also known as Kunta Kinte, for his raspy voice, unique flow and Oakland swagger.

Not many people know the more personal side of the artist, who is first a family man, community advocate, and who continuously shows love to his fans. Swag Magazine CA correspondent, Courtney , sat down with Keak Da Sneak for an impromptu conversation in the place that started it all... On the studio couches of legendary producer One Drop Scott, where 3X Krazy was established, Keak opens up for the first time in a long time about his life.

Swag: Keak how are you?

Keak: I’m blessed.

Swag: Alright good to see you. So you are back on the scene with an amazing hit “Windows” featuring The Jacka and Mickey Shiloh. So talk to us about that. How did that collaboration come about?

Keak: Fa Sho.. Shout out to SWAG Magazine CA..., Steve, What it do? I was working on “Copium ll”, I’m working on it right now as we speak. I was just going through all the producers that I do music with and me and Traxamillion hooked up.

That’s how the song “Windows” came about came about. It was only one verse at that point then Trax got with Jacka, put Jack on it, Big Von Got behind the record and that’s what it’ been. They added it to radio circulation and its been a real good response.

Swag: Ok I want to take it back for a second and talk a little bit about 3XKrazy. Your last project together was “Real Talk 2000” and then you guys kinda disbanded and everybody did their solo thing. Is there one particular thing that caused the group to break? Will there ever be a “Real TAlk” 2014 maybe?

PHOTO BY: ZENY PHOTOGRAPHY

I hadn’t talked to him in a few months so it was like, Lets get busy. As soon as I talked to him he was like, I’m over here at the studio, over here on Hagenburger, Slide through. I came through there and I told him what I was doing. I let him hear some of the music I was already doing. He was like.... I already got something fo you. We go back in the studio and he play the Windows track.... “know what I mean..” Mickey Shiloh was already on the hook. So it was just the beat and her hook. I got on that thang, wrote it and start recording.

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 SWAG MAGAZINE CA OAKLAND, CA

Keak: Man, It’s possible, Everything is possible, face to let us know, not only do we got “you know what I mean.” First of all, I been keepin something but we got something that’s it lit all this time so I would be the one to bring here to stay. that back..”You feel me?” Basically.

Swag: Do you feel like artists today, who It wasn’t on ego shit, or no, funk or beef type are putting out material that is a reflection shit. We just start doing our separate thing, it just of your trendsetting sound and style of wasn’t working for us as a group at that time, you music is paying homage? feel me?

Keak: It’s dudes I don’t know 'cuz they’re As far as us not knowing the business, we had a younger than me but at the same time lot of different people in our ear steering us in all when you say do they pay homage... They kinds of different directions. So it was never like do. They all pay homage to me ‘cuz you we broke up, we just kept working on different hear their music. At the same time I’ve never been no hater. I want to see everybody solo projects. make it. It’s motivation.

It made me do some Keak albums. Agerman did Agerman albums & Bart did some Bart albums, It’s people like Too Short that opened feel me. Agerman he saved now, spiritually. He the door for other artists in Oakland and don’t really promote any negative type of music. in the Bay Area over all. He let the world That’s still my brotha, and right now that's just know it’s talent out here. From En Vogue to MC Hammer, to Tony Toni Tone and so what it is! on. All these new artists coming out to the Swag: Let’s talk about the Hyphy Movement be- Bay Area is a good thing for the Bay Area cause I know how much it means to you being movement overall. that you are the Godfather of the sound.

Swag: It’s easy for us as fans and as people Keak: First of all, I made up the word Hyphy. I on the outside looking in to look at you been saying the word since 1994. It finally caught and have this perception of you. But who a spark when I did, “Super Hyphy”. First I did a is overall, who is Keak Da Sneak? song called “Hyphy”, that was in like 1996 when Mac Dre had just got out of jail, and it was on Mac Keak: Well, Keak Da Sneak, Kunte Kinte I’m Dre’s album called, “All I want to know is are you a family guy, a real good dude. I’m a humreally gettin hyphy”. The Federation, did a song ble dude too. I’m a people person, a Libra, called “Hyphy”. I was kinda like feeling some type a father of four, a Oakland staple. I’m a real of way about it so Rick came back and put me Oakland legend as far as representing the on the remix. I came back and did “Super Duper whole Bay Area. I’m motivation and game Hyphy” because I felt like, if anybody was going for the younger generation of artists tryto put that word out there it was going to be me. ing to come up in the game.

As far as the industry using the sound, I’m good with it. They are actually paying homage. It’s a compliment. It’s like saying. “I don’t know what ya’ll trippin off of but this is it. Ya’ll got us doing this now.” At the same time, it’s about being able to change the era of music, and to be able to make it through those eras of music when change come.

I sacrificed to teach the next up and coming Keak Da Sneak, whoever he is, what not to do and to get the money off top and take care of his family and represent what got you where you're at and give back to that. I can go on and on about that guy right there but mainly I’m real.

Swag: Do you ever hang out with MarI respect E40 because he stayed relevant and shawn Lynch at all? he worked hard to do so. That should be motivation for cats that is trying to get into the rap Keak: I haven’t even met Marshawn Lynch game to work hard. You have to go the extra mile. but I’m pretty sure we would be cool.

Shout out to him, he just got that ring!

Swag: Do you think that we received the full recognition we deserve as a culture and a place Swag: What do you do on your off time when you’re not in the studio or on tour? where real good music originated from?

Keak: Yes. Artist now in the game like 2Chains or whoever. Artist all respect it. They wit it. You can reach out to them and they gone come do it. Whatever we ask them to do. They here in our 8 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

Keak: I'm with my kids when I'm not working. They’re the future, so I make sure to make myself available to them and guide them through life's different hurdles.

Swag: We know your father passed away not too long ago and we send our condolences to you and the family. What kind of impact did that have on your life, your career?

Keak: I wouldn’t even be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my dad. I have seven brothers, three sisters, I’m the baby. My pops was married three times, my mom was his last wife. By my mom I have an older sister and me. He stayed with me. I had him all my life. My dad was older.

When I was a kid, my dad was 50. I played football, baseball and he always supported everything I was doing. I started rapping and I told him, “Pops I'm gonna rap” and he was like, “Everybody can rap Kunt.”

My pops named me Kunta Kinte and that’s all he ever called me. He would call me “Kunt Da Sneak”, you feel me.

He would say, “Kunt, everybody rap lil brotha, but if you gone rap, be the best at it.”

That’s what he always told me. From that day forward I started writing. I would be in my room rapping every day, playing with my craft.

I would compare the songs I did to the songs on the radio saying, I can do this.

Rest In peace pops. Pops been gone three years now he would have been 89 years old in June coming up.

Swag: Do you have a philosophy that you go by? And why is that so true for you?

Keak: Yea, it’s called hard work, dedication and sacrifice. That’s what I go by! That’s what got me here. Hard work. Doing five or six songs a day to make an album. Just spilling my life out on paper and rapping it. I not just a rapper, I’m a realist. I’m like a magnet, I attract. I can attract, I can tell the story and you can see it through my words. I’m one of those type of dudes.

Swag: Is it different when you perform at home versus performing away at other places? Do you really feel the love when you come back to Oakland?

Keak: Man I can’t even lie to you. Every time I feel that love. No matter if I’m cross country, I get on stage and be like “Oakland!” Hard work, dedication and sacrifice, straight up. I have to let the people touch me. Let them know I’m real. I gotta come get my love. “Got to.” If I got to have a hundred security guards with me to go some-

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Swag: What does the future hold for Keak Da Sneak both as a rapper and an individual? Are there any ventures outside the music industry that you want to tell us about?

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

Yea it is. This the 2014 Keak, I’m 36 now. I’m more level headed. I’m grown. I’m handling my business and capitalizing on my situation. Still being relevant today is a blessing. I put a lot of work into being respected now, so I have my hands in a lot of different things.

OAKLAND, CA

where I don‘t want to do that shit.

I also have a shoe coming out called Keak sneakers. I got a few different people working on a prototype now so I can know which one I’m feeling and it’ll have the Keak Da Sneak 5950 New Era fitted cap that match the shoe.

I’m also trying to get a shoe deal with Nike or somebody to pick up my shoe.

I’m looking to do a “Seventh Period Super Hyphy Program” for the kids. It’s an after school program, seventh period for the kids with the youth center. Just being more hands on with the kids letting them know they can make it.

Sometimes it be the courage, the push, the support that gives you that drive that you can make it.

Swag: When can we expect that Copium II? Keak: I’m going to drop a short album, “Air It Out” first, then “Copium II.” I’m still working on it. I’m reaching out and touching a lot of people, taking my time. And then I’m collaborating with all the people that’s hot right now and putting together a classic album because “Copium one” was hot. So to even call it “Copium II” I have to out do myself at the time.

That was a time in my career that I felt like this album was going to set the trend for me to be in the game today. If that album wasn’t that album I wouldn’t be here today, so I put a lot into that album. This album isn’t one of those albums. I’m taking my time. I’m taking some patience with it. It’s gon be my baby.

Swag: Is there anybody you want to shout out?

PHOTO BY: ZENY PHOTOGRAPHY

Keak: Shout out to all my fans first and foremost.

Everybody who been with me from day one, who’s been following my career from 3X Krazy until now. I appreciate ya’ll. I ain’t gon let ya’ll down. I want to say thanks to the man upstairs for giving me the opportunity and the status that I have and the person that I am. My pops my moms, all my family and my real friends; my real friends that are still here today.

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 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

SWAG: Let’s take a second to talk about Noel before the music. You are a military brat from Honolulu, Hawaii. How was it growing up for you?

OAKLAND, CA

NOEL: Honestly it was very hard because I was never able to have steady friends. The other side of it is that it made me who I am today. I am very easy to talk to and able to make friends fairly quickly.

SWAG: Have you always wanted to be a singer?

NOEL: I always knew I wanted to be a singer, no wait, an entertainer. I live and breathe music, without it I'm dead inside. It’s my outlet.

SWAG: Balancing a career and family has always been an issue with people who go after their dreams. How do you manage to balance it all out?

NOEL: I am able to do it because I am good at multitasking. Yes, it gets hard because as I stated before I live my music. I wanna do it 24/7 but I also know that my family needs me as well.

Once you get into the routine of time management, life will be a lot easier.

SWAG: Have any of your children shown signs of following in pops footsteps?

NOEL: All of them want to be an entertainer in some way shape or form. Aka and Javonte want to dance. Javonte also can sing. Bruce is unsure.

Cords is unsure. Kaufman, DJ, Javaeh and Raina all love to sing.

NOEL: They keep me very busy. That's how it should be. They taught me to always strive for better and reach higher. And that is why I keep pushing.

SWAG: So I understand you do a little acting as well.

SWAG: So, Let’s talk about this album. This album is taking it back to when the music made you want to say something smooth to your woman. When is it coming out?

NOEL: “The Looking” is on HBO. It is on its second season. “Halloween 7” is going to be a great movie. It has a lot of African American actors.

I do believe you will enjoy the movie. I play a man who went to a costume party with my girl and we had to make a stop. It turns out the stop is more than what we bargained for. Lol.

NOEL: Possibly in 2015. I am now working on a different album before I do the collaborative album. I am hoping to release this album by my birthday December 28. Some of the features on my songs are Slickem from Pretty Ricky, TurnUp Taylor from the geek squad. The others are all secrets. I promise this album will be hot.

SWAG: How did your career head off in the acting direction?

SWAG: Would you say your lyrics and stage performance are tailored for the enjoyment of women? If so why is that?

NOEL: I always wanted to be a singer, songwriter and actor. I did two out of three by myself.

My wife got my foot into the door for acting.

I owe a big “thank you” to her. She has been supportive of my dreams since we first met. So I officially say this, Vermyttya Brown, “Thank you for your support in helping me reach my goals.”

NOEL: When I am performing I add in dancing and romance. The reason for this is because I realize that not many women have the opportunity to have a man sing directly to them. They also have not witnessed in person a romantic man that gives them roses for no reason.

SWAG: You are signed to REBYRTH ENTERTAINMENT. How are things looking over there for you at this time?

I provide the fantasy in which women can live this opportunity and finally say, "They have had a man sing to them as well as make them

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 10

feel wanted and respected.”

SWAG: What would you say are some key elements to making this album?

NOEL: The major key elements are the fans.

Without them and their situations I would not have much to write about. I go through the same things that everyone else ego through. I like taking other people thoughts and expanding on them. I always ask people how they felt about a situation whether you are a male or female.

SWAG: Thank you Noel for your talent and your commitment to good, quality music. Before we go what would you like to say to all of your supporters that have been holding you down throughout your career?

NOEL: I want to thank the Lord for all of the blessings He has given me. I want to thank every last one of you for being there from when I was recording out of my closet until now. When I come to your city I promise you, someone will get sung to and you will have a performance that will not be a waste of your money. SWAG Magazine CA, thank you for interviewing me and believing in me when it comes to my music.

I LOVE ALL OF YOU. �

STS OPPORTUNITY", E V O M R E W O P N "PREPARATION MEE HALLENGE & WHE HE C RISES TO T N W O R B MAR TACLE S ANY OBS E M O C R E OV GTANIAN I ES :A I GNAL : AN BY BY

B

orn and raised in Los Angeles, Ca; Mar Brown, has become an industry heavyweight with around 20 years of Major Label experience and an impressive resume. His calm and cool demeanor sets the artists he works with at ease knowing their career is in the hands of a knowledgeable executive!

Mar’s career began with Virgin Records in 1999, when he worked as the Mix Show Coordinator then moved onto the Urban West Coast Regional position.

In late 2006, his journey with Interscope Records began with the National Mix Show.

Later he was enlisted to work as one of the leading executives in charge of the Rap Promo Department.

Having been mentored with such industry leaders as Jon In 2012, Mar left Interscope Records to become the executive in charge of National Platt (head of publishing at Urban Promotions.

Warner Chapel & currently up for the Living Legend In 2013, he made the move from the West Award), the late Mark Boyd, Coast and transitioned to New York City, when he was promoted to the Vice Presiand Juliette Jones (EVP of dent of Urban Radio Promotions.

