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Publisher/Editor In Chief Jessica Hagmaier aka Mz. fuSHion Vice President/COO Tonga Williams Sales/ Advertising Dept Tonga Williams Antionette Torrengano Jessica Hagmaier Sean Celestine Layout Design Jessica Hagmaier
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Cover Design Jae One (Urban Nerd Studios)
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Contributors Antionette Torrengano Sean “100” Celestine Tonga Williams Jessica Hagmaier Lola Sims Robert Littal Photographers Positive Images Markese Donley Jesse James Tonga Williams Jessica Hagmaier EZ Access Street Teams Colorado - E & I MGNT Los Angeles, CA - Ant Wright Atlanta, GA - Alex Merriweather The Bay, CA - Rob J Official Houston, TX - Sean “100” Celestine St. Louis, MO - Jesse James Central Texas - Billy Mack Dallas, TX - Markese Donley New Orleans, LA - Antionette Torrengano Distribution Eboni and Ivori Management LLC The fuSHion Magazine thefushionmagazine@gmail.com www.twitter.com/ThefuSHionOnlin www.thefushiononline.com www.thefushionmobile.com (832) 594 6874
B4 We Get Started 6 Word Up 8 In Case U Missed It: 10 Keep It 100: 14 Power OF Littal: 15 5 On It: 17 Triple Threat: 18 Who U Been Sleepin On 24 Masters Of The Tables 34 24:23 Kobe vs Lebron: 64 Got Beats? 66 SO Krispy: 68 My Trunk On Bang: 70
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Trae Tha Truth - 40 State Of Emergency - 50 The Road 2 Dallas - 56 The Ideal Balance - 58
B4 WE get started - Letter From The Editor
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ecently I had debate, not a Tweef, but an actual, intellectual (for the most part, lol) debate with a number of my Twit Fam. Now normally, I don’t engage in a lot of back and forth with too many people I don’t PERSONALLY know on Twitter, however one of @Eleven8’s followers made it so I couldn’t NOT address her. In a slightly more then 140 character explanation of what was said:
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“Drake didn’t live a hard life and Lil Wayne went to college so therefore I don’t like their music and they aren’t real artists.” (Wait that is 140 characters! Lol)
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First I’ll address the tweet and then we’ll look at the bigger picture. “Drake didn’t live a hard life.” From what we know as listeners to his music, yes this could be an accurate statement in that no, he’s never tried to sell us the “dream” that he grew up on the streets, an orphan, had to lie, steal, and cheat to survive, sold drugs, and got shot seventynine times before the age of twelve. However, not everyone who listens to hip hop can relate to THAT particular story, so does that make him any less of a credible artist? Does the fact that he was born in Canada and therefore has free health care take away his talent? (YES this was an argument someone tried to use to prove their point! Like I said, an intellectual “twicussion” for THE MOST PART.) “Lil Wayne went to college. He ain’t a real artist.” Now for the other side of the tweet and story. I don’t think anyone can dispute that the life weezy’s rapped about he’s lived, from the teardrop tats on his face, to the women, drugs, prison, and yes, I’m sure more then one woman has licked the rapper, (now, who is responsible for his lyrics might be debated, but the story, I believe that’s all Weezy.) Now you mean to tell me that the MINUTE, a rapper tries to improve himself, and his life by enrolling, and God Forbid graduating from college, all credibility and past experience flies out the window? Now for the bigger picture. If there’s one fan that believes bettering yourself and situation and not living the street life automatically disqualifies your talent and dismisses you from best rapper of all time contention then there are at least 1,000,000 more fans, and therefore consumers, that do as well. The problem is that this is exactly why mainstream society has such a fucked up and narrow minded view of hip hop music and the urban culture. Now, I understand not liking an artist because they’re lyrics are terrible. I understand not liking an artist because they only make club tracks; I understand not liking an artist because they swear up and down they’re something they’re not. But for someone in our community to completely discredit an artist because he’s trying to better himself or he doesn’t live up to the commercial appeal of the street walking, gun totting, drug selling, pimpin thug, we show our own ignorance as to what hip hop is truly meant to represent. Hip hop is the voice for all aspects of Urban Life, no matter what you’ve seen or been through in life there is someone who is strumming your pain with his words, singing your life with his song. Hip Hop is the one genre of music that is TRULY universal. Artists like Eminem are the voice of the people who truly lived through the struggle, who faced prison, and death, and more, on more then one occasion. Artists like Drake and Lupe Fiasco tell the story of doing whatever it takes to make it to the top, no matter the sacrifices, without the harsh, in your face realities a rapper like Em puts forth. Artists like Kanye rap about
the good times in life, the parties, the strippers, the alcohol related memories, and artists like LL Cool J rap about the girl next door, love, and well, Doin It Well. Then there is the RARE artist like Tupac, who was able to rap about it all. And let us not forget that when talking about credibility and what actions merit the loss of it, the greatest rapper of all time (yes this is my editorial so I CAN say Tupac was, and still is the greatest rapper of all time, #ThatIsAll,) took BALLET in high school, and do we all remember the infamous bathtub, gold jewelry spread? So how as a community can we take away credibility from an artist like Wayne because he went to college? Even if you don’t like the Drakes, The Plies, The Kanye’s, they do still rap a relevant message to SOMEONE in the world. But I know what your thinking, because it was this point in the ‘twicussion” as well that this came up: “Well Plies is on Top and he ain’t never rapped about his own life. He’s rapping bout his brother’s life. He ain’t real. He doesn’t represent us.” Thus, an outcry about the lack of representation of the REAL stories in hip hop was heard round twitter. Here’s the Bottom Line: you can’t get mad at Plies for exploiting a system that’s designed to have commercial music make the most money. Plies saw a need and filled it. He’s doing nothing more then Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince did back in 1988. Mainstream America accepts what sells, and just like Bubblegum hip hop was the real seller back in the 1980’s and early 90’s, and songs about BECKY and LOLLIPOPS are what is selling now. Plies is getting paid because he was smart enough to exploit the system as it is now, and he is able to because enough people in the world still support his message and music. And Plies, (who is just an example, we here at The fuSHion Magazine find nothing wrong with making songs about fore-play) and other’s like him will continue to sell until we, not only as members of the hip hop community, but as CONSUMERS, come together as a whole, a united front, and turn off BET, turn off MTV, turn off programs like Flava of Love and Basketball Wives, and turn off the radio that play the same three songs about Becky, and lollipops, and stanky leggs, 37 times an hour, 24 hours a day. We as consumers hold the true power. Again, hip hop is universal, it appeals to the masses, so if we want the masses to have a more accurate idea of what our culture TRULY consists of then we have to stop supporting the outlets that only play commercial music, no matter what they tease and try to hook us with (how many of us are ACTUALLY going to be the one to win $1000 or get our bills paid anyway?) And we HAVE to stop tearing down our own from within our own community simply because we cannot relate to their particular story. Lincoln said it the best, a house divided CAN NOT stand, and we don’t have the right to complain about how were represented or who’s making the money, or who’s on top of the charts if we are not willing to take action to change. If we’re tired of Corporate America retaining 95% of the revenue the hip hop community brings in, then we need to come together to build our own corporation. We need to be in charge of our own destiny, instead of letting the mainstream dictate it for us. A coup starts with the identification of a need, we know that need, now its time to act on that need, and drop the world.