Urban Radio Promotions at his prominent position is the result Atlantic Records); Mar SIC of consistently working hard to proR M Uhas U applied F Y O Brown O S S E N I S BU gress and achieve a level of success, A G N I K A M their valuable Mar F Brown A N Zto obtain F Rdestined E Nwas F E T S : Y B due to his relentless work ethic! advice and guidance in order Mar has been working with artists who had to become the sparked his interest! Such artists as MMG powerhouse artist’s Meek Mill & Wale. He is currently also working on such projects involving that he now Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign and K Michelle. is. For an individual to His experience working with these artists has been an enjoyable one, since they are obtain sucall entertainers who exhibit a strong work cess, certain ethic and possess the determination it building takes to become a success story within the blocks need music industry! to be in place.

T

R E D I S N I Y R T INDUS

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One must be wise enough to consume the teachings of those who have paved the way before him, and Mar has done so by carefully listening to the aforementioned individuals!

Mar’s advice for independent artist’s who would like to establish their brand and turn it into a profitable business, is to practice patience and separate themselves from other artists by creating a creative enough marketing campaign which will peak the public’s interest.

H

e also highly advises artists to seek representation so they may gain a stronger understanding about the business aspect of the music industry. Talent will only get you so far, after all.

In his spare time, which is very rare, he chooses to spend that time with his family and loved ones. Having played the forward position during college basketball, Mar is a huge sports fan who loves to catch a basketball game once in a while Mar Brown is the type of executive you would want pushing your career. His diligence and determined mind state, makes him a valuable asset for any major label! When “Preparation Meets Opportunity”, Mar Brown rises to the challenge & overcomes any obstacle, all while knowing he will once again achieve his intended goal! 

I D E RR M U S I C S N I Y R T S U I N D A BUSINESS OF YOU MAKING EN FRANZ BY: STEFF

As with all businesses, to be truly successful, IDC had to grow and adapt to the changing times.

Fast forward, 10 years and now IDC represents over 650 labels for both Physical (CD and DVD) and Digital Distribution, “Turnkey” Marketing and Promotion campaigns for hundreds of bands, artists, and Music Licensing for TV and Film.

Our motto is “Independent Music Moving Forward,” and now we are a company who has disrupted the music industry of the past, and have helped set the standard for the industry of the future.

The Music Industry, Are You Ready for the Future?

T

he music business has seen many changes in the past 20 years since I started humbly producing and releasing reggae and hip hop in 1993. The “industry” that we all worked so hard to be apart of in the early 1990’s is gone and only the strong have survived.

The truth is now you have to wear many hats to succeed and most of these are roles that have always been relegated to big established artists and labels.

I have produced over 50 album projects for my own label, Positive Sound Massive Recordings, and for many other people, and have had my music placed in dozens of TA shows and a handful of movies.

I have studied the industry every day for the past 20 years trying to get ahead of the curve, but also trying to help disrupt the industry as we once knew it. Now I teach music business at a San Francisco based audio production school called Pyramind.

The first area that I try to teach folks to address is to best understand how all aspects of how the industry works, and where an independent artists’ profit really is. You cannot hope to be successful without understanding that the music business is just that, a business.

There is no way anyone can be successful if they don’t understand that every song they write or single or album they release is a product, and as such they need to market them properly and monetize each and every one to create a sustainable business.

There has been many studies done over the past few years that say that a single composition could create up to 40 revenue streams and a composer/ 12 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

wwriter with 40 or 50 tracks could be making a living on the profit generated by these for many years to come. Only with a good understanding of these rev-

Start by learning

everything you can about the industry.

enue streams, and how long some might take to develop, can an artist or independent label really create a profit. Once you have a firm understanding of the industry then you can go out and make partnerships with people or companies who can help you to generate more profit and expand your business into an eventual success. There are more companies out there now who will partner with artists and small labels to help them leverage these new revenue streams and grow their businesses and careers.

I

started a company like this called Independent Distribution Collective about 10 years ago. This company was founded on the idea that independent artists and labels were creating great music but didn’t have a distribution channel (physical to start, and later digital) that was attainable to them. There was CD Baby, but most artists and small labels wanted more.

IDC was formed with one foot in the old model and a vision of what was to come.

We work with many up and coming independent artists who are trying to make their mark on the industry but we have also become a home to major label artists who do not want to be “owned” or controlled by large multinational corporations.

They want a fairer deal with more accountability and with a good understanding of how the industry works. They are making more money and reaching a level of success that they need to be sustainable in the years to come.

One of these artists IDC represents is Grammy Award winning producer/artist is Narada Michael Walden. Narada produced some of the biggest artists in history including Whitney, Mariah and Aretha.

B

illboard Magazine called him one of the greatest selling producers of all time, and he doesn’t want to be a part of the major label system. He formed Tarpan Records in 2013 and hired me as president last summer. Together we both invision the future of the industry from the lessons we have both learned, with both the major label and independent backgrounds we come from, and we continue to create a platform for developing artists for years to come.

No one can really say that they know what’s to come with the music industry, but there has never been a better time for hardworking people who want to control their own future and have a pretty level playing field to compete on.

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

“Start by learning everything you can about the industry, partner with good companies that can help you grow and then.....

CREATE AS MUCH MUSIC AS YOU CAN.”

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 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

LOS ANGELES, CA

BIG SLOAN ALSO KNOWN AS SLOAN BONE

is from Long Beach, California and resides there today. He was born and raised in Long Beach for the most part except for a short time period when he moved with his Mom to Norwalk, California, however they had to move back to Long Beach due to lack of money.

Sloan began to rap because he used to sit in the music studio and watch his cousins’ record. He wanted to be in their group called “AZ IZ” but they would not let him join because they felt he was not good enough. “AZ IZ” was good friends with another established group in the area called “The Pharcyde”. Sloan grew up listening to artists such as Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Cannibis, Ice Cube, NWA, Tupac, Biggie and Wu Tang Clan.

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This is how he met a lot of artists and a variety of peoples in the local clubs. After a while that became old and Sloan ventured out into other states to make more contacts.

Then one day, his life changed when Sloan was shot five times back in Long Beach at the corner of 15th. Big Sloan decided to take a different path because he knew he was here on earth for a reason, and that reason has pushed him to better himself and evolve as both a person and an artist.

In Las Vegas, Nevada on New Year’s Eve 1999/2000 Sloan met Layzie Bone through a friend of his named Fredro Starr who is a member of the rap group Onyx.

Instantly they clicked and began to chill and party, but after 30 minutes Layzie looked at Sloan and said “You’re my little Brother” and mentioned that he looked liked Layzies little brother Stew and reminded him of his cousin Skant Bone.

For two years Layzie did not even know Sloan rapped, and the first time he heard Sloan rap he said “It’s on.” Ima put you on Mo Thugs, and so he did. Sloan has been recording with them for 10 years now and he is still a vital part of Mo Thugs.

Sloan Bone and Layzie Bone have a real brother relationship and as well there is a special bond with the rest of the Howse crew which includes Stew, Flesh and MOM Pam! Sloan’s now deceased mom loved Bone Thugs -N- Harmony music and is the reason he began listening to them. RIP MOM, you have great taste in music!!

Today, Sloan is recording his next Album Titled “Khakis and Chucks” which promises to bring in a new adventure and expansion into his next stage as an artist. This album is slated to come out just after summer 2011 Sloan will begin to tour as an artist that has matured into the everevolving world of the music industry.

He has some great surprises in addition to his already

Another facet of Sloan’s work is the great team around him and supporting cast, L-Mac the manager, and D-Rado another up and coming artist as well as music engineer.

Sloan also produces and engineers music which makes him an all around performer into every aspect of the work he does. This next stage of his work promises to move forward and enhance an already well established group of musicians, producers and engineers in the Mo Thugs community.

LOS ANGELES, CA

Platinum Thug Entertainment was the first label Sloan signed with. At the same time Sloan went back to the block in Long Beach and began selling weed on the corners of 19th and Henderson, and 21st making good money which put him on club “VIP” status because if you had money you could make connections.

growing music and one of them is guest artist and friend Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers as well as his continual touring and work with Layzie Bone.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

At 18 years old, Big Sloan stepped into the music game by battling all the time servin’ MC’s in Los Angeles County.

This is why the first tattoo he had inked is Lyrical Genius.

His friend Shawn introduced him to Platinum Thug Entertainment CEO Chris Gunn from Orange County who taught Sloan how to rap professionally.

Big Sloan and all Mo Thugs artists are keeping up with today’s new digital and computer technology and working within the new umbrella that hosts Mo Thugs Artists in the company Harmony Howse Entertainment, set up by Layzie Bone in order to blend many facets of the entertainment business together and keep up with the growth and marketing necessary to still be a vital link in the entertainment industry.

These facets include ustreams, social networking, filming, Youtube, clothing, and applications that focus on Mo Thugs Artists and their individual work, as well as group connection. These facets can be seen at the main website www.harmonyhowseent.com contributing to each person’s success. The music however remains the heartbeat of the entire project, as Big Sloan and company always keep to the original LIFE of their rap style even as they evolve with their music.

This will never change, and is something that keeps the company solid without wobbling and fitting into today’s music, yet instead pumping out the high quality sounds of what keeps them real, and reaches out to the many that come from the same streets they came from. This team of musicians reach is global and therefore it was necessary to create a website and work on social networks to bring everyone together.

You will never see Mo Thugs artists stray from their roots, yet instead keep up with and create new technology with the website hosts and people around them in order to promote their music, with their unique style. Together the old school and modern day technology are learning to blend and provide a worldwide connection. Growth and one’s origination do complement the new movement.

Big Sloan Links Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/sloan.bone1 My Space Page: www.myspace. com/momurda21 Twitter: twitter.com/sloanbone_mtf YouTube Links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kplDASerfNk Tours E 1999 Eternal Tour (Bone Thugs N Harmony 2010) Thug Twinz Tour (Big Sloan and Layzie Bone 2008) Thug Stories Tour (Bone Thugs n Harmony 2006) Strength and loyalty tour (Bone Thugs n Harmony 2007) Walk these dogs tour (DMX, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Tech 9, Mo Thugs 2006) The uni-5 tour (Bone Thugs n Harmony, Mo Thugs 2009)Welcome home Flesh n Bone Tour (Bone Thugs and Mo Thugs 2008) Mouf of the Souf Tour (Mike Jones, Young Jeezy, Ron Artest, Mack 10, Lost Boys 2005) Anger Management Tour 3 Asian Tour (Manila, Phillippines) 2011

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 15

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

NIAN BY: ANI GALESTA

THE LIFE ENTERTAINMENT

LOS ANGELES, CA

A versatile hip hop artist, producer, and touring DJ with Bone Thugs -N- Harmony; Pozition has been steady establishing his own legacy.

Born in Los Angeles, yet raised in Watts, CA; Pozition decided from an early age that he must follow his passion in order to overcome the circumstances within his environment. He found refuge when he learned how to produce music and he fully committed himself to improving his newly found craft.

His hard work and dedication paid off, when he found himself producing for such individuals as Joe Moses, Mann, Nipsey Hussle and many others. However, he reached a new plateau when he began producing for the legendary hip-hop group, Bone Thugs -N- Harmony!

Establishing his own entity became a priority for Pozition who prides himself on being a business savvy entrepreneur.

He established his own production company called "Track Kills Productions", in order to begin developing and producing for various artists. He wanted to give aspiring artists a chance to live out their dreams of becoming professional recording artists.

It was his vision to provide up and coming artists who may have come from the same type of environment he grew up within, a shot to overcome their difficult circumstances! Being that Pozition is part of Krayzie Bone's independent label, The Life Entertainment, he is able to utilize his connections in order to assist aspiring artists to live out their dreams in the same manner he was able to.

Pozition knows the advantages and drawbacks of signing to a major label, versus going the independent route.

He states, "It depends on what you're going for. Some people want a lot of publicity which a major label can provide but being independent if done right, you create loyal fans and keep all of your money!”

For example Tech 9 made 8 million with little to no radio play but he runs his business right." Within that statement lies a very powerful message for anyone who wants to enter the music industry. You must educate yourself on the business side of the music industry and stay ahead of the trends, if you want to establish your own independent entity!

Being someone who has dedicated his life in order to express himself through music, Pozition has done a great job at creating story telling music which can inspire others to want to follow their aspirations. When asked to provide a message to aspiring artists, Pozition states, "Never care about anybodies negative comments! Don't give up and don't be scared to NOT sound like everybody else!"

This humble, intelligent, young man, has set himself up to accomplishing all of his goals within the music industry in a proper manner. He is thankful for anyone who has supported his career throughout the years and vows to take his career to greater heights in the following years to come.

Be sure to follow Pozition, as he takes on new challenges and accomplishes greater milestones within his career!

Krayzie and Wish Bone will be releasing a compilation soon as well which has me and my label mate Caine on there. I will also be putting out an EP called "POZITION OF POWER" and the "MS HENNESSY Mixtape" toward the beginning of 2015.

Look out for my new single called "Fuck A Hater" on Youtube right now.

16 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

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IG: SILK2400 / TWITTER: BIG SILK

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I O B Y R T N U KO SLIMM bama, to la A , m a h g in From Birm iego.

D n a S o t A G , Douglasville g, pushing in k r o w e r e “We out h le...” my new sing

DS

ON BY: EVIE RAYM

Swag: How did you get the name Kountryboi Slimm?

Slimm: I basically came up with it myself. I think it describes me well.

Swag: Take us behind the scenes of Kountryboi Slimm before the stage and the lights. Where did you grow up at and how was it growing up there?

Slimm: I grew up in Douglasville, GA about 20 minutes from Atlanta. Life was pretty simple as a child but living in the South you have to deal with a lot of racism, so I learned fairly young that no one would hand me anything and because I was black I had to work harder and do whatever it took to make it happen.

Swag: Tell us about the story behind Highway 5 Entertainment LLC. How did it get started?

Slimm: Highway 5 Entertainment was started in 2008 by Ralph Clark, Corey Killian and myself. The name derived from one of the main highways I lived off of. Our vision is similar to our motto, “God 1st, Get Money, Don’t Stop!”

Swag: You ran into some trouble back in Douglasville, GA awhile back and did some jail time. Did that experience contribute to shaping the person that you are today? If so, how?

Slimm: It definitely played a big part in who I am today. I can honestly say that I really began my relationship with God there. I used my time wisely and reflected on my life and where my choices had led me and decided to make some drastic changes. I wrote my first song while I was incarcerated. I soaked up a lot of game from the older cats and applied what I learned once I was released.

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Swag: After your release you formed a group called Fi Squad.

After recording three songs the group split up. What went wrong?

Slimm: The same thing that happens with most groups, everyone is not always on the same page. Some people treat it like a hobby; others treat it like a job. And I believe you get out what you put in. And me being fresh out of jail I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Swag: You have performed from the South, to the Midwest as well as Japan. How have those experiences helped develop you on music and the business side of the music?

Slimm: A person is only a sum of their experiences. Therefore, the more I traveled the more enlightened I became on the world which reflected in how I wrote and what I wrote about.

On the business side, I learned how to network with different nationalities which broadened the way I did business.

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BIRMINGHAM, AL You also won multiple showcases that were put on by the radio station. Redd Dredd took a special liking to the song and introduced it to Atlanta. What were some of the things going through your head when you first heard it?

Slimm: Funny thing is this wasn't my first time on the radio but I've missed it being my first time. After moving to San Diego, CA, I wrote my hottest single "Pretty Girl" and release my most anticipated E.P. "Loved by Few, Hated by Many, Respected by All”. My single "Pretty Girl" and the official video were featured on San Diego's hottest radio station Z90.3 with Raymond T. “Pretty Girl” caught again the attention of Tricky Montgomery who has always liked my ability to write good music.

Swag: Touring state to state was a big move for you but after a while you focused your time and talent back to Douglasville at home. What made you anchor yourself and commit to Douglasville?

Slimm: In my opinion, respect in your hometown means more than respect anywhere.

Swag: Let’s talk about “In my Zone”, you touch basis on several subjects that the streets can relate to. What inspired you to write that song?

Slimm: At the time I wrote that song that's how I felt. A lot of people and a lot of things were trying to stop me and hold me back. But I stay focused or in other words "IN MY ZONE”.

Swag: Due to the heavy grind of getting your material out there, “In My Zone” reached the radio station and was played on Hot 107.9 in Atlanta, GA. That was huge.

During a visit to Ga. to care for my mom who was diagnosed with blood cancer but is now a survivor, Tricky called me in for a meeting to sit down and discuss me doing some music writing. He explained that some signed artists needed some good hooks, so I wrote hooks for producers Young Chop (Chief Keef, 2 Chainz), M16 (Duffle Bag Boy Playa Circle, Young Jeezy) and KillWill (CashMoney, Travis Porter) in 2013.

Swag: You will be releasing "The H.U.S.T.L.E VOL 2" at the beginning of 2015. What can you tell us about the album?

Slimm: I believe some of my best music will be on this album. There will be a lot of good collabs with California artists.

Swag: I also understand that you are working with a close friend named, Guttason of Trap Fiction LLC on the novel entitled, "Bloody Summer".

Slimm: “Bloody Summer” is about the street war between the people who migrated from New Orleans to Atlanta after hurricane Katrina. I was also incarcerated with Guttason and I support his vision and his goals to show the world how intelligent he is and that he is more than just an inmate. 

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 21

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

"People gone hate no matter what you do, so do you no matter what."

RICHMOND, CA

........ Lil DMAC

LIL DMAC INTERVIEW BY: EVIE RAYMONDS

WELCOME TO RICH CITY Swag: How did you get the name Lil DMAC? DMAC: Since "Mac" means you got all the girls, when I was young I had all the girls, so my big sister Jashanae put a D in the front from my first initial and I just rolled with it.

Swag: So tell us about DMAC outside of the music.

I understand you're pretty good with that football.

DMAC: Yes, but I'm smooth, I do me and I like to get around and explore the world.

Swag: You are from Richmond, Ca one of the most dangerous cities to live in on the West Coast. How do you manage to maneuver through it all?

DMAC: I watch my surroundings everywhere I go, and watch the people I hang with, out here I know it ain't safe, so I watch the way people move, and how they act. I just rock with my day ones and fam.

Swag: You recently released your album "Somthin’ U Can Ride To”. What are your favorite tracks on your album and why?

DMAC: Some were old tracks but I like them all, but I'm only going to get better and better so my next album gone be turnt up.

Swag: What was one of the best things about making this album?

DMAC: Just being in the studio with my people,

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Swag: Let’s talk about your recently released video “Get Right”, the track is definitely a track you can ride around and listen to more than once. Who produced it and how was it working with him?

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Swag: In your album "Somthin’ U Can Ride To” you tell stories about how haters seem to have a thirst for your downfall. You were obviously sending a message to the streets and to the haters who aren't taking Lil DMAC serious.

What exactly are you trying to make clear?

DMAC: That people gone hate no matter what, you just have to act like they ain't noticeable and do you no matter what, people gone hate to see you doing good.

Swag: How do you feel you have grown as an artist lyrically within the last two years?

DMAC: I just felt like I got to take this opportunity to the max, and go on the stage and turn the whole thing up.

Swag: What are two important things that you took with you from that whole experience? From getting booked for the show, to promoting the show, to performing live?

DMAC: I learned that no matter what you got to leave the nervous inside of you off the stage, and to get out of your character when you perform.

RICHMOND, CA

DMAC: It was produced by my brother Lil Ron and when he sent me the beat I was ready to work on it ASAP, so I got to writing, then went to record it, it's always great working with my brothers.

Swag: The Bay Area was definitely in the building. How did you feel about being in that lineup of talented and well respected artist?

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

laughing and laying down the tracks was the best.



LIL DMAC

Swag: You also traveled to Venice Beach with BMIKEROB for a show. In your honest opinion, how did the crowd re ceive your music and stage performance?

DMAC: The crowd was with m e t h e w h o l e w a y, a f t e r, some of the females was looking for me and my brothers.

Swa g : Wh at a re s o m e ve r y i m p o r t a nt t i p s yo u p i c k e d up from the Venice Beach experience?

DMAC: It feels good to know that I can stretch my mind and say what I want to say in a rhyming way, I'm only getting better.

DMAC: That was before the Mac Dre tribute show, so I learned to never be nervous, because after a while you get used to it.

Swag: You recently performed in Tulare at the County Fairgrounds at the Mac Dre tribute show with artists like Berner, Mistah F.A.B., JDIGGS, Goldtoes Thizzlatin, The Jacka and HUSLAH of the Mob Figas just to name a few. What was on your mind when you stepped out onto the stage?

Swag: What artists are you looking to work with?

DMAC: I walk out on the stage with ambition all the time, so I made sure I kept the crowd turnt up and with me at all times, it was a good show.

Swag: What markets are you targeting for your music and how are you going about doing so?

DMAC: Keak Da Sneak, Too Short, Mistah Fab, Chief Keef, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, Lil Boosie, Meek Mill, Lil Reese, Tadoe, Phithy Rich, Pooh Hefner, (Bay Area artists).

DMAC: I want to get with Interscope Records so I can bring my own label up and work together, and keep grinding no matter what, and use my patience.

Swag: What would you like to say to the fans that have held you down since day one?

DMAC: I love all y’all, stay rockin wit #TeamLilDMac, and keep supporting. #RichCity.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 23

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

N A M H O O P MC Pooh is back in the game aka os Boyz” a K e h T “ p u with his gro lbum...” a w e n is h d an

NES BY: SHONTA JO

POOH-MAN

Swag: How’s it going today PoohMan Good to see you. Let’s start off by telling everyone a little bit about yourself.

Pooh-Man: Well, I just got out of prison doing 13 years and I’m stepping right back into the music scene. I’m still with my boy Ant Banks on this new album “Kaos Theory”. twelve of the tracks are done by Banks. I got Big Zeke The Politician, Yukmouth, and a lot of other dudes on it as well.

We’re getting ready to work on the “Kaos Boyz” album, which is my group. I’m also getting ready to do this Mesmerized Tour. It’s going to be me, Yukmouth and Big Zeek The Politician.

We are about to bring some of this old school back, the originals, and some of the new artists. I got your boy Stevie Joe on it with me and I’m hollering at J-Stalin to ride with us.

We’re trying to make it a big thing. We’re trying to push this old school, Bay Area, rap with these new cats thats out here.

I don’t consider none of those dudes I mentioned rappers though, I consider them street poets, that’s the page were on.

PHOTOS BY: CP DESIGNS

Swag: Most people only see that musical side of you.

So let’s talk about family, kids. A lot of people don’t like to talk about that. What keeps you going?

Pooh-Man: That’s exactly what keeps me going. I mean, I have five daughters, four sons and four grandchildren. My business is for them. Everything I do is for them.

24 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

“Prison matured me.

Everything I went through matured me.” ....... POOH-MAN



Pooh-Man: Im a muslim Swag: So you don’t eat pork?

I’m from Oakland and it’s a lot of black churches out here. I was raised in East Oakland I went to the Panther School. Besides the spirituality it’s a cold message on this album. This album is me.

“Kaos Theory” is most definitely me. It touches on a lot of different things. If you listen to it I’m pretty sure you will enjoy it.

Swag: I have watched a few of your videos and already got a little “Mesmerized.” It got that little sexuality moment to it.

Pooh-Man: Yea, everybody tripped out on that video. But “Mesmerized” was me and Ant Banks coming out song. Everybody was use to me and Ant Banks with the “Fucking with dank” song. When I stepped out of prison Banks was there. He made sure I knew that he was going to do this first album. When we did “Mesmerized” he said, “The first single gots to be me and you because thats what everybody expects.”

Swag: So tell us more about the video.

Pooh-Man: Me and my boy Christopher L. Ellis of Ceezer Films sat down and came up with the idea. He was like “Since it’s going to be you and Banks it’s gotta be some booty shaking, butts wigglin”. It turned out pretty good. It’s doing ok. I enjoyed being back with Banks, I enjoyed doing the song. Christopher Ellis did a good job on the video. That’s vintage Ant Banks.

That’s what we wanted on this album. I didn’t want to do nothing but make sure we brought back some old school Oakland funk. Some Ant Banks music. That’s what the town is missing right now. A lot of dudes music you hear out here has no bottom in it. If I don’t like your music I’m not going to listen to it straight up. I’m not going to listen to certain type of music that I don’t like.

Everybody don’t understand just how serious this is. I don’t care who disagree. Ant Banks is the father of that Oakland and Bay Area sound. He was the one that laid that down. Nobody was cracking like that. What TOO Short is as a rapper to the Bay Area,

Pooh-Man: When I was locked up I said, “When I walk out of here I’m going to wreak havoc.” I read a lot of Greek mythology so I read about Pandora. Anybody who has read the story knows that Pandora was a mischievous, curious, little girl who opened the box and let Kaos back into the world. So when they opened the prison gates for me they unleashed Kaos back into the world.

CA

Pooh-Man: I try not to (pooh laugh) I was raised in a church. I believe that there is a higher power and they look out for me every day. If you listen to the album there’s a spiritual influence on the album. It’s a song on the album titled “Pray for me” and another one on their titled “Where Do We Go From Here.” You can hear the spirituality on the album.

Swag: I want to touch bases on your group “Kaos Boyz” and “Kaos Theory.” Can you tell us what brought that about, how did you guys come up with this “Kaos Theory”?

OAKLAND,

Swag: Where are you at spiritually in your life?

Ant Banks is that producer to the Bay Area. He is the Godfather of that sound and he will always be Ant Banks. So of course it had to be the first song.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

I have one on the way so that will be five. I do this for them.

Everything I do is for them. When I stepped out of prison my whole focus was to do right. I do right for them. These albums, this tour, hopefully this up and coming movie with the Hughes brothers whatever I get involved in, I do it all for them.

POOH-MAN

I consider myself a writer. I’m a street poet and my life is sort of like a motion picture after all the stuff I done went through.

Basically when they crack the gates they open them up for a true narrator. I’m a true storyteller, that’s what’s missing right now. I listen to rap and I don’t hear no storytellers, real stories. I mean, things that could be related to. I listen to alot of people now (pooh takes a deep breath) and I just don’t feel it. I see a lot of hip hop gangstas or pop gangstas.

Swag: Doing time in jail can sometimes be a good thing but it can be a bad thing as well. When you’re away you have time to yourself. What are some of the things that was going through your mind. Did you write most of your songs that you have while you were in there?

Pooh-Man: In all actuality I wrote alot of “Kaos Theory” on the inside. It sorta came together when me and Banks hooked up. I got some stuff on there with Suge and Otis on it and you know they will take you to church and bring out some deep thoughts. A lot of songs on that album are actually a product of what I was going through.

When I was locked down I lost my mom and my dad. I went through all kind of stuff when I was locked down. It all came out on this album. My frame of thought was kinda ugly so when someone listens to this album they will see the maturity in me now. They will see where I’ve grown. I grew lyrically but I also grew spiritually. I grew in many ways. This album is the pomanation of 13 years of being locked up.

Swag: Let’s talk a little more about how you have grown and matured.

Pooh-Man: If you listen to all my previous albums you will see what I mean. On this album there is no bad song about a women on here. I have five daughters and my mother was a beautiful strong black women. When I was younger I said a lot of stuff, you know. Everybody know the songs. “Out To The …….”. This album took a different route. It showed what direction I was heading in. I made sure that if I said something about a female it was the truth.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 25

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

POOH-MAN

I didn’t use to many derogatory terms, I didn’t go that route as far as females. As far as what I talked about on this album my boy F.A.B. put it better. F.A.B. said, “This album is deep.”

OAKLAND, CA

This album is who I actually am.

It is who I have become. When I went into prison I went in as a little boy even tho I was grown. We all know males don’t mature that quick. Prison matured me. Everything I went through matured me.

It changed my thought pattern.

It changed my focus. It made me respect everything I didn’t respect when I first went in.

I was to the point to where all I They named their gang after the song, when they heard wanted to do was hit the street it on the “Juice” soundtrack. That blew my mind in itself. and find out who had hurt my “Sex, Money and Murder” was one of my favorite songs. family. TOO Short came to me and he was like, “Man this is an opportuni-

Swag: It also turns out that you did a little acting yourself ty of a lifetime, you better do it.” Basically I ended up going to LA to do the throughout your career. Tell us about that? movie and it turned out to be a classic.

Pooh-Man: Allen and Albert Hughes had came to the Bay Area for some reason I didn’t know what it was. I found Mind you I didn’t do nothing they told out that he was actually looking to hollar at me because me to do in the movie. They gave me they wanted to put me in their movie Menace II Society. the script and I said, “I’m not reading this, we don’t talk like this in the Bay. I’m not reading this.” So they gave me liberty to do what I wanted to do.

After we did the first scene, the scene with me coming out the room throwing the dope on the table they had me saying something that was not street. We don’t talk like that. They was like “Ok, do your thing.” It took one take.

This album shows who I am as far as family, as far as these streets go, as far as my friends-real friends go.

It shows in this album.