Mz. fuSHion Much Love Always,
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Hello readers, first thank you for getting your copy of The fuSHion Magazine and I know you will enjoy. Okay down to business. My reasons for doing this editorial are not to teach you new words, although if you learn a few new ones that’ll make me proud. Rather this is to inform you of different words that overused and overabused, and let’s face it, played out. My word this month is Typical. Let’s first turn to Webster’s for its definition: 1. Constituting or having the nature of a type 2. Combining or exhibiting the essential characteristics of a group 3. Conforming to a type Why this word? We, at The fuSHion Magazine, get so much music from random places all over the world. Some is really good, some is okay, and others well, we won’t speak of them. But in a lot of the cases rappers get so comfortable with just being a rapper around their hood, that when they do decide they want to become a major entertainer they forget the world has different hoods and sounds. I’m not implying that a hood rapper can’t be himself but if you’re going to be taken seriously in this business being a “Typical” rapper from your hood like thousands of other typical rappers, won’t work. The first thing an entertainer needs to look at is how they are going to market themselves. I’ve recently researched an artist who changed his name, I assume because of the way he initially presented himself wasn’t what his target audience was into. Clearly when you want to sell a product, (you do become a product, whether selling yourself or your CD) you must be in demand by the buyer. The next time you go shopping try doing so in different neighborhoods; in the hood corner store you will find a Chinese or Arab person behind
the counter, t-shirts, hats, and incenses on display behind bullet proof glass. Now go to a store that borders the hood, you will most likely find a man working behind the counter, where they will offer more candy items and soda specials. Now go to a really nice area with palm trees. That corner store will have two or more workers with bright smiling faces, offer food items and gum at the counters. Now these are typical stores depending on the area your in, they understand their targets and how they need to market their products. Something that all three will have in common is beer and single cigars near the register. Let’s face it a store is a store but the way that store markets and promotes their products determines how successful it is in that area. Let’s say you put a hood store in a nice palm tree area. It will get a lot of attention but won’t be there long because it’s not the demand. It turns into a “15 minutes of fame” type deal. But put up a palm tree area store in the upgrade neighborhood and your store is the place to be. There are some exceptions to my theory. Major stores like Shell, Exxon, and Valero are pretty much the same in all areas but the difference is they are already major corporations and have all the perfect spots off the freeway and the best spots at the intersections. I’ve looked at it from your stand point, sometime I hear “my music is who I am”, well keep in mind you make the music, and your actions and reactions, make you who you are. It’s time to start thinking outside the box you grew up in, in this business you don’t just go from A to Z, you have 24 other letters to consider. The faster you learn how to beat out those other letters the more you’re typical lifestyle will change. Now if you’re putting your music out just for your hood, then great, do you, but don’t try and exceed that market without changing up your marketing strategy and get mad when you are rejected. There is a way to not be just another typical artist from the hood and actually become an extraordinary entertainer who made it out the hood. Which Will You Be?