So when you listen to it don’t just listen to it as no rap album, listen to it and try to find something in it that you can grasp a hold of because it’s there, it’s for sure there.

As soon as I did it they said “Thats it! Cut! Let’s run with it.” Every scene, even the one in front of the tv and the one at the park I was like, “I’m not saying that, I’m not doing it, its not gonna happen.”

“Let me just do it my way” and they let me.

Swag:So tell us how you managed to get your song “Sex, Money and Murder” on the movie soundtrack, ”Juice” with Tupac Shakur.

Pooh-Man: A lady name Kathy Nelson from MCA was in the studio when we was recording “Funky As I Wanna Be”. She heard the song “Sex, Money and Murder” and said, “I want it, that’s mines, I’m taking it.”

I said “Huh, you taking it? Naw, naw, naw.” You don’t tell a lil black kid from East Oakland you taking something from him. She was a sweet person. She said I want to use it and of course I let her use it.

Swag: Before we wrap it all up we want to let everyone know where we can see you at with “Kaos Theory”?

We about to do this Mesmerized Tour in November, at the Stockton Arena. I’m going to have San Quinn, Yukmouth, Stevie Joe and I went over to Frisco to meet with them.

At that time I was really caught up in some steet things. Go Rilla performing as well. Also If My cousin had just got killed. I was funking and they you are on facebook pay attention came to Oakland out of the blue. They was like, “A look to the “Kaos Theory” page.  man, we want you in this movie.” I was like, “What movie?” They said, “We are going to send you the script.” They sent the script to me and I was like, “So do I have to try A V A I L A B L E I N S T O R E S out for it?” Naw, just come to LA, we got you, you in this.

It’s crazy because this song has a history behind it. It’s some cats up I said, “Cool ok.” Like I said at that point in time I was going in Jersey that call themselves the through my own battles my cousin had just got killed. I “Sex, Money and Murder” gang. didn’t even want to rap no more.

They took that song and it became their theme song.

26 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

THA DON DIVA BY: COURTNEY CHERRY

Most notably, Okolo is a business woman. She’s currently majoring in business at the University of Phoenix and has a scarf and accessory line that will be hitting the market soon. The goals keep coming, as do the meetings with record labels like Def Jam who have taken notice of the self proclaimed, hard-core, sexy star. Okolo won’t stop until she goes down in history as the hottest female MC and has her plaques to prove it.

That winning spirit is exactly what she’s passing along to her twin daughters, her most important venture of them of all.

PHOTO BY: CURTIS JERMANY - MOODOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY

She’s been certified by some of the game’s elite including DJ Darryl, producer of Tupac’s “Keep Your Head Up” and member of Beats by the Pound.

She was the only female in his group The DJ Darryl’s Block Monsters, which lead to her releasing her debut album “The Real Diamond in the Rough” on her own independent label HereAfter Entertainment in 2006.

“Money Bags” Mix tape is currently available on Datpiff.com. She also has two videos in heavy rotation for the singles “Boss Chick” and “Put it in the Air.” Her raw edge swirled with that undeniable it factor makes the Don Diva the antidote that brings life to the female hip hop game.

CA

Her unique African name means friendly but thats only a small fraction of what describes her. She inherited a musical background, growing up in Oakland’s Egypt Theatre. By the time she was nine years old it was discovered that she was dope at rapping. Being the product of a southern single mother, and an absent drug addicted father, Okolo found herself often in the midst of idle time. There were periods in her life where the hustle beckoned her name, but the pull of the music could not be denied.

It features appearances by Bay Area family member Messy Marv and Latoya London. Constant reinvention is a focus of Okolo and she is most certainly taking her time with her latest project “Money Bags”, and album to again be released on her label. It includes selective production and heavy reliance on her lyrical ability, which has gotten her noticed in the first place. To keep her fans fed however, the album is preceded by her.

OAKLAND,

Okolo the Don Diva is a rose that has blossomed from East Oakland concrete and is grinding her way to the top of the hip hop game. The pinnacle of her career includes a mix of Jay Z’s success but with the lyrical impact of Tupac, and one thing she is big on is respect. Respect as an MC, respect as an ambitious hard working woman, and respect as an artist who can hold her own amongst the boys club. No one can tell her what songs she can or can not get on, and she is known for her consistency of killing it.

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

OKOLO

I want people to see me for who I am.

A business woman, a talented artist and I grind hard.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 27

DS BY: EVIE RAYMON

When an artist signs

Behind the scenes is where a lot of the action takes place, due to all the business that needs to be conducted in order for everything to run smoothly. The thing between. The music industry has been

Ekoe Blaq: I’ve been doing music since 1989. I started playing the saxaphone in the 4th grade. I was in marching, jazz and concert bands. By the time I hit my 20’s music was my second nature. I didn’t write my first song until my early 20’s. In 2008 my apartment turned into a studio and that’s when the transition began from me just being an artist to managing a company.

28 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

town so naturally all the hottest artists in the area where coming to us for music. I realized that all this music was being made and was just sitting there.

Everyone thought of it as a hobby, but I saw a vision which turned into a dream that is now becoming reality.

I wanted to showcase them under one association and still allow them their own independance shine to flourish. My brothers were just making music at the time and we were doing shows under “On the Sneak Entertainment”, but all the music was coming from my studio so I had to come up with a name for it. I named it BLAQLAB PRODUCTIONS.

his online sales came from multiple different countries. Also we are pushing his hard copies as well. Tony Dizant aka The space Rocker is a whole nother project in himself. He is a band leader in New Orleans with a band called La TranKBand who won the 2013 New Orleans Latin music awards and Rumba Buena. Tony is a master trumpet player also plays many other instruments. In his song “Robodancer” you can hear Tony’s musical talent shine. He plays every instrument that you hear in the song and sings. We are very blessed to have him on the team.

Mississippi. Congratulations on that. What is the official branding and who Blaq Lab: Blaq Lab Mississippi is being ran by PDoc of Grind n Flo Records. He covers the Mid West and the East Coast. His territory covers Mississippi, Atlanta, Florida, and New York. Some of his artist include All Starz, Young Sincere, Mo Art, and many more.

Swag: Outside of the music business Blaq Lab has also merged with Animalstyle and now you have your own alcoholic beverage mixes. I can vouch for them on this one. I had a Pineapple ... and I was loaded..lol all night. Who is the owner of Animalstyle and how did you end up hooking up?

Swag: I see that your company is really making moves in the 559. Just recently B95 your local radio station played three songs from one of your artists on the label, Killah Ice Mayne. Definitely a big accomplishment. Tell us how that all came about?

Blaq Lab: Animalstyle was founded by my cousin Margaret Castro. Shes a certified mixologist. She can infuse and make her own liquor. We recently got together because I thought it would be good to showcase her drinks at our shows. so she made us our own signature drinks as well as her own 23 different flavor drinks. We are working on getting her signature drinks in one of our local clubs.

Ekoe Blaq: One of our Producers Killah IceMayne radio edit some songs and submit them to our local radio station B95. They have a weekly contest called the “Home Grown Show” so we submitted some songs and they got some spins that week. It was cool to hear our music on the radio.

Swag: What is the most challenging thing about running your own label?

Ekoe Blaq: All artist must have a fan base and some type of following, whether on the street or digital.

They must be doing something. You have to be an artist with potential that is willing to do what it takes to insure their own career.

ADF Product is working with Luni Coleone on a project called “SICCA CELL”. ADF is the production manager for that project. Price is working on his next album while he is touching people overseas, most of

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 29

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

stations want to see if you got that ambition, that hunger for the music business.

Swag: What are some of the things you take into consideration before working with an artist?

DJ Gio: To work with an artist I always have to hear their material first. If their material is hot then that is who I want to work with and help them out with their music career.

RICHMOND, CA

Swag: Tell us about WorldStarDJs. How did you get it started and where are you based at?

Swag: DJ Gio It's good to have you with us today, thanks for interviewing with us. So tell the people who you are and what you have going on?

DJ Gio: Well, I’ve been in the music industry since I was 15 years old. Music has always been my passion. For 2014 I have some good projects & events I’m working on so make sure to keep a look out for the features I will be working with. I do my own DJ edits. I do DJ packs for local artists from Rayven Justice, Clayton Williams, Esco Best Dro, Drisker, Armani Depaul, Priceless Da Roc and many more. I am a official DJ member for the MixShowTools.com the secret weapon for DJs. My first accomplishment was building the best DJ crew called (WorldStarDJs) we're not just a California crew. We are nationwide. We have crew in TX/MN/NY and a few other states as well. We do it all, from club DJs to radio DJs, you name it, we do it. My second accomplishment is putting together the hottest artists from my city, Richmond, California to work on an official "RichCity Anthem". I'm working with artists such as Iamsu, EscoBestDro, Drisker & Jay Bravo just to name a few. Make sure you stay tuned in to what I'm doing.

Swag: What are some of the best ways that an artist can approach a radio campaign?

DJ Gio: I think the best way to approach a radio campaign is by showing your material you are working on. Mixtapes, upcoming shows, video promos whatever and do small live performances because many radio

DJ Gio: Well, WorldStarDJs started only with me and another DJ. A lot of DJs knew what I was about when it comed to my work so they started hitting me up wanting to be down with WSD. I told them to send me a 10 minute mix to see what type of game they had. We started hearing a lot of talented DJs from all over so we started putting them on. Shortly after that I started getting club DJs from all over the states and I made it happen.

We are 15 DJs strong at this time. Nine of us are from California, all the rest are from TX/MN/NY/KANSAS. So basically I got the hottest of the hottest DJs in my crew and hopefully we will grow bigger and bigger. We have done many club events and now we are going to have our first WSD toy drive.

Swag: What inspired you to start TurnUp!ENT DJ Gio: Every time I would go to a club to DJ I would turn it up and after I finished my set people would always tell man, “Man your mixes be TurntUp” so that gave me the inspiration to do TurnUp!ENT. The reason why I spell it like that is because I wanted to be different.

Swag: Tell us how you got started with BigBoxRadio.net.

DJ Gio: WellBigBoxRadio was the one who contacted me. They had heard a few mixes on my soundcloud that I did and asked me if I wanted to network with them and provide them with mixes every Friday night. I started working with them and eventually I brought in my own crew and we all started networking, this was about four to five munths ago.

Swag: What advice can you give people who are looking to get into the DJ business?

DJ Gio: My best advice to an up and coming DJ that wants to be the next big thing in the DJ industry would be to practice everyday because the more practice and dedication you put in, the more you will get out.

Swag: Who would you like to give a shout out to?

DJ Gio: I would say God first for putting me on this earth to make people dance to this mix. Second to my family and friends for showing me a lot of love and support. Last but not least I want to show much love and respect to my DJ crew WSD.  1. DJ CRUZ 2. DJ FLASH 3. DJ POLY VIBE 4. DJ JAMES DIXON 5. DJ SIROK 6. T.J. YA FAVORITE DJ 7. DJ T.O. 8. THE WORLD FAMOUS DJ MENACE 9. CARLOS AVILA 10. DJ MEMO

11. DEEJAY MIKE 12. DEEJAY SLIK 13. DEE JAY GEE 14. D.J. MARROQUIN 15. DJ AUDIOKILL 16. DJ B-LOWE 17. DJ FIZZLE 18. DJ GEO C 19. DJ O.D. 20. DJ NUYO 21. WORLD STAR DJ Gio

30 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JAN. 2015

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

OAKLAND, CA

turn tables and a microphone. A new era in urban music had officially come to pass. In keeping up with the tide so to speak, One Drop Scott created his first rap group Surf MC’s along with super producer Tone Capone. He needed a DJ and Tone had making a major name for himself.

T

heir relationship grew and together they blended Scott’s musical abilities with Tone’s production skills. Eventually they put together another legendary rap group 3X Krazy, who went on to create four classic albums that ultimately Launched the career of Bay Area super star Keak da Sneak.

T

he Bay Area is known for artists like Keak da Sneak, Celly Cell, Mac Dre, CBo, San Quinn, The Jacka, JT the Bigga Figga, The Luniz and The Delinquents. What’s important to note is the fact that one name is responsible for the sound of these artist along with many others repping Northern California music scene. Before I tell you that name I’d like to tell you a story. It’s the story of a musically inclined kid, born in Los Angeles and raised in Berkeley, California.

The percussions were his instrument of choice and this kid quickly mastered several kind. He grew up to play professionally; becoming a member of several bands including mega group Con Funk Shun. One of those bands was a reggae group that earned the attention of Bob Marley. He was the steel drum player, known for his ability to do the “one drop”, a type of reggae rhythm. It was his group member, the bass player, that began calling him “One Drop Scott” and the rest of the story is history.

“Where are the instruments?”, he thought. “Where are the band members?”

All of a sudden the lights go dim and a DJ with a turntable steps on stage. He drops a beat and thirty thousand people erupt as Kurtis Blow rips the stage.

Standing there One Drop realizes that he’s witnessing history. The fact that two individuals could get the same reaction as a three piece band and eight crew members was game changing. That meant the promoters no longer had to incur the cost of multiple hotels and flights for artists and their bands.

Crowds would give the same response and pay the same money to see two

He’s still making music, in the same spot that he made Bay Area rap history many times before. He has an album out right now called “The Grand Architect”, just to let the youngsters know he still got it. He definitely keeps his ear close to the streets and while he admires the new artists One Drop remains a huge fan of the old school.

When you ask him who from back in the day he would like to see make a comeback he mentions Spice 1 and Keak da Sneak who he’s currently in the studio with.

You can catch Swag Magazine CA’s sit down with this legendary hit making producer One Drop Scott’s at www.swagamagazineca.com, the place every artist should be!  PHOTOS BY: LARRY SMITH- SWAG MAGAZINE CA

One Drop Scott is Northern California West Coast rap period! There is no disputing that fact. It’s almost a safe bet to say that he’s a hip hop historian as he can recite for you where he was when hip hop was born. He was backstage at a Kurtis Blow concert. “These are the Breaks” was his song and he patiently waited for the band to arrive.

The majority of hits from the Northern California region, One Drop Scott is responsible for. Celly Cell’s “Its Going Down Tonight”, 3X Krazy “High Tech” and Mac Dre’s “Genie of the Lamp” and “Not My Job” are just a fraction of his Discography.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 31

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

RICHMOND, CA

BY: EVIE RAYMONDS Swag: How did you get the name Mont’Star?