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1. Dorrough and Bobby Valentino 2. Supporters at the Can’t Ban the Truth Town Hall Meeting 3. Show at Trae Town Hall Meeting 4. Lovely Lady at The fuSHion Magazine release party Houston 5. Bun B and Street Artist - Port Arthur TX 6. Troublesum, Trae Tha Truth, and K-Rino at Town Hall Meeting 7. Brittany performing at Industry Influence, New Orleans 8. Big Ram, Trae Town Hall Meeting 9. Cupid 10.Currensy at Trae Town Hall Meeting 11. Brother Deric and Kathie Griffin at Town Hall Meeting 12.DJ EF Cuttin at Industry Influence, New Orleans 13. Lovely Ladies at The fuSHion Magazine release party Houston 14. No More Victims Graduates of 2010 with Trae Tha Truth 15. Dorrough
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16. Baller at The fuSHion Magazine Release Party in Houston 17. Trae’s mama at Town Hall Meeting 18. Kourtney Heart Performing at Industry Influence, New Orleans 19.Happy Graduates of No More Victims Graduation Class 2010 20. Happy Graduates 21. Trae Tha Truth with Members af No More Victims 22. Wild Wayne at Industry Influence, New Orleans 23. The Outsiders at Industry Influence 24. EZ filming at Can’t Ban The Truth Town Hall Meeting 25. Yung Redd, The Grit Boyz and Stacy P - Port Arthur, TX 26. Shida, Jetta, Nette, at The fuSHion Magazine Release Party, TX 27. Marilyn Gambrell of No More Victims, speaking at Town Hall Eating 28. Devin at Town Hall Meeting 29. 2010 No More Victims Graduates 30. Trae and K-Rino at Town Hall Meeting 31. Nuthin But Fire Boyz at Industry Influence, New Orleans 32. Cory Mp, Chinara Butler, Mama C, DJ DBO, Port Arthur, TX
Keep It 100:
Trends
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By: One Hunnidt
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Trends. Our society and culture, especially the urban demographic is ruled by trends. From the way we talk, to the way dress, and even the way we think. Hip hop culture and all media in general definitely has more influence on our actions than many of us may acknowledge. For instance, words like “swagger” and “hater” have always existed. However, in the past few years we have heard these terms in enough songs, interviews, sports broadcasts, and commercials that we have somehow trained ourselves to use them in everyday conversation. In fact “swagger” and “hater” have been reiterated so much that it is definitely high time that we find synonyms to take their places. An obvious trend that we all know but may not give much conscious attention to is fashion. Remember five years ago when every male (regardless of age) was wearing a 3XL or larger Tall Tee that was almost long enough to sweep the floor? Most of us did not even see that style or approve of it until it was swarming in rapper’s videos and spoken of in songs. Soon, just like everything else, the popular kid at school or the club rocked one and not long after all of population followed suit. Now a days the tight fitting shirts, vintage tees, stripes, cardigans, snap back caps, leathers and blank v-necks rule. You would be hard pressed to go to any department store and see a major designer treading outside of the domino effect. Not to mention all of the advertising posters, pictorials and stand up ads with your favorite celebrity rocking the same. Trends rule. It’s also no coincidence in the rise in alcohol sales after an artist mentions specific names of drinks on their tracks. In the 90s it was Hennesey, Crown Royal, and Alize. Nowadays rappers have party people hitting the bar and liquor store to cop some Moscato, Rosé,
Nuvo, Ciroc and Grey Goose. Some of the buyers never even consider these drinks before the popular song got radio play and never even realize where the sudden urge to get the bottles came from. So which comes first, the chicken or the egg? In a world where your number of “followers” defines your worth, where are the TRUE leaders at? Aside from clothing worn, words used, and borrowed beats, who pays attention to artists for more than a hip way to act and look? Furthermore, which artists are trying to fill our subconscious with positive images and concepts, or any that aren’t material? Here’s a thought, what if the only reason so and so wants you to buy such and such product is to mimic an image that they themselves will profit from? Would we be so naive to forget the millions of dollars that celebrities earn by sponsoring certain products and services? Trends change as quickly as hit songs do. Be more mindful of what you do and why; you are what you pay attention to. Although I admit to be a guilty trend follower too, I am 100% anti “spend stupid money to fit in”. Ladies, it makes more sense to have a cheap purse full of money than to have an empty Louis Vuitton you spent thousands to get! Fellas, there is no point in getting those three co-signers to help you put down on the new Benz if it means you may foreclose on your condo! What this world needs now is more positive and soulful leaders. The shallow minded are clearly the majority. To be materialistic and to dress, speak, and think only according to popular consensus is like a pledge of allegiance to #teamtrend (twitter joke). Maybe if we pay a little less attention to reality TV and to what the rich and famous plant in our minds we can move a little closer to the bigger picture. Be a trendsetter. But more importantly, be yourself. Food for thought, get it while it’s hot.
power of littal:
Common: JUST WRIGHT for Acting
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By: Robert Littal
“I Used to Love H.E.R.” is as relevant today as it was many years ago. One of my favorite lines of all time comes from Jay-Z when he said: “Truthfully, I wanna rhyme like Common Sense / but I did five Mil / I ain’t been rhyming like Common since” While Jay was speaking about having to “dumb down his lyrics for dollars,” it also spoke to the respect that Common holds in the hiphop community. But as I stated before, when you are that talented those talents expand into other genres – and one of those genres for Common has been acting. Common has been acting since 2003, but recently has gotten a lot of recognition for his parts in Wanted, Terminator: Salvation, and Date Night, (I love that line when he says Get up now.) Currently, Common is promoting his new movie Just Wright a basketball-themed love story co-starring Queen Latifah. That is where I come in; I was invited to take part in a conference call where Common spoke on various subjects – here are the highlights: On the perception that rappers want to be NBA players and NBA players want to be ballers: I think it is a true perception because where I grew up the ballers and the rappers were our heroes. I still have hoop dreams to this day. I only started rapping when I got injured playing ball and started to make demo tapes. So I have always been connected to basketball in some way.
On being a ball boy for the Bulls during Michael Jordan’s rookie year: MJ had brought in a big radio to the locker room on the first exhibition game. He was playing his music really loud and Rod Thorn (Bulls GM at the time) told him he couldn’t play it, but three exhibition games later he could play what he wanted. By that time everyone knew he was something special. Being next to greatness in its beginning stages was great. On acting: Acting is so much fun to me; I want to do it for the rest of my life. On training for the role of being a NBA player: I trained with the assistant coach of the New Jersey Nets. He trained me like a real NBA player… I was taking 300 shots a day, I really felt like an athlete. I did some pick-up games, but when guys see someone famous they try extra hard to block your shot, so I had to fall back from that. On why it is more than just a basketball movie: It is about love and basketball, but it isn’t the Love and Basketball movie from back in the day. It also has the realistic sports action that guys love. It is about a guy who finds love in an unusual place. You feel good leaving the movie – and inspired. On the current Bulls and Derrick Rose: I think Derrick Rose right now is one of the best guards in the league. I would like D-Wade and Amar’e Stoudemire to come to Chicago. I have put the bug in D-Wade’s ear… we might have to get Oprah involved. The movie Just Wright opened nationwide on May 14th. Definitely gets the RL Approval, so check it out and tell me what you think.
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One thing about hip-hop is that if you have talent, it transcends different boundaries, cultures, and genres. If you are an old-school cat like me, when you think of the rapper Common you go farther back than when he hooked up with Kanye West, when he was Common Sense.
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5 On It . 5
Where are you from? I am from Illinois period. I grew up in Fairview Heights, IL. That’s about 10 mins outside of East St. Louis. Meet Ray Goss is the mixtape you have out currently. Tell us about it. Meet Ray Goss is hosted by Hittmenn DJ County Brown. In my opinion it is an excellent mixtape. So far it has received excellent reviews from magazines, newspapers, the streets, etc. You can go ahead and download that at www.midwestmixtapes.com. It’s FREE, FREE, FREE and worth the listen.
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How did you stay away from making club, and party music like so many other artists from the STL area make? That was easy. I just did me. I don’t know how to anyone else. No knocks, but St. Louis club music is just not my thing. I’m young but my mind is like 45. In my opinion it’s a place in this music game for everything; the club lane is just not mine. I’m not gonna say I would never make a club banger; it just haven’t came under my circumstances yet. I can’t front though, it is hard staying away from making that club song. I think any artist wants to get accepted by his city, but unfortunately for me that’s the scene in St. Louis. It’s cool though, I rocks with the Lou heavy.
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What’s next for Ray Goss? Porn, (laughs.) I’m kidding. The Journey is coming very soon. www.raygossmusic.com is coming soon. Just be on the lookout for the kid. A lot is about to happen I just gotta put it in order, but I’m willing to bet money you’re gonna love it.
With Ray Goss
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Any last words? Shoutout to my momma. It’s Ray Goss You Bastards. Peace.
Words By: Jesse James
Single or in cuddle mode? Don’t break any hearts now... Well right now I am single but in Cuddle Mode with someone. We both are very busy, me with all my modeling projects and traveling and him with training camps and the draft for the NFL. We don’t really have a lot of time together but when we do have time we in cuddle mode. We are not official as a couple but respect each other and support each other’s dreams. Modeling has to expose you to a lot of egos. How do you handle the divas? Wow too many Divas, and I could talk for months, maybe years on this subject because it frustrates me daily! It really upsets me to see models act that way. Like, baby girl we doing the same things why must you act like that. I will admit I have snapped and put out the fire on a few Divas. I mean every model should consider herself a Diva because the confidence helps in this industry but by no means should any model treat another model or the fans as if they are beneath them. Does height influence your decision making in picking men? Give us 5’2” & under guys some hope. Sorry guys but I do like tall guys. Mind you I am in heels most of the time so I want someone taller than me when I’m in my heels.
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Do you have to make compromises to reach goals in your industry? Within the modeling industry you have to be specific with the word compromising! And I say that because there are ladies whom call themselves “models” but do a lot of unprofessional things from having sex with artists, nude pictures, etc to make it. You will never find me in a situation like that. Every single thing I’ve been a part of or done has been handled in a professional manner. I refuse to give in to being a part of that stereotype because it’s worthless. You only get so far when you go that route; you’re just stuck up in someone’s video! I want more out of modeling, experience, fashion designing, photography, and model casting director, etc because I know eventually this body might not look like it looks right now so I’m looking toward the future. Yogi Bear, Fred Flintstone, Any Color Teletubbie. Love one, Cheat with one, Marry one; GO: I would love the green teletubbie cause he seems like a freak (laughs.) I would cheat with Yogi cause it might be interesting doing things in the woods, and I would marry Fred Flintstone cause he could make the Bedrock (laughs,) that’s so lame right? And don’t be judging me by these answers people! I’m a good girl. Last but not least you know we gotta show love to the stalkers. How can they find you? You can find me on MySpace (www.myspace.com/hollyradaniels), www.twitter.com/hidefalicious, search Holly HiDef Daniels on facebook, hollyradaniels@gmail.com, and my Official Website www.hollyhidefdaniels.com. Think that’s plenty of stalking avenues (laughs.)
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HollY “HiDef” Daniels
Measurements: 34-24-38 Height: 5’5 Ethnicity: African American Hometown: Austin, Texas
The Triple Threats
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Veronica “Vee”
Measurements: 32-24-35 Height: 5’6 Ethnicity: Nigerian& Mexican Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Where might have we seen you? My debut was in the Baby Bash ft. Pitbull Outta Control video, I am also a lead model in Treal Lee & Prince Rick’s Mr Hit Dat video, Jet Beauty of the week in March 2010 and shooting an MTV reality show Re-Making Of A Video Vixen. Are you single, caking it, or in between? In between caking and being single (laughs.) Working within an industry that’s so male dominated how do you avoid becoming a “casting couch” model? Being a model is so much more than a pretty face. I have the brains and personality to back it up! Who’s got a better chance of landing a date? The boy in the skinny jeans and smedium T, the boy in the saggy jeans and the 4x tee or the boy in cargos and a backpack? Cargos and a backpack! I love smart guys. Without hesitation your favorite album of all time. Wow! Too many to decide. Maybe Lady Gaga’s Fame Monster Riley from the Boondocks, Sherk, Daffy Duck. Love one, Marry One, Cheat with one. GO: Love Daffy, Cheat with Riley and Shrek?? Really?!?! Sunday - Shopping or football? Shopping. Outkast or UGK? Outkast!