Mont’Star: My name is Mont. When I was growing up my family was tight and close. When the the grown folks would get together they would call me into the living room to dance and entertain them. It was funny because I never had a problem with it. It was always in me to perform. They always made me feel like a star so there you go...Mont’Star Swag: Has music always been apart of your life?

Mont’Star: Yes. Every since I was a little kid I was inspired by many genres of music. Rather it was practicing the latest dance moves on TV, singing the latest songs or reciting my favorite rappers lyrics. I wrote my first rap in the first grade. I remember not being able to spell yet so I wrote it and syllables and pictures.

I always felt like a star and my family and friends always treated me like the goofy star that I am. By junior high I wanted to experiment with freestyling. Me and some friends of mine would skip lunch to freestyle every day.

By the end of the school year 80% of the junior high school students started skipping lunch with us to hear us freestyle. Eventually I bought my first PC, some recording software and a mic and I've been recording music ever since.

Swag: I see that in this last year you have really been active with your music from Social Media promotions, BET commercials, generating sales online, live performances and now here at SWAG Magazine CA in print.

Mont’Star: I have been pretty blessed. This past year I've been working on getting my music out there. I did a show with Turf Talk and Thizz Latin in Reno. That was hella fun. I have been getting my commercials aired throughout the Bay Area promoting my single, "You Can Sing" that I released New Year's Day. Also I've had interviews on Oz Cat radio host by Erica blue.

32 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

I was entered in a Bay Area artist search host by Nuchie and won a video shoot. Last but not least I just did the show with SWAG Magazine CA on at their 2014 Bring Back The 70s Yacht party.

I'm not gone lie, I thought I was going to be sea

Swag: Who would you say held you up and encouraging you to give your best to your music career and why?

Mont’Star: First off I

All my nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, aunties and my Big dad. Everyone I ever Recorded or cypherd with. It’s so many people that supported me in their own way and I just want to say “I love you all.”

Swag: On this particular song you sing and rap.

What made you decide to do both rather than have someone feature on it?

Swag: You recently released your single "You Can Sing". It has a nice rhythm that you can easily vibe to with a catchy hook. How did it come about?

Mont’Star: For years I have always sung in the background of my music. I always figured that once I found the right artist, I will have them to redo it for me. By them hearing me they will know exactly how to do it.

Mont’Star: I wanted to give the old folks something to party to. However, I received a lot of positive feedback from all ages. The beat was made by K-Lo, who has worked with a lot of the Bay Area's most talented artists.

The thing is even though that was my intentions I would always get people telling me to keep it just like that, don't change nothing, It sounds good just the way it is so I ended up leaving it and pushed it.

Swag: Which is more supportive of your song "You Can Sing", the women or the fellas and why do you think that is?

Swag: What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Mont’Star: The women like “You Can Sing” more. I been sitting on a lot of songs for the fellas. I wanted to make a song that the older people can groove to as well. Everyone tells me it's because it's catchy and it gets stuck in your head lol.

Swag: Let’s talk about the video "You Can Sing".

Who filmed it, who directed it and what location was it filmed at?

Mont’Star: The video was shot in Vallejo, Ca at the Reactions Sports Bar & Lounge and the video was directed by an amazing filmmaker by the name of Plex filmz. want to thank God for giving me life and blessing me to be here today pursuing my dreams. A lot of my family hold me down. I have a lot of jobs but

I had a lot of fun with the cast. Most of them are family so it was easy for me to be myself.

My brother, nephews and cousins. I specially love how my auntie came and supported us like a “G”. There was a lot of bloopers that I will be releasing soon.

Swag: You actually contributed to the treatment for the video and you even did a little directing.

RICHMOND, CA

sick because I never really been on a yacht before but I had the time of my life. I received a bunch of positive feedback at the end of the show.

My big bro always has been a important person that holds me down as well. I believe that, in life, we all need positive people around us to motivate us. Tim Lewis, Joe, and my cousin Pee-Wee for giving me the game on this music. My mom & my dad for loving me. My big sister for being there for me coming up. My lil sister for being true to who she is.

me and a gentlemen named Diz. The prize was me getting a free video shoot. They wanted me to come up with a script. So I wrote it with help from my big bro and Tim Lewis. Once they received the script, Plex and his team worked their magic.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

being a father comes first. I go to work like a normal person to provide for my family.



MONT'STAR

Mont’Star: Be on the look out for my new single “Drink Again”, and a bunch of other videos I'm working on for the holidays. Be sure to tell all your friends to “like” and “subscribe” to my “You Can Sing” video Channel mistermont star. If you haven't already, be sure to download my Single “You Can Sing.”

Swag: Where can we find you music for sale and download?

Mont’Star: I have it available on all major online retailers. Please make sure you pick it up. 

YOU CAN SING AVA I L A B L E N O W

Mont’Star: The way it all came about was my friend Tim Lewis CEO of the Bay Area Block Report. He told me about a show that was a Bay Area artist search.It was put on by a fella named Nuchie. I had a day to prepare two songs. I did the show and it was a tie between

PHOTO BY: CURTIS JERMANY - MOODOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHY

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 33

Ju decided he ly in 2012, his wanted to be CEO was imp risoned a ra p p af er and the proje ter seeing a “C ETING GRO ct as lost its momen h M o n ey ” UP vi d eo BET. He poin on tum. Ju Ju st ted to the T V ill performed Ju Ju Swag Sh at differand told ent ven everybody “T awty, born Car ues and record hat’s what I’m l Rumbley in Quezo ed new mugoing to sic. He be one day!!” n City, Jan 2, th en decided to 1991 was take some time off and w ait until the re desturn of his CEO. In 20 Ju Ju ’s ra p st 14, he suffered yl e is u n iq u tined to anothe a n d er loss in th h e a rt fe lt , fu e passing of h ll o f p u n ch take the is mothli n e s, er, Flora R metaphors umbley. This and storyt music crushing ellin g . H e w a s in fl u e n ce d b industry blow addy Tu p a c fo r th e w ay h e to u ch by storm ed pain ed #SweartoGod and people, Biggie for with his and frustrathe way he told sto ries, and L charisma tion to il Wa y n e ’s p u n ch li n e s a n d and unhis songs metaphorica l raps. believable as a way talent. to express He grew up listening to a his true lo t o f Z R o b e ca u se o f h is R ai se d in Vic fe st elings. yl e and the stori ks b u rg, M is si es that he to ss ip p i in th e La ke h il l ld re la te d to a lo Pro je ct s ak a t th a t w a s a “D e vi ll e”, with dismal su ro u n d Ju Ju a t th e rroundings in ti m e . H e re co a poverty stricken rd ed his firs neighborhoo t record a d full of v io le n ce a n t age 13 called d d ru g a ct iv it y, Ju Ju “Y ’all Don’t ad ap te d to Want It With h is su rr o u n d M in e” and creg s an d took mental ated a neighb pictures whic o h rh ood buzz. would later contribu te to his mu sical talents.

Ju Ju Swag Shawty sign ed his first re c ord deal i H is first enco n 2 0 1 1 w it h S unter with ra o u f S ta te C o p music was when h nn e c te d R e co e was about rd s, a n in d e six years old listening pendent reco to Coolio’s “G rd label out angster’s Paradise” and o f Jackson, Missi The Luniz’s “I ssippi.

Got 5 on it”. He becam e hooked on ra p music ever since. H The first single e then began reto learn the lyrics to a leased was ca lot of Tupac an lled “Shawd Bone Thugs & Harm ty Hit the Flo ony songs. or” off of the mixed CD enti tled He began to “Feed Da Stre add his own et w z” ords in the same rh Vol. 1which cr ythm as they eatrapped and told his ed a lot of bu own story al zz in the ong with the beats. By street.Unfortu the age of eig nateht, Ju

BY: SSC MA RK

 SWAG MAG AZINE CA

Feed Da Streetz

VICKSBURG, MS

Vol.2 DVD

PHOTO BY: JESSICA DUFFEY

34 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

The CD has a different feel to it than the average music. Enlisting several producers such as Zaytoven, Billionaires, Swaggonthebeat, and Trendsetterz, the tracks possess variety.

From club bangers such as “Go Get Her” and “Gutta Bitch” to real life drama with “Aint Real” and “Long Time Comin” to riding music with “Goin Vegaz” and “Street Shit”.

At age 23, Ju Ju will become a LEGEND in the industry in due time. He says “I’m the type that will always strive to be the best and do better than my last, most of all to never be comfortable for the fact of I love what I do with a passion and I know how it feels to be broke and have nothing!!!” 

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

FOR AD PLACEMENT CONTACT us at (510) 227-9760 IG: @swagmagazinecaofficial

JuJu CEO returned in July 2014 and Ju Ju returned to the studio to record his current single “She Got That Thang Jumpin” produced by Trendsetterz. The new album is called “Feed Da Streetz” Vol. 2 #SwearToGod.

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яБо SWAG MAGAZINE CA

MENLO PARK, CA

BLE AVAILA

ITS REAL OUT HERE IN THESE STREETS

"ITS NOT A GAME!!!"

40 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

NOW

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

"YB"

Swag: Where are you from and how was it growing up there?

YB: I’m from Menlo Park, Ca. which is in the Bay Area. Growing up in Menlo Park was not easy. It was hard due to all the poverty that plagued my city as well as a lot of illegal activity going on there on a daily basis. Not to mention we are literally one block away from East Palo Alto, one of the most dangerous cities to live in on the West Coast, or to just be visiting period. Living or visiting, it’s dangerous.

Swag: Let’s talk about how you got started doing music?

YB: I got started in this music business because of my older brother. He would take me to studios in Manteca, Stockton and out in Sacramento. I realized that I was getting good at it so I got serious and decided to stick with it. I decided to do music as a career rather than a hobby in 2013 when I got paid to do my first show. I mean I was serious already, but it does something to you when you start getting paid for your shows. It changes your whole attitude.

Swag: You were signed to Liberty Click awhile back but left the label and signed with GGM. Why? YB: I left Liberty Click and signed with GGM because I felt that, with GGM I could potentially reach a wider market and I would grow a larger fan base. No hard feelings to my peoples at Liberty Click, it’s all love. Shout out to Big T and Black Walt.

Swag: What is the inspiration behind your ambitions to be great at what you do?

YB: My daughter, my ni**a Richy Rich, CEO of Keep It Real Entertainment (RIP) and my father (RIP) Swag: Let’s talk about your latest project “City Limits”. How is it doing and who produced it?

YB: City limits right now is doing good, about 200 copies sold.

Gmoney, Money Bags ENT. out of Stockton, Ca. produced it.

Swag: Do you have any special features on there? If so who?

YB: Yes most definitely; Yung Skreww (Lawless Records) Young Mel (GGM) and Lyrical Rippa.

Swag: What are you giving to your fans on “City Limits” that you have not given to them on your past projects?

YB: I would have to say quality. I’m giving them some real quality on this album. Quality music, lyrics, everything. I put a lot of time and commitment into making sure this project is right for my fans.

Swag: What are some of your hottest tracks or album that you feel put you on the map and why?

YB: I feel like the hottest track I released that put me on the map before “City Limits” was "Getting Money". "Getting Money" was re-

leased when I was with Liberty Click.

Why, because I was the hottest in the group.

MENLO PARK, CA

DS BY: EVIE RAYMON

Swag: You are currently doing time in jail on a felony charge in Stanislaus County. What's up with that?

YB: I can't really talk about the case right now, but yea I’m just sitting back letting my attorney fight it out I'll be home soon! Free YB. Swag: Being incarcerated is not always an easy thing to deal with when you have a career, a family and a life on the streets. How are you dealing with that?

YB: Just keep faith in God and staying mentally and physically strong while writing music. Writing my music helps me cope with this bullshit.

Swag: Give us an ideal of what a full day of being locked up consists of?

YB: A full day of being locked up consist of working out, eating as much as possible, writing, a lot of music, along with dealing with many different attitudes.

Swag: What plans do you have upon your release?

YB: Get out of Modesto and focus on my family.

Swag: Much respect to the late Richy Rich, CEO of Why Be Fake and CEO of Keep It Real Entertainment. I know the two of you were very close, how did you guys meet?

YB: Yes that’s my ni**a; at a show in Modesto.

Swag: What type of person was Rich?

YB: Real no matter what. Losing Richy Rich affected me dramatically, especially my music. If it was one thing I could tell him right now it would be, “Love you big bra”.

Swag: Not only was he the hottest promoter in the 209, he showed everybody love that came through there looking to get put on a show and perform at his venues…Your thoughts.

YB: That's what type of person he was. He would love to see the next person shine, just always kept it 100.

Swag: What would you like to say to your fans that have supported you and held you down throughout your career?

YB: Thanks for all your support and stay tuned.

Swag: Any special shout outs?

YB: Shout outs to Richy Rich (RIP), Tall T (RIP), Young Skreww, GMoney,Big T, KWin, Club Palladium, Lyrical Rippa and of course SWAG Magazine CA. 

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 41

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

ARTICLE

MAGNOLIA CHOP� CHOP MAGNOLIA

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Being a singer, songwriter and a producer, Magnolia Chop, who is the CEO of Molidik Entertainment, has also put in work on other music labels such as , Cash Money Records, Thizz Nation and Thizz South. Widely known as "Da Hookman" for laying his unique style and voice on several artist's tracks, Magnolia Chop took to the studio to put in work for his own album.

Music for me is not just for entertainment. Music tends to put me in another place, like an escape or a vacation. For a short time, I'm no longer thinking about what's going on in the world; rather, I'm feeling the beat, connecting with the lyrics and gaining energy from it all.

When I'm writing lyrics, everything I talk about is real. My lyrics come from within; if I'm writing about it, that's because I've experienced it, lived through it or am passionate about it. Whether the experience has been good or bad, it's what I know and it's what I've lived; so when I put pen to paper, whether people like what I write or not,they have to accept it, because it's one hundred percent my life.

When I'm performing, it's important for me to connect with my audience. I feed off my beats and I turn around and give that back to the people.

Being in front of a crowd and seeing how my music makes them vibe and come together is special to me. I know at that moment I'm helping people to escape by inviting them into my world and I'm able to see the pleasure of it all right there on their faces.

It motivates me to keep doing what I love and I love making people happy. Most of my lyrics are not about happiness; when you write about life, more often than not you will write lyrics about pain, but that same pain, through music, tends to unite people, because they now have someone they can relate to. 

"When I'm writing lyrics, everything I talk about is real.” .......... MAGNOLIA CHOP

42 SWAG MAGAZINE CA NOVEMBER 2014

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

ARTICLE

M

azerati has expanded her horizons by pursuing her dream first in New York City and now in Los Angeles. Meeting Pozzie in person is very different from seeing her on screen or on stage. She brings forth a luminescent force that draws you to her effervescent personality. Being inspired by 90's artists that helped guide her, Pozzie looks to her roots to provide a level of music that captivates her audiences. She is, without doubt, a force to be reckoned with and a rising star waiting patiently for her time to shine.

NEW YORK CITY

Recently, Pozzie Mazerati traveled to Paris, France to release her debut album, “Red Arrow.” Pozzie summed up her visit by recounting her top three experiences. The first was being invited to the Palais de E'lysee (French White House) to meet the first lady of France. She ended up on the front page on their website with the first lady hugging her after exchanging a conversation about Pozzie's organization, "Rhythm and Remedy" and her purpose to use her artistry for something greater than herself.

It was definitely an unforgettable moment for both. Second was visiting a high school in France, speaking with some of the students and then having lunch with some of them during their lunch period. It was amazing learning how different their school system is in comparison to the U.S. She loved the opportunity to bond with the young girls and relate to them. The third experience was her performance in Cergy, France. Pozzie states in her interview, "Never in my life have I felt more alive. There is NO crowd like a France crowd. Period! Their energy is bananas…Their love for hip hop is humbling."

Having returned to the United States, Pozzie released "Red Arrow", first in New York City and later in Los Angeles. Being that “Red Arrow” is her debut album, Pozzie says that creating music that told a story was something that was real to her and that she felt others would be able to relate. She literally lived “Red Arrow,” from the songs talking about heart break to losing loved ones to celebrating. "I'm happy I was able to create something that expressed how I felt during those times. I'm now more than ready for my next project. I'm interested in seeing what direction my music will go in...Everything is just so different in my life now. Nothing is the same. It's scary, yet exciting."

Photos by LoreneJanae Productions and Music Production: Craziedav Musick/ Engineer: Dave Gaines

P

Pozzie's next adventure will take her to West Africa in January, 2014. This trip will differ from her trip to France. The trip to West Africa focuses on what she can do for the youth and to help improve their quality of education and resources available. Pozzie plans to donate school supplies, art supplies and music supplies. "The things we take for granted here are so scarce there. Some of these kids don't even have classrooms to learn in. I'm just motivated to do something! I'm thankful for the people that have contributed towards my efforts. For more information, you can check out http://www.rhythmandremedy.com. The generation of today needs to understand the importance of global fluency and it is my goal to assist in this effort." If she could have one wish fulfilled, Pozzie said that she would love to spend one week under the same roof sleeping, eating, conversing, and attaining knowledge from the following 10 people: Oprah, Donald Trump, Lil Terio, Dalai Lama, Prince, Larry David, Kevin Hart, Nas, Will Smith, and Britney Spears.

"This would be definitely be a week to remember and I'm sure the knowledge I gained would be incomparable," stated Pozzie. 

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 37

 SWAG MAGAZINE CA

ARTICLE

CENTRAL COAST

By: Evie Raymonds

CHI KING:

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

AND BRAND MANAGEMENT WITH DISTRIBUTION

:

STATE: CA CITY: VENTURA / BROOLYN GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @CHI_KING

MIC BLES: STATE: CA CITY: OXNARD GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @MICROPHONEBLESS

For over four years now, (MCC) Music Of The Central Coast has been getting behind the scenes of each county marketing new brands and developing artists.

"WE ARE BRIDGING THE GAP

between The Bay and LA while getting the artists out of their own way."

Barry, the owner of (MCC) Music Of The Central Coast has worked from the ground up in all areas of production, from developing to marketing and promotions. Through the years Bo Barry has seen many voids in this business and is determined to fill them with high integrity, positive influences and a platform that will teach longevity in this business. Along with other things Bo Barry is now gearing up the region to create a clean structured working and booking environment.

ROYAL: STATE: CA CITY: PASO ROBLES GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @ROYALDEF1

KWODA: STATE: CA CITY: OXNARD GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @KWODAROXX

BO

What does it takes to be with MCC? Artists that are on our roster will get our staffs undivided attention. Setting schedules and programs to keep them active year round. We have an A, B and C list of urban style artists. All are in development, tailoring themselves through our direction to become a polished brand with complete presentations.

PROFANE: STATE: CA CITY: SLO GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @PROFANEREMYAOB

T

hese brands will be booked through the series of venues we are partnered with through the region under our internal booking department. Complimenting this is an online store and local retailer distribution through the region to support and help the rosters growth. MCC is a self contained organized brand and artist development company. Here at MCC you as the artist get to keep all creative control. With only getting marketing and topic tips that we know can promote their brands. It’s partnership with a machine behind it.

Photo by Myke Fedoras

A few of the top artist in the region have been through it. We have our fair share of issues. These artists have fought through and have been loyal to the culture thick and thin. All artists constantly need development but these artists are well on their way. MCC will be nurturing the growth of Royal formerly with Public Defenda's, Profan Remey of AOB, Nameless of Varsity Dropouts, Mic Bless. and last but not least, Chi King of The Brooklyn ZVVoo and Wu Tang Affiliation. bo@musicofthecentralcoast.com 

44 SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015

RED MULAH: STATE: CA CITY: LOMPOC GENRE: HIP-HOP IG: @REDMULAH

CONTRIBUTING CENTRAL COAST ARTIST: ◆ Yung Deems / Santa Barbara County ◆ Nevermind / Ventura County ◆ Roach Clip / SLO County ◆ Famous Duce / SLO County ◆ SNIPES / SLO County ◆ Terrell Anthony / Santa Barbara County CONTRIBUTING AND RESPECTED DJS AND PERSONALITIES ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Rico & Mambo Q104 / Ventura County Derek D-Tragic Duncan 80.5 Hip Hop / 91.9 KCSB Steve Perez 103.3 The Vibe / Ventura County / Vet DJ E Wrek 95.7 The Beat / Santa Barbara County Nikki Rae 95.7 The Beat / Santa Barbara County JoJo Lopez Wild 106.1 / SLO County The Beatfreakz World Traveling / SLO County DJ Drumz Slo County Veteran

 ASK TEE-RENEE

JENNIFER, SEATTLE, WA.

 Dear TEE RENEE: Many videos go viral nowadays with African American girls twerking and having less and less clothes on... What can us as mothers do to convince our young girls not to imitate behavior that is X-rated in order to gain social acceptance?  TEE RENEE: First of all I feel that the mothers of today are making this type of behavior ok because that isthe example that they are setting themselves. I walk down the street today and can’t tell the teenager from the grown woman, because they are all dressed the same. There has to be a standard set and it has to be adhered to by all parties involved. Yes grown women are supposed to have more freedom to dress as they please but when you have daughters, nieces, and little cousins; you have to take some responsibility for your actions because they are watching you and are going to want to imitate you. There is also the issue of helping these young ladies understand that being fully clothed can still be considered beautiful and sexy. They need to understand that it’s all a matter of respecting oneself and that their acceptance should come from a higher level of beauty and intelligence.

KANIESHA, OAKLAND, CA

 Dear TEE RENEE: My boyfriend is Latino and I’m black. I’m close with his sisters, but they all think my weave is real. How can I explain to him and them that I buy certain parts of my beauty?  TEE RENEE: Well first of all I must say congrats to you and your stylist because if they think that your weave is your real hair then not only did your stylist do a great job, yet you are also taking very good care of it! Secondly, why do you feel the need to tell them whether your hair is “real” or not? Why is that so important to you? I say... Hey if they don’t ask, don’t tell! (smile) However, if you feel you just want to share this part of your beauty regimen with them, then Iwould say wait until one of them are complimenting you on your hair and say “You do know this is a weave, right?”That will then open the door for you to give them insight on your style choices. Good luck!

MICHELLE, CHICAGO, IL

 Dear TEE RENEE: Judging from the billion dollar hair industry and the look of most of Black American girls I think that it’s safe to say

we are in love with extensions and straight long hair. Do you see a comeback with the afro and other ethnic embracing hairstyles?  TEE RENEE: For the past few years we have seen a rise of “Natural” hair styles within the hair industry and African American culture. It almost became an all out war between Relaxed vs. Natural sistas', which I found to be quite silly. What people sometimes fail to realize is that the beauty of our culture is our versatility and the ability to show that not only through our clothes, music, and vernacular but also through our ever changing hair styles. If you take a look back through history the “Afro and other ethnic embracing” hair styles have never left us, they just weren’t the fashion craze at certain times. Look at women like Angela Davis, Jill Scott, Ruby Dee, and India Arie; they have always worn “Natural” hair styles and I believe they always will. So do I see a “comeback”? No I see the wheels of our culture forever spinning!

BRITTENY, SAVANNAH, GA.

 Dear TEE RENEE: My sister and I have black and white parents, yet my skin is darker than hers. She gets more attention from boys despite being very snobby. I’m really convinced they just like her because of her physical attributes. How do I know if it’s something I’m doing, versus the color of my skin?  TEE RENEE: I don’t believe it’s a question of what you are or are not doing. I believe it’s a question of how do you view yourself? Do you feel like you’re beautiful, attractive, etc.? A man is attracted to a woman’s confidence and although you may view your sister as being snobbish, she exudes a certain level of confidence in herself that is like a magnet for men.

Trust me, it has nothing to do with your skin color. My family is a mixture of light and dark and none of us have had problems with attracting people. Why, you may ask? Because we all are very confident creatures, probably a bit too confident lol, but again that is what makes people attractive. Find that confidence within you and let it shine.

Be humble and appreciative of all that you are and all that God has created you to be and watch how things turn around. Remember that old saying “The darker the berry, the sweeter the juice”? Well honey, revel in that and you will be just fine!

 FROM TEE RENEE: My thoughts are this ladies... Too often, we as people get caught up in so many things that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Everyone wants to be accepted, liked, and keep up with the Joneses so much so that we have lost all sense of individuality, self respect and humility.

Stop trying to be something or someone you’re not! We need to increase the level of self love which will supersede any insecurities of worrying about others accepting and liking you. love myself as I am when I first open my eyes in the morning! I know it may sound crazy but if you really stop and think about it, you will find the thought quite refreshing. Teach yourself how to love you and teach your children how to love themselves as well. Every day I look in the mirror and smile at myself, and state this simple yet powerful phrase... "I LOVE ME JUST THE WAY I AM!" God made us different for a reason and it’s time that we start embracing those differences. It doesn’t matter what race, nationality, skin color, age or sex; we all are beautiful and have a lot to give to ourselves and others and today is a great day to get started!  Be Confident...Be Beautiful...Be YOU! Tee Renee, Swag Beauty Consultant

ASK TEE RENEE: To have your questions answered here just email them to - teereneetips@swagmagazineca.com SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 45

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Who we did catch up with was a guest of Berner, none other than Husalah of the Mob Figaz. He surprised the crowd as he hopped on stage and did his thing. Swag Magazine CA correspondent Courtney Cherry caught up with Hus moments afterward and he continued the energy right into the interview. After popping his p’s a little bit Hus revealed that he’s doing his family thing right now but fans need not worry. “When the people need me is when I come through”, he says. Husalah also gave a little advice to the up and coming artists out there on how to achieve success in the industry.

To hear what he says make sure you head on over to www.swagmagazineca.com and check out the full interview.

MODESTO, CA

Swag Magazine CA was out in full force that afternoon, capturing things from every angle and every point of view. Taylor Gang artist Berner lit up the stage with a killer performance keeping the crowd in constant motion. Berner had a flight to catch after the show but he did drop a jewel on the crowd. He revealed that his presence will be felt during the cypher at this years BET Hip Hop Awards, a true honor for the Bay boy.

Swag Magazine CA correspondent Lucky Dollaz was out hitting the streets and had a chance to talk to a newly formed rock group Faith and Bullets. They’ve been together just shy of a year and they’re all about standing up for what you believe in and doing what you feel. The group is here to fill a void in the rock and roll genre, which is that classic sound. Faith and Bullets even comes complete with the look; reminiscent of rock gods Metallica. Lucky Dollaz even caught up with rap vet Killa Tay, whose new album RNS is out now. It is truly no exaggeration when I say anybody who is somebody was out at X Fest.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA

The Tri Valley region of California was set ablaze Saturday August 23, as thousands of music lovers converged onto downtown Modesto for X Fest 2014.

Sixteen blocks were converted into a concert goers paradise and there literally was something for everybody on the menu. Whether you were into indie or mainstream, reggae or EDM, hard core rock and roll or straight up hip hop no chaser, X fest had a stage with your name on it.



BY: COURTNEY CHERRY

It’s seventy feet long, boosting 80,000 watts of heart thumping sound with a state of the art LED light display. To experience their live show is to feel your yourself come alive as the music rips through your veins.

Dancetronauts even does a remake of E40, who was also a performer that night.

The music industry were certainly not the only ones making money at the festival. More than several clothing brands were represented at X Fest 2014. One of those brands was Why Hate Clothing, who feels like hating is a disease that too many are infected with.

It was definitely a merchants playground as up and comers were battering for business while getting their message heard. Nothing like a huge music festival to round out the summer and X Fest did just that. For a more close up behind the scenes look be sure to head over to www.swagmagazineca.com to see it all in action!  SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR STAFF: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT NINA SANCHEZ, CLARK TAPIA BACALTOS, YUNG CASSIUS KING, GRANT MONTECILLO, LUCKY DOLLAZZ, JOHANN BONTUYAN, TRIFON ELDRIN BAJARIAS, COURTNEY CHERRY

Another highlight of the event is introducing you, our readers, to the hottest thing in the electronic dance community. Dancetronauts is a homegrown EDM group out of Santa Cruz, California. They started out attending the Burning Man festival and quickly learned that there was a huge following for the intense synthesized sound.

Over the past few years they’ve enlisted the help of their family and friends to create an EDM empire.

Group members DJ Travnasty, Philthy Phil and Generator James banded together to build the largest mobile stage in the United States called the Bass Station.

SWAG MAGAZINE CA JANUARY 2015 47

ď Ž SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

L I V E D Y E Z NU JER BY: ANI GALE

STANIAN

Atlantic City, New Jersey

"Red Klouds" Released July 28th, 2014;

which chronicles his journey and struggles he has had to overcome as a hip hop recording artists and entrepreneur!