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How can the stalkers get at you? Follow Me on Twitter @MsVee90
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Measurements: 33-25-34 Height: 4’11 Ethnicity: Mexican Hometown: Austin, Texas
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Gina Marie
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Where might have we seen you? I’ve been in one independent music video Live by JohnnyDsst feat. Jay Chapa and Fat Pimp shot by Bryan Ramirez of Irez Productions. I’ve also done some promotional modeling with Elev8tion at the Go DJ Conference at Club Cirque in Dallas, TX as well The Los Magnificos Car Show in Houston, TX at Reliant Stadium. Are you solo dolo, wifed up, or takin apps for Boyfriend #2? I’m currently wifed up. He’s a great partner too, supports me and my modeling career. Some people have a guy that doesn’t support them or is very insecure about her doing shoots or videos, but mine is the complete opposite. He knows that this is something that I want to do and something that I can be great at, so he backs me 100%, & vice versa. Without hesitation what’s your favorite album of all time? Man! You have me at a loss with this question; I have so many favorites that I can only narrow it down to 3. Wiz Khalifa is definitely one of my favorite artists, his music is great! To date Flight School, Lil Wayne’s The Carter II, and Rick Ross’ Deeper Than Rap! How do you keep your business business in such a sex driven industry? I believe that business should always be just that, business. I wouldn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize my success. I would rather be known for my credentials in projects instead of extracurricular activities, if you know what I mean (laughs.) Are you I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T or looking for a SPONSOR? There’s nothing wrong with a man spoiling you with gifts but there’s some pride and satisfaction when getting or doing something on your own. Just knowing that IF I were solo dolo and I could still get by, take care of myself, my responsibilities, and do my thang, makes me feel like a Woman! Roger Rabbit, Road Runner, or Jerry. Love One, Marry One, Cheat with one. GO: Love and marriage go hand in hand for me and you gotta love someone who can make you laugh, so I would have Roger Rabbit as both. The other 2 don’t talk so how am I gonna be interested in their asses to marry or cheat, (laughs.) Tupac Or Biggie? Definitely a big Tupac fan. He was so live, and his music was so raw. Definitely the ONLY man that can rock a nose ring & a bandanna backwards! Anyone else just looks ridiculous, but Pac pulled it off and was still sexy. How can the stalkers get at you? I have a Twitter account (Twitter.com/PrettyInPurp), Model Mayhem account (Model Mayhem #1717565) and a MySpace Page (Myspace.com/Ginaous). Email for booking is BookGinaPerez@gmail.com or Elev8tionModeling@gmail.com.
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For those who haven’t downloaded or copped it, explain the concept and vision behind The Other Side Of The Fence. The title speaks for itself. I just tried to come from left field. Like, dare to be different.
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For TOSOTF mixtape you went the unconventional route, not really sampling any current hits, you even went so far as to sample Hotel California by The Eagles. What was the methodology for going that route? Basically I did what I knew to do, and that was be myself. I didn’t wanna be typical and release something similar to my peers. And I think I made a good decision.
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Since releasing TOSOTF you’ve done a lot of traveling: ATL, Cali, Vegas... Are you networking, in the studio, or just taking a break? Atlanta and LA were both recording, basically working w/ different producers and somewhat trying to brand a sound. I recorded most of the departure in LA. What can we except from The Departure? It’s a little different from the previous. With this one I was honored to be taken under the wing by a veteran producer, Kenoe. He’s really been showing me the ropes and helping me develop as an overall artist. There will be more radio singles on The Departure. As oppose to TOSOTF which was strictly underground hip hop. I feel like it really shows my growth, plus I have more features than the TOSOTF, including Big Sean, Trey Songz, J Dawg, Deandre Wright, Titty Boy, and more. What’s your purpose for coming into the game? Money, fame, to influence change, or just as a means to tell your story? I have a serious love for hip hop, period. I get a rush off people enjoying and relating to my music. Of course we all would love to make money off of a craft that we put our hearts in, but this comes from love. Who or what influences your music and why? I’m influenced by successful figures. Not so much as rappers but people who strive to achieve something and obtain it. That’s a feeling I grind to experience. What’s gotten you to this point? What are some of the things you were forced to overcome or experience to get you to the
houston: propain Words By Mz fuSHion
mind state you are now? I feel like faith is the only thing that’s gotten me to this point. Prayer and a little hard work can take you a long way. I went from working at Home Depot 40 hours a week to 3 weeks after my mixtape dropped being in LA working alongside top producers like Kenoe and Chase-n-Cashe. That’s nothing but belief in the man upstairs. As a new artist, what do you think it’s going to take for you to make an impact on the industry? For Houston to get back on top? I think Houston just has to take our own identity back. I feel like H-Town doesn’t get the respect it deserves. It’s a lot of very talented artists in this city. Hopefully the way the industry views us is about to change. What sets you apart from all the other up and coming artists in Houston? Across the industry? I think every single person is different; they just don’t wanna realize it. It’s very easy to set yourself apart from a crowd because God only created one of you. I love and respect a lot of rappers but when it’s all said and done I want Propain to be the next Propain. You’ve been doing a lot of big shows. What was like opening for TI? How would you describe your experience at the recent Memorial Day concert? That was my biggest show to date; a very memorable experience. To have fans singing the words to my song kinda had me speechless. I also was able to bring my homie J Dawg on to rock the stage with me. I loved it. The Memorial Day show was great too, it’s always a honor to hit the stage with H-Town legends. With the recent rise in popularity of artists like Lupe, B.o.B, Common, etc, do you think it gives you a better chance of breaking into the industry given the message you’re trying to send? Yea I would like to think so. I really don’t consider myself a conscious rapper but I continue to find my name in that boat. (Laughs,) so I guess I’m going to have to run with it. How do you think the rise in popularity of conscious hip hop is going to influence the industry as a whole? I think the game is coming back around, back to the days of being original. And that’s a huge plus for conscious hip hop.