It paints a gritty picture of his life. The chorus "Red Klouds", is the perfect depiction of Jerzey coming into his own and recognizing that it's now ' HIS TIME' to live out all his dreams! The chorus states: "I've done so much in my life, When I look up I see blood in the sky, And I wonder when it's my time?, Tell me...Will they let me in, Will they let me in? 'Cuz all I see is Red Klouds!"

48 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015



Born in South Bronx, NY and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Nu Jerzey Devil has been breaking ground within the music industry all while establishing his brand in an innovative manner.

He has been able to transition from The Game's Protégé & build a name for himself, while promoting Blood Money Entertainment, formerly known as Black Wallstreet.

Nu Jerzey Devil consistently releases story telling music and syncs his music through such lifestyle brands as his "Slow Feet Don't Eat" merchandise. He's an intelligent entrepreneur who is able to maximize upon the opportunities he has been able to create for himself and the artists he works with.

PUERTO RICAN BORN HIP HOP ARTIST, PAYS HOMAGE TO LATINO LEGENDS that he looked up to growing up, such as Big Pun, who he has tatted on him. Making sure that his fans know about his Latino heritage is of upmost importance to Jerzey, "You have to know who you are as an artist to be able to produce authentic music that your people can support!", states JerZ. With the upcoming release of his EP, "Slow Feet Don't Eat", JerZ made sure to keep his ears to the streets as well as pay attention to the music that is being released overseas. Nu Jerzey Devil will allow his fans to determine which single will be released from his next single.

His first single off of this EP, "Trapenese", was released in early 2014 with a high energy video that showcased Jerzey's ability to paint a vivid picture through his lyrics.

His follow up single, "Red Klouds" was a free fan download, which was a telling story about Jerzey's trials and tribulations.

Within the chorus he states: "I've done so much in my life, When I look up I see blood in the sky, And I wonder when it's my time?, Tell me...Will they let me in, Will they let me in? 'Cuz all I see is Red Klouds!" Jerzey recognizes that after years of hard work, it's now HIS TIME to unleash his music to various markets and grow his brand in a successful manner!

Atlantic City, New Jersey

& Independent Record Label Owner of LiveliHood Entertainment; are a few of the titles used when introducing Anthony Torres, aka Nu Jerzey Devil!

Don't Eat" Producers will include Majestic Drama Beats who produced "Trapenese", Tyler Rohn, and a adept new comer by the name of Jereme Jay.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

INTERNATIONALLY TOURING ARTIST, DJ, RECORD PRODUCER, VIDEO DIRECTOR,

Nu Jerzey Devil understands the importance of

OWNING YOUR STAGE NAME & ANY SLOGANS AN ARTIST MIGHT COME UP WITH As soon as JerZ noticed his slogan, "Slow Feet Don't Eat" was gaining popularity rapidly, he trademarked it through Global Legal Enterprises, Inc. (www.ChooseGLE).

He then printed up this slogan with various designs and sold them through Forever Young LA, a Los Angeles based apparel company (http://ForeverYoungLAClothing.BigCartel.com/ He strategically brands himself with various types of products such as alcohol and Hookah Pen products in order to diversify his portfolio and crosspromote, so he may widen his consumer base.

Jerzey's goal is to not only become a highly marketable entertainer but a successful entrepreneur who will be able to create jobs for those around him. He wants to provide various types of business opportunities to individuals who come from impoverished backgrounds so they won't fall victim to their environment.

He uses a handful of producers in order to expose these talented individuals to his fanbase... "Slow Feet

There is no other option than to keep "Pushing Foward".

Until Nu Jerzey Devil is able to live out all of his dreams and be recognized on a global scale. He is appreciative for every one of his supporters! He states in a humble tone: "Thanks to all my fans who show me love and support me with all my endeavors, I appreciate y'all with all my heart! Without y'all I would be NOTHING! I came a long way but we still have much more to do... So keep riding with me.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015 49

яБо SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

L I V E D Y E Z N'T EAT" NU JEER T DO "SLOW FIAE N BY: ANI GALE

STAN

Atlantic City, New Jersey 50 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015

 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

so right now there's no reason you can't be heard or make it, 'cuz we ALL have various outlets to get our music heard...

Thanks to the internet. All you have to do is be CONSISTENT & PERSISTENT, & YOU WILL PREVAIL!"

Atlantic City, New Jersey

“TO ANY NEW ARTISTS, THIS IS A DIFFERENT ERA IN MUSIC

Jerzey is also appreciative of his branding representative (LimitLess Entity) and HIS business consultants, as they work tirelessly to market and promote his brand; in order to ensure the progression of his company, LiveliHood Entertainment, LLC. It's not just all work and no play for this charismatic character...He's definitely King of the Turn­Up movement!

If you follow him on Instagram (@NuJerzeyDevil), he definitely knows how to have a good time while partying shirtless up on club couches. He laughingly states, "What can I say... I'm allergic to cotton". Work hard, play harder; is the motto for this Puerto Rican bred superstar in the making...

Continue to follow Nu Jerzey Devil, as he continues to build his legacy within the entertainment industry. After all, "Slow Feet Don't Eat!" OFFICIAL WEBSITE:WWW.JERZMUSIC.COM BOOKING INFO: BOOKING@JERZMUSIC.COM INSTAGRAM: @NUJERZEYDEVIL TWITTER: @NUJERZEYDEVIL

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015 51

ď Ž SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

October 2014

HOUSTON, TEXAS

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Swag: What made you decide to get into modeling?

KARINA: When I was younger my father won Mr. Maryland. I guess you can say I have the same passion as him. I grew up around modeling. My goal is to be recognized. I love attention.

Swag: What are your goals as a model?

KARINA: My goal is to be in Maxim Magazine or Cosmopolitan. Achieving my goal would be putting myself out there as much as I can until someone recognizes me and never giving up what I want.

Swag: How is youre free time spent when you are not modeling?

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SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO 2014 - 2015 CALENDAR MODEL

KARINA MAGARGLE

KARINA: I have two children so I spend as much possible time as I can with them. I love being with them and trying new things. I also like attending basketballs games and comedy shows. I’m an outdoor girl so in my free time I like to be productive like golfing, hiking and doing anything outside.

Swag: What are some accomplishments that you’re very proud of?

KARINA: I currently featured in a BOMBS Lowrider calendar and SHINE Magazine. Runway for Babyliss hair product.

Swag: What are the traits required for a great personality.

KARINA: Smart and willing to try to new things. Funny and energetic. In my opinion, nobody wants to shoot with someone who is serious and boring. I go in with a positive attitude.

Swag: What kind of modeling are you most interested in and why?

KARINA: I don’t have a particular interest I just like to be out there in any way I can. If I had a option it would be runway. Just because I like the fascination of ideas of what designers come up with and me presenting it is a thrill to me. I love art.

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San Pedro, San Ca Pedro, Ca

RRY

TNEY CHE BY: COUR

BLANCO LOCO Jesus “Blanco Loco” Garcia is making major noise in the Latin rap industry and his Mexican roots run deep. He’s an artist many urban music fans can relate to because he knows about loss, pain, living that life and coming out on the other side.

He’s a West Coast Cali boy from San Pedro, California. He grew up having the support of a strong nuclear family, with several siblings and both parents at home. Even though home life was solid, there was no way to ignore the happenings right outside his door.

Blanco Loco and his brothers could not escape the gang life if they tried. It was too much a part of every day living. There was no time for girlfriends or extra curricular activities. It was either get with it or get ran over.

In the midst of it all however, Blanco Loco never allowed his creative spirit to drown and remained an avid music fan. It was the nineties and artists like Snoop, Dr. Dre and Lil Rob were what he was into back then. He even bought a PA system with his friends once and used it as a microphone. Thats how immersed in the culture he was.

Spanish rap was quite popular around Blanco Loco’s way coming up. The hottest of them all was a group called Mexiclan. They were holding it down in a major way, earning them-

54 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015

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He was angry, he was frustrated and he was tired of “the life”. So much had happened to him, including losing his son to a tragic accident. There was some serious pain bottled up and he fell back on the very thing that he knew would sustain him.

At this point in his life, Blanco Loco dove head first into his rap career. He bought himself a studio and named it Sick’s Street Records, name which came from his neighborhood back home. He then formed a group called Cross Town Kings. It was comprised of a few high school friends, one in particular was a stand out.

“Mr. Half Grown” they called him, was the youngest mem-

Many of their songs were oldie samples, which is Blanco Loco’s favorite genre. They wrote songs about love and about “the life”, releasing all that had been kept inside for so long. They were on top of the world, enjoying the thrill of being freshman in the game. Unfortunately, Blanco Loco would soon found out that pain was once again heading his way.

San Pedro, Ca

Then came the wake up call. Blanco Loco and his two brothers had been shot, sustaining injuries to the shoulder and the head. Leaning on the support of his family, his parents made the decision to move the Garcia’s out of California and transplant them to New Mexico. Once in the new surroundings, a realization came about.

ber of the group but had a huge presence about him.

Together they recorded music daily for six months straight. They put together the Seven Day Mix Tape, which was completed in a week from start to finish.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

selves a record deal and a spot on the Billboard charts.

One of the groups members Sem “El Leon” Vargas, was a friend of Blanco Locos’s brother. He was a very busy guy so catching him in the studio with time to spare was rare, but this night was different. This night was life changing. Sem spent forty minutes with Blanco Loco teaching him the basics on an eight track mixer and from there on out it was on. He knew exactly what he wanted and the career of Blanco Loco was born.

Mr. Half Grown, his lyrical better half, was at the wrong place at the wrong time and his life was cut short. His death, threw Blanco Loco into a really messed up space, and he began to sincerely question if he could even keep going. Once again it was the music that brought him through, in the form of a song called “Mi Triste Cancion” or “My Sad Song”. It was written by spanish composer Omar “El Gory” Resendiz. It was the security he clung to, while he was feeling all was lost.

With his head held high and a bright future in front of him, Blanco Loco does it for La Raza, meaning the culture, his people. In the span of almost a decade he’s flooded the streets with eight solid mix tapes which can all be found online through MyTunes. His music is being played in The GMix on 98.2 The Beat and also on Tha Latin Takeova on 93.1 The Beat in Amarillo , TX. Currently he’s grinding hard in the studio, putting together his untitled first album, with all original material.

He has shared the stage with legends like Layzie Bone, Spice One, Brenton Wood, Mr. Caponee and Royal T of Low Profile Records. More importantly he never stopped working or gave up on his dreams and he shows no signs of slowing down. “I’m done with boot camp” Blanco Loco laughs out loud, “It’s time to take my music to the next level and give my fans eight original albums! 

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 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

VINCE ROMO

Pico Rivera, CA

better known as "Assassin" is a Latin artist from Pico Rivera, Ca that is making moves not only in the music scene but on the sets of motion pictures and sports as well. Assassin has been in 12 feature films and 5 television shows. His very first role was in the box smash hit “Training Day” starring Denzel Washington where Assassin had the pleasure of playing one of the Homeboys in the hood.

His most recent appearance is in “Pocket Book” directed by Conor Allyn called starring the Legendary actor Burt Reynolds along with Rob Lowe and Tommy Rosales. Assassin has just signed on to be apart of the “Johnny Tapia” story alongside his good friend Noel-G and Second Chance.

Along with this talent as an actor. Assassin is quite the business man as well. He has managed to have his music placed in four feature films and he recently participated in a celebrity boxing match against the great Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera in which Assassin held his own.

NOW AVAILABLE AT: HEADHUNTERMUZIK.COM

But life has not always been so good for Assassin.

He had been arrested on more than one occasion growing up and was raised in the streets of old Pico California. Where he learned first hand the neighborhood lifestyle. As the years passed Assassin has lost many homeboys to the grave and to the system.

Life experiences like this is what inspired Assassin to write his songs “Hour Glass”. “You never know when that hour is gonna run out of time”. “Live each day as if it was your last” Says Assassin. Assassin now lives to inspire people and to let them know you can achieve anything in life. Work hard, trust in God and stay humble…..Humble. 

56 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015

PORTRAIT BY: CHARLIE "XSTYLEZ" RODRIGUEZ

,

BC

BENNY CONTRERAS

is a twenty-three years old, Mexican & Portuguese artist out of Fremont, California with a passion for music. Started making music at the age of 14, but didn’t start taking it serious till the age of 20 when he jumped on board with Northern California’s well know music label Starz The Limit.

Working alongside friends and label mates Bugsy and Tito B has helped give BC that guidance extra push needed to be successful in the music business. Heavily influenced by the musical styles of artists such as

Eminem, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and Tech N9ne have played a tremendous part in BC’s outlook on music. With a taste for all genres, BC likes to work with a variation of sounds as a way of experimenting.

BC looks at music as a form of therapy, a way of self healing. He writes his music from the heart and you can definitely tell by listening to the lyrics. From subjects such as infidelity, addiction, suicide, incarceration, and many more it’s obvious to say that substance is something definitely not lacking in his music.

In his music he tells stories…his stories, many involving him and others involving those closest to him. With lyrics like “I never will forgive you for what you did to my seed, we could’ve had a boy or girl but you killed what was half of me” shows the pain and tragedy in his writing.

What BC intends and hopes to do is make a huge impact in the music world, and for all the right reasons. He wants to inspire todays youth to create and pursue any dream they might have. He wants others to know that they are not alone, with whatever it may be they find themselves going through in life.

The idea that you can turn something so painful and depressing into something so beautiful and meaningful is what BC strives to demonstrate with his music. “I want my music to be able to help guide those

who find themselves alone and or lost in this life, that is my goal and mission” says BC. Joining the Starz the Limit music label in 2011 has been one of BC’s most valued accomplishments and achievements. It all started with a collaboration with artist Tito B who saw potential in BC. It is something quite memorable that he

holds high and proud.

This has been a music label that BC started listening to in his teenage years specifically artists Tito B and homeboy rap icon Speedy Loc (rest in peace). Going from a teenager listening to Starz The Limit to becoming a member was a dream come true.

BC has been working hard in the studio on a mission to finish and put out his debut album “Pain & Melody”. Working with engineer Travis Lindsley, the outcome is destined to be nothing short of amazing. With artist features such as: Tito B, B-Dawg, Shadow, Doc 9, and Brabo Gator just to name a few, BC’s album is definitely looking promising.

From the year 2012 to now BC has put out numerous songs, as well as four music videos with a fifth to be in the works very soon. BC’s fan base is constantly growing day by day, with fans ranging from all over the map. The love and support from the fans is something BC truly appreciates and acknowledges every chance he gets.