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Wh ou Sle B epi een n’ O n:
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n e e B u o y o : Wh n O ’ n i p e e Sl
What is the story behind The Box Boys Movement? Are you guys a group? What’s the deal? The Box Boyz/Box Boy Movement started with some of the best young artists, producers, performers and more coming together from every division of Denver with the same goal, to be the best we can be and provide good music to our city. I wouldn’t call us a group, more like a Band of Brothers with individual talents. There’s BBz in sports, acting, modeling and more, across America right now. It’s a humble feeling seeing people throw up the BOX. WE ARE HERE TO UNIFY COLORADO TALENT AND COLORADO MUSIC. To what do you attribute the buzz you currently have? The support of my family, friends, partners, supporters, clients, DJs, and the internet. Without them and GOD how would people even hear my songs, see my graphics? I owe it to the people in my corner to do my best in whatever I’m doing. So how exactly are you using the internet to expand your sound? I use it to stay on top of the latest musical trends and falls. Blogs and forums will tell you a lot about what the people wanna hear. How are you building your brand outside of CO? Using this internet thang to its full potential. Sending tracks and graphic examples to all parts of the nation. Traveling from city to city as frequently as I can. I Just got back from Dallas, Florida and Atlanta in a 2 week span, spending about 4 days in each city pushing promo CDs and flyers, having photo shoots, going to events, shows, and mixers with my laptop ready for whatever. There’s nothing like walking before you start talking. I like showing what I do before I start talking bout what I do. Explain the logic behind pushing so many singles at once. Being in college I hear how people listen to different stuff considering where they are from. I’m pushing so many, all for different parts of the nation to get buzz in those sections. Different areas and audiences are gonna adopt and welcome certain songs. So I have hip hop/club bangers like I’m Fiyah and Lights, Camera, Action, then I have songs like Supa Lovin and pop/dance tracks I’m also about to release. I just want people to hear me and get familiar with my many sounds. How did you link up with DJ Ill Will? Through a mutual friend/client. I did their mixtape cover which DJ Ill Will was hosting. Ill Will hit me needing a cover done after see-
Why do you think Ill Will is working with so many CO Artists? Who initially turned him onto the Denver music scene? I think him and others are starting to see that there is BIG talent in this state. We had a conversation about it I really can’t remember his exact words but he said something like he see’s talent and respects it. Has the ease of access to major players via social networking sites like twitter oversaturated the industry? I don’t think so. If an artist is making good music and has a following their following only gets closer to them through networks like twitter. Shows the fans they are people too. They have problems and go through things just like they do. They said the same thing about MySpace and look how many artists have got their shot because of MySpace. Where does the Denver hip hop scene stand right now? I feel it’s really close to being a major factor in this industry. A lot of artist actually come out of Colorado, 3OH3!, The Fray, just to name a few. I think people underestimate where these hits on the radios are coming from. Next time you hear a song on a major album no matter the genre look at the credits. Who wrote the record? Who produced it? Where was it recorded? I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s at least one major song that has Colorado on it in some way. What sets you apart from other up and coming artists? My grit attitude. I produce my track, write it, either rap and or sing on it; I make a song and promote it. I’m also a real humble type of dude ya heard me, I’m willing to work with anyone who wanna work with me. Any Major artists or shows you’ve worked with or done? Any show I do is major to me and my team. Another chance to make major impact on someone’s opinions of my music. I’ve been working with DJ Frank E, other major producers and my Studio Geek team working on getting placements and making hits. Jae Millz mixtape cover and Lil Twists made a major impact in my career. Shoutout to Young Money and the HotNewHipHop.com family. What are you working on now? Teamed up with DJ Frank E and Atlantic producing and writing more main stream pop and hip-hop radio hits. I’m playing Danja till my Handz are Noticed if you get that. Just released my latest mixtape I’m Just a College Kid. I’m steady grittin till I can’t grit no more. Anything you want to add? My city needs to band together to be heard. That goes for everybody. Be on the lookout for Late For Class, coming soon.
denver: Pries Words By Mz fuSHion
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Where are you originally from? Where are you repping? I’m from the turf (Denver) born and raised. I love when people say I look L.A. but sound like my soul is in the South. The reaction when I say I’m from Denver is FIYAH. I rep my city and all cities in the U.S. and overseas. They inspire me with different sounds and genres.
ing my work. The partnership started from there. He noticed my music, liked it I’m guessing (laughs,) pushed out my single I’m Fiyah to hotnewhiphop.com. From there we decided to help each other. I appreciate him and all the other DJs pushing and playing my tracks now. You’re a fool to not respect the DJs pushing and trying out new music.
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Which came first: Graphic design or Rap? Crazy thing is singing and dancing actually came first. When I was in elementary I could dance like an older experienced dancer so I would do high school talent shows. The reactions were crazy, I loved that ish ya heard me. I learned graphics and computer programming in middle school. Of course I used it to my advantage (laughs.) There’s nothing better than being excused from classes cause your fixing teachers’ mess ups. I realized I had an ultimate talent for graphics when I was in high school; at the same time my voice was changing and I started rapping and producing more. So I guess we can say my music and graphics grew together!
n e e B u o h W : n O ’ n i p e e Sl From the outside looking in, most of the hip hop community has a pretty narrow view of the type of music that comes out of the DDD area, being that it’s all dance and/or club music. As an artist how do you combat or embrace that? They haven’t heard my music yet. I try to stay in my own lane as much as possible; many may think I jus got the Club Single I Like That working or movin but when my independent album Posted, Loaded, Floatin drops, they will see.
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That being said, you don’t have a “typical” Dallas sound or delivery. What do you attribute that too? My Producers, Dangerous MC’s, and my circle. It’s all about bein solid and consistent.
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Where do you want to go as an artist? Can you do that from Dallas? There is no specific destination to where I’m trying to go and yes I can do it from Dallas. We have the number 5 market which is a plus. So yes I feel I can from here. How did you link up with DJ Merk and N Genius? We actually met at K104 Super Bowl party in 2008 but I joined NG in Oct. of 2009. Merk basically reached out to me after hearing my show CD for one night I opened for Dorrough. He text and said that he would possibly want to talk to me about bringing me to the label. It happened and we went straight to work. How is the situation you’re in now with N’Genius different from venturing out as a completely independent artist? It’s a struggle without a great team behind you so being with the label helps me as far as connecting me with DJs across the country. Visuals became a plus. A lot of things that were weaknesses became stronger being a part of NG. How much of a role does Dorrough play in your career and the day to day operations of N’Genius? Is he merely a peer, a label mate, or does he play a bigger role in the business side of the label? Dorrough is actually signed to N’Genius and always on the road so I wouldn’t say he has a day to day impact but he does play a big role on the business side. Since the internet has taken over the industry it’s become over-
dallas: lil tony Words By Mz fuSHion
saturated with artists, music, and videos, downloads, links, and .coms. How do you market and separate yourself and your product from the growing mass of others? I mean I been in the streets and if you got the streets everybody else will follow the trend. I basically try to out work other artists and stay focused on my career. LilTony214.com The dance movement put Dallas on the map; much like Screw and a more laid back approach put Houston on the national stage. How do you see the city evolving in years to come? The city is starting to realize that we have to come together, in years to come I see Dallas as a dynamic spot for Hip Hop. How important is unity amongst Dallas artists? Is Dallas as unified a city as it could be? Unity is very important amongst Dallas artists but hell nah Dallas isn’t as unified as it could be. We need to work on that. How do you feel about the Teach me How to Dougie video sensation that came outta Cali? How is it impacting the city? I don’t worry about nothin outside my circle but it did have people mad and it was actually funny to see what was started here expand to there. What’s your purpose for becoming an artist? Outside of the glitz and glamour, is there a deeper purpose? What is your ultimate goal? The goal is to feed my family and represent my city like no other. Finish this sentence: If I wasn’t rappin..... I would have put all my time into basketball. Are you taking on anything outside of simply making music? Jus music. Maybe Directing one day. What are you working on now? Posted, Loaded, Floatin my debut independent album in stores and online summer 2010 and a lot of mixtapes. Anything you want to add? Triple Gs is the click NG is the label. SEE US NOW OR SEE US ON TV SOON.
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Wh ou Sle B ee ep n in’ On :
You started off in the industry at a young age doing other things that weren’t related to making music. When did you realize this is what you wanted to do as a career? After being locked up, that was a wake up call for me. I felt like I wanted to do something better but that was putting me somewhere I couldn’t even shine. So, I called my manger Johnny and told him I was ready to do this music game full-time. How would you describe your style and why? And what do you feel you can bring to the table as an artist? My style is all the way street. That’s where I come from. I’m out here on some real music. When it comes to what I bring to the table I feel like I bring energy & hunger along with consistency. I work hard on consistency because in this business it seems like you’re only as good as your last record. For me every record I put out has to be good so that my name becomes associated with good music. So how do you feel you rank against top music talents today? My position right now is great thanks to my grind and Hushmoney Management. For me, I look at competition as a way to
Who and what are your influences? I’m influenced by my son, my city, my rap family, my producer, and seeing other cultures. I take in everything because I just know I must stay prepared and make my self ready to talk or spit about anything, all while connecting it to my life. Other artists have an influence on me so I know I can have an influence on other artists too. Zone Money is becoming a major record in the streets, on the radio, and in the club. What was the initial inspiration behind the record? We were aiming for a street record that could also be a club record and have the energy that could appeal to everyone. From Ohio to Atlanta to Texas we wanted a movement that everyone could relate too. Since traveling I’ve noticed that a lot of cities are broken down by zones and every side has a different way of hustling, but were all connected because we live in zones. So it’s something familiar to a lot of people. To top it off I’m also shouting out the DJs. You’re out here in the streets pretty heavy, what other records have you been hearing that are making a lot of noise? When I’m in the streets I’ve been hearing a lot of Skent Dukes, Beat Gang, Waka Flocka, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, and that boy Gucci. It’s Summer time, so a lot of people are making new music and dropping hot stuff. Got to keep up. What else are you working on and when can we expect to hear more from you? Right now I got the Mixtape coming real soon. The video shoot for the single, Zone Money, is also coming up pretty soon. But I’m always on twitter letting everybody know what’s going on. Follow me and you will see the movement @cj_hushmoney!
Cleveland: cj platinum Words By Lola Sims
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Where does the name CJ Platinum come from? My name is a street name so I just kept it all the way natural. It represents who I am as a person so it can represent who I am as an artist. It’s all me that I rap about, from experiences that happen here and there to everyday life.
make champions. So, I’m always ready to compete for the top spot. If you can’t compete or don’t want to compete then this is the wrong industry for you.
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Hailing from Cleveland, OH, CJ Platinum is an artist that raps it how he lives. Not one for following the latest fad, instead walking to his own beat, he has solidified himself a space to be heard. For the past couple of month’s his single, Zone Money has been buzzing throughout the Midwest and now in the South. With CJ Platinum continuing to make a name for himself one block at a time, his record has gotten the legs it needs to walk right on out of here. We recently sat down with CJ to hear all about Zone Money and the CJ Platinum movement.
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Cali: DJ ill will - canada: DJ rockstar
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The mixtape game has long been known as the one TRUE outlet in which an artist can put thought to music in regards to how they really feel, without having to worry about what the label would or would not accept depending on what image they were molding him into.
Masters of The tables:
However with the recent digital boom album sales have plummeted, while mixtapes from major, independent, and up-andcoming artists have litterally flooded the streets, stores, airwaves, and internet.
chill, behind the scenes type of guy who likes to handle the technical aspect a little more than me, and doesn’t desire the limelight at all.