Aside from working on his solo album, BC has a lot more in store for the upcoming future ahead. Aside from his solo album he has a duo album with Tennessee artist Brabo Gator in the works as well. BC is definitely keeping busy as much as possible.

Aside from the music he has also been working hard on his merchandise and clothing to better compliment his style, both as a person and a musician. There’s so much more he plans to do, with ideas flowing constantly throughout his mind you just never know what he might be up to and that’s exactly how he likes it. 

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015 57

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As far as projects, I have seven projects out now independently through my own label New Era Music Ent LLC! 2 mixtapes "Live the Flyway, Stay Fresh" and the 2nd one titled "The Good Life" (which is my states slogan) I did a compilation album with Zig Zag of the NB Ridaz titled "Straight Rydaz: Better than Money" and a compilation album with Lucky Luciano titled "Get Money, Grind Hard or Starve" that features Low G, Rasheed, Juan Gotti, DMZ and more. These two projects is me and the other artist on the whole project.

I have 3 solo projects. "New Era", "American Dream" which features Lil Flip, Chingo Bling, Juan gotti, Romero from Clika One and a few others. That leads to the 3rd solo project I was talking about titled "Spanglish" that features Chingo Bling, MC Magic, AKWID, Lucky Luciano and more. 

That's why I don't like to be called a "Rapper" but an ARTIST. I am also a businessman about it. You have to be in order to succeed in this music game.

I am working on a brand new project titled "From Struggles to Success" #FSTS. For this project, I was blessed to get in the studio in Nebraska after our show with Baby Bash and record a single for the album titled "To The Top".

I went down to Houston a few months later and recorded the music video with him.

A couple months later I got in the studio with Kevin Gates.

He has the underground game on lock right now in hip hop. I'm very excited about the song we recorded titled "To The Top".

I also got in the studio with Chalie Boy a couple years ago and we recently recorded our music video as well titled "Go to Sleep" and a few months ago while I was in Cali, me and Glasses Malone got in the studio and we recorded a single titled "Sex tape".

As far as production, I got a lot of my music produced by "White Hot" who has worked with Ace Hood and DJ Khalid, Lil Wayne, Future, Yo Gotti, Soulja Boy and the list is way too long to keep going. He has taken my sound to the next level in hip hop. I've also been working with Jaime "Pain" Ortiz who is SPM's producer. He actually produced a song me and South Park Mexican have coming out within the next few months as well that will also go on my new project "From Struggles to Success" #FSTS I have a few tracks that "Doe Doe" out of my hometown produced. "Mikey Angelo" out of Kansas (Midwest) also did a few cuts along with my old

THIS PROJECT “THIS IS A DOPE PROJECT PROJECT IS A THAT I AM DOPE PROUD P R TO HAVE.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015 59

Nebraska

As of right now I have a project titled "Spanglish" that is doing very well. I have a song on there with Chingo Bling ( Video out on youtube now "Wetback Swag", Lucky Luciano (Video out now on youtube), Grammy winners' AKWID (Video "Soy un Jugador" out now), MC Magic (Video out now "Can't Live Without You" and Ruka Puff out of St Louis.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

I do English songs and I am fluent in Spanish so I also have some full Spanish songs. I have Latinos, African Americans, Caucasians & Asians as fans. As an artist (not a "Rapper") I like variety so it displays in my music and it takes me to many different markets.

C h e c k i t o u t o n i t u n e s , G o o g l e P l a y, A m a zon and all other digital stores. I've opened up for many dope artists. Lil Flip, Murphy Lee of the St Lunatics, Baby Bash, MC Magic, AKWID and the list goes on.

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I was born in El Salvador, raised in California, now I reside in the Midwest in Nebraska. Raised by a single mother in poverty. Only boy of the family. I was signed in 2006 through Universal Distribution but it didn’t work out so I started my own independent label in 2011 "New Era Music".

time producer "Derek G the track prince" out of Washington. Of course, unfortunately I only have a couple of tracks produced by "Deezey" originally from Mississippi as I miss him and his work everyday. RIP Deezey #BOOTUP !

 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO

Swag: Your two sisters introduced you to the Hip Hop scene. What was your relationship like with them growing up?

INTERVIEW BY: EVIE RAYMONDS Swag: Who are some of the artists you recall listening to growing up?

LOS BANOS , CA

Ray-D: I grew up on The UMC's, LL Cool J, D Nice.

A lot of 90's hip hop. BEAT STREET QUESTION : I remember Beat Street being the most influential movie I had ever seen. From Rock Steady Crew & The NYC Breakers wearing there Pumas with fat laces to there Puma outfits to the battles the djing the graffiti the whole movement. That inspired me all the way. I knew then I wanted to be apart of that culture.

Swag: What is one thing about you that people don't know about you, but should?

Ray-D: I would say I was a huge Michael Jackson fan when I was very little. Still am but I used try to dance like him and everything. (Laughs) Swag: What would you say is the 'best' part of being a radio Dj? Ray-D: The best part is being heard by thousands of listeners. Now that I dj for a radio station its another level because now I'm being heard by a bigger audience.

PHOTOS BY: JACKIE J. JENKINS

Swag: So I understand that your mother was a singer and your father had a huge vinyl collection growing up? What kind of music did your mother sing? As as for your dad, what were some of his favorite albums that you can remember him playing?

Ya my mother used to sing in a band that covered songs such as Marvin Gaye, Etta James.

She also sang back up for Rosie & The

Originals. They had there hit "Angel Baby". And my father I remember growing up listening to James brown, Tower Of Power, Sly & The Family Stone. My father was very diverse with his music. It was always something different.

60 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015

Ray-D: Well I am the youngest in my family and my olest sisters are 5 to 10 years older than me so I was always into what they were listening to. I remember being about seven years old & sneaking into my sisters room & taking there cassettes & recording them. I remember just being totally into whatever they were listening to. So the first time I,heard hip hop music was through my sisters. This had to been around 89, 90.

Swag: In your opinion, do you think that this era of Djs are more original with their skills and material today then the old school Djs? If so why or why not?

Ray-D: Well we wouldn't be where we are at today if it was not for the founders like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, Grandmaster Flash. These guy's were definitely ahead of their time. The old school djs set the platform for us There is a lot that comes with Djing at night clubs throughout the Bay Area & Central Valley for 7 years.

Swag: For some one that is looking to take that same route, what are some of the things they should prepare themselves for?

Ray-D: I would say prepare yourself for the long night's and a lot of fun. But also trying your best in reading the crowd and keep them moving and happy. That's one of the most important things about djing at the night clubs. Also you have to take risks with your music selection. We are also risk takers. You never know what you might end up playing and that works like a charm.

Swag: What can listeners expect to hear w hen they tune into your show every Friday night from 9 to 10 and every Saturday from 11 to 12.

Ray-D: You can expect a lot of energy ans Swag in my mixes.

Swag: What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/ Promoters?

Ray-D: As for djs. Keep pushing & practice. Practice practice practice. You don't want to sound like the next dj. Try to create your own style.

Make yourself stand out from the others. And for promoters. Keep pushing and promote your event like it's the last. Promoting is a tuff business.

Breezy is the stage name of Breannah Bastin; a young girl rising out of the music hub of Melbourne, a place known for it’s quality house music, and strong nightlife scene. Breezy, currently living in Australia, SouthEast Melbourne resides often in the heart of Melbourne City.

She has been producing underground since the age of 14 and has recently moved from Queensland to Victoria.

Breezy first hit the publicity scene in The Valley, Queensland, travelling between states for gigs in recent times, then to Southbank, Melbourne. home of The Hifi, followed by Oasis earlier this year and formerly entertained many house parties alomg the Gold Coast and Brisbane City. An Oasis residency is currently in process. She is a product of skill, talent and professionalism.

I find music extremely powerful. I really enjoy it when I witness something I did, or something I am doing have a positive impact on others. For me, there is no better feeling then when I am doing something I love and enjoy and seeing a huge crowd of people having an absolute blast as a resultof what I am doing.

WHAT ARE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR? My achievements so far... well, since I have started, I have performed for several house parties amongst Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. My first gig was at Cloudland, The Valley, Queensland followed by The Hifi Melbourne and Oasis Nightclub. A residency will now be given by Oasis. I have a website productively up and running in which I can be contacted on a facebook page and twitter. I have been part of two major live streams for Brisbane radio stations, and 949 Metro.

W H E N D I D YO U S TA R T D J I N G A N D WHY?

IO S

GG A W L RAD

I went out partying with friends and really fell for the party scene as well as a boy, who was a DJ himself. My parents bought me my first decks for my 13th birthday but I just abandon them in my room allowing them to get dusty.

Not long before I turned 15, they became the most used things in my bedroom, including the bed. At that point DJ Breezy was born.

WHY IS DJING IMPORTANT TO YOU? To me, sound has always been very important. I love it when a DJ is mixing at a party or festival and you can feel the beat of the music, when the energy physically pulses into the crowd. I love music. I have always had an ear for music.

I’m a pretty humble person with many things, but one of the things I pride myself with aside from my knowledge and commitment to great sound, is my ability to listen to a track that no

I have done a club tour for Scoolies. com around Queensland in which I per formed over 15 gigs at various nightclubs around the state. I have been signed by a productive label called “Been Fi n g e r e d R e c o r d i n g s ” i n which I release a podcast every week. I was the first female DJ to grow beside BF Recordings. I’ve met some incredible people, and experienced amazing things.

LOBA

I started at the age of 14, although a young age I had begun hitting the nightlife, and got to know the scene.

I’d been around many DJ’s and had been to the festivals that performed the genre I was associating with at the time eg. House, Dance, Dubstep etc.

MELBOURNE, AU.

INTERVIEW BY: BEEN FINGERED RECORDINGS

TO GROW BESIDE BF RECORDINGS.

SWAG GLOBAL RADIO

DJ BREEZY

I WAS THE FIRST FEMALE DJ

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body has heard before, and be able to tell if it will be a hit or not. Different songs give me different feelings and it’s almost as if I can feel their energy or podotential to get people on the dance floor, as well as visualize how people will move to the music. Not to sound corny, but a lot of music moves me emotionally, whether it makes me sad, happy, hyper/energetic or relaxed.

Going to Tomorrowland, I spoke to various artists and asked so many questions willingly allowing myself to build from them. I have contributed and supported other artists like on collaborations or battle mixes and I have been involved in developing podcasts.

Leading “Been Fingered Recordings” the way, being the first female DJ, for a partnership with OnFyre Management an all woman companyand encouraging new female acts like Miss Resistance to join BFR. WHAT ARE CURRENTLY YOUR MAIN CHALLENGES AS A DJ? That’s an interesting question because I ask myself that every day. What am I doing this for? It’s a passion. I just try to communicate emotion, that’s the path I’m following. I try to give people goose bumps and help them to discover new

SWAG GLOBAL RADIO CORRESPONDENCE - JILL JET TORSEN / ERIC

music that they’ve never heard before.

WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE DREAMS RELATING TO THIS CAREER? My future dreams include a variation of performing at specific places and meeting specific people. Eg. Tomorrowland, Hardwell, etc. I want to become known as a unique producer of EDM and DJ bringing people music they aspire to listen too.

My dream to play on a stage of Tomorrowland would [be the best but hardest dream to fulfil, but I believe in my music, and I believe in myself as a producer, that one day, I might get there.

I dream of meeting the people who influence and inspire me to achieve this, the people who made me who I am today. one hit wonder, and being the person I am today.

SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO NOVEMBER 2014 61 SWAG GLOBAL RADIO JANUARY 2015 61

 SWAG GLOBAL RADIO

SYDNEY, AU.

George Von Liger is the founder of Two Seventy7, an upcoming duo that will make some serious noise in the near future & mastermind behind the weekly radio show "George Von Liger Presents House Sensations" Since January 2010! A Greek radio station which broadcast also via internet & so far Thomas Gold, D.O.N.S., Manuel De La Mare, Luigi Rocca, Koen Groeneveld, Sonny Wharton, Syke´N´Sugarstarr, Michael Woods, Marco Lys, Jus Jack, Stonebridge, Prok & Fitch, Stefano Noferini, Dave Audé, Luigi Rocca, Alex Kenji and a few more have passed by as guests. Also residencies on 1 U.K & 1 Irish Radio station plus guest mixes around the world.

In 2008 played @ Colors Festival along with DJ´s such as Tiesto, Erick Morillo, Markus Schulz, Hox ton Whores, Stonebridge, Paul Degweed, James Zabiela, Ian Carey, Sander Van Doorn, Cosmic Gate & so many more.

IO S

LOBA

AG G W

2011 played at the legendary Nikki Beach in South Beach, Miami on an unannounce b2b set with D.O.N.S.

L R AD

62 SWAG MAGAZINE LATINO JANUARY 2015

& Alim. Attended Miami the year after 2012 and played along side with Ron Carrol, Baggi Begovic, Alex Kenji, Funkerman, Will Clarke, Filthy Rich, Peter Gelderblom, D.O.N.S., Mr & Mrs, George F, Sisko Electrofanatic just to name few.

GVL´s work gets support from DJ´s such as Stonebridge, D.O.N.S., David Puentez, Zacharias Tiempo, Claudio Lari, Disco Dice, Jesse Voorn, Luigi Rocca (303lovers/hotfingers), Markus Schulz, Ricky Bruni, Cristian Poow, Alex Blanco (Toolroom/ Eye Industries), Ant Nichols (Key 103), Ben de la Pena, Brian Cheetham (Global Dance Sessions), British Tent Villains, Dale Hooks, Dave Crane, DJ Spen, Dubble D/Moodymanc, Filth & Splendour, Flash Bothers, Fred Zovah, Gavyn Mytchel, Greg Churchill, Jay Kay, Kenny Brian, Lorenzo al Dino aka 7th District, Marco Corvino Traxx, Marco V, Matt Appleton (Tolerance), Nik Feral, Niki Belucci (Radio FG), Nikki Flame aka (N-Tec), Orde Meikle (Slam/Soma Records), Paul Karo, Peter Gelderblom, Plastik Phil, Ricardo (Soul Candi), Robin Chappell, Sergio Matina, Serotonin Thieves, Spartaque, Stephane S (Martina-Ibiza) & more.

Nowadays George Von Liger lives in China (Wenzhou) where he has a residency in the number one club of the area. George Von Liger has been ranked by the djlist #1 DJ in China!  SWAG GLOBAL RADIO CORRESPONDENCE - JILL JET TORSEN / ERIC TORSEN

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