Rockstar - Honestly, just always makin mix CDs for friends, they were always shocked that I had music no one else had heard about and the influence of the big DJs those days like DJ Drama, DJ Skee & Big Mike, who are still goin strong today. How has the overall status/role of the DJ changed since you first came into the industry? IW - I think the DJ used to be just considered the guy who spins the records in the club, but so many DJ’s have opened other paths to broaden the meaning of the term “DJ.” Whether it’s through radio, mixtapes, albums, touring, to even becoming the record executives and artist themselves. RS - The DJ used to be the guy who would just spin records in the club or radio but these days a “DJ” promotes artists, helps market them, puts together the whole mixtape, even to the extent of pickin out the beats and collabos, and also have a strong online presence. Aside from your work together what do you have your hands in? Any solo projects or other business ventures? IW - Yeah we got a pretty nasty lineup of mixtapes dropping this summer with some of the biggest artists in the game but me and RockStar also started our own label The Alumni Music Group, and just signed our first artist who you will be seeing a lot of real soon!! Also, I am working on my own album right now called “Tha Alumni.” It is getting bigger than what I imagined it to be so I am going to fine tune it and hopefully I can finish that up this summer as well! RS - Yes, I recently started managing artists and producers which you will be hearin more about very soon. I also have my hand in a couple other websites. Don’t wanna say too much yet though. How did you both initially link up? IW - Basically we really clicked on having the same taste in music and it lead to building a working relationship from that. Plus we are polar opposite personalities so it just kinda works I guess. I am in your face and always representing the face of our brand and RockStar is more
RS - A lot of people don’t know this but I am the actual Creator of HotNewHipHop. How has HNHH impacted your career? IW - I think it has given me a direct pipeline to the music consumer/ fan to feed them the music they desire on a daily basis. In my eyes the 100% toughest part of this game is being HEARD, and HNHH is such a big site, that’ll never be an issue for me or anyone I work with fortunately. HNHH gets over 250K unique visitors per day so just imagine the opportunity to give your music to that many people on a daily basis. Not just ANY 250k people, but 250k people who actually want it!! But it wasn’t a handout just given to me I have been working with them since they were getting 13k uniques a day. I just saw the early formula and believed it would be huge and in return I helped HNHH get cosigned by the artists and labels as more of an industry accepted site and not just a fan site anymore. RS - Bein from Canada, I think it was harder to get heard and harder to link up with artists so I created the website to build my name and find people to work with, and the impact was crazyyyy. As soon as we started, I found Ill Will, who had his West Coast artists and it just clicked. If i didnt have HNHH, I’d prolly still be doin a 9 to 5 somewhere. You’ve done a lot of work with Indy artists especially recently. How do you chose which Indy artists you work with or does it simply boil down to a budget situation? IW - First off, I try to let it be organic as possible, usually I have met the artists or the artist knows someone I already know or work with. Or I may have heard their name quite a bit on the streets or just word of mouth. Secondly, if an artist is dope enough a budget isn’t always needed. If I really believe in an artist and love their music I will be happy to break them because I want to be a part of THEIR movement. But to keep it funky this is music business so typically I am being compensated for my work when breaking a new artist, I just ensure that it’s reasonable and that the artist gets their money’s worth from my work. But that doesn’t mean that I am motivated by the money. If an artist isn’t hot I just won’t do the project. There isn’t enough money in the world to co-sign something that sucks, that’s just bad for my brand and I don’t ever want to lose the trust and respect of the real fans by co-signing trash for money. Words By: Mz. fuSHion
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How did you get your start in the game? What made you want to pursue the art of DJing? Ill Will - It started as more of a hobby for me, just putting together a mixtape with local LA artists that I knew, to help promote their music; but once I got more into it I started fine tuning it to make it bigger and it just ended up being something way larger than initially anticipated. After my first project a lot of local artists started reaching out and it just spiraled from there into something bigger.
How did you get started with Hot New Hip hop? IW - They saw what I was doing with the LA artists and the owner of the site is a huge West coast music fan so they reached out just to say they appreciate what I was doing. We talked more from there and honestly I just believed in the site early on and they believed in what I was doing so we partnered up and since have built each other’s brands cohesively.
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If there were a DJ Totem Poll, right now mixtape DJs would hold the highest position. And if their were a mixtape DJ chief, the in your face DJ Ill Will, and the ever elusive, behind-thescenes DJ Rockstar would share the title, and they show no signs of giving it up.
RS - It was pretty simple actually, he sent me a song through HotNewHipHop (before it was ever big), I recognized his name so I responded and realized we have similar taste in music. He was one of the only people I met who could keep up with me when it comes to our music library.
RS - Fisrt off, when someone asks me “how much do I charge for a mixtape?,” I NEVER RESPOND! Before talkin bout a budget, you gotta be dope. Mostly I find artists by either meetin them or if they send me a song that I enjoy either through Twitter or other social media outlets.
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How do you find and mold new talent? Or do you stick with mixtapes when it comes to up and coming artists and their careers? IW - I don’t really try to mold artists per se, I think that isn’t really a good look for anyone. An artist should always do themselves and not be anything other than who/what they want to be. I just listen and guide artists into making whatever they are doing into a bigger sound or offer my opinion on how they can make a bigger impact. I try to find new talent by always keeping my eyes and ears open at all times and try to never be too cool to just listen to and consider someone else’s opinion or thoughts about new artists. If you find real fans you won’t be too far from finding new talent. The real fans don’t need a label or MTV to tell them what is hot. Usually the youngsters dictate or know what’s the next big thing before anyone else does. As long as you keep an ear open to the youth and the real fans the dope new artist will find you and not vice versa.
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RS - We are definitely always lookin for new talent, and there is a lot out there. Lots of artists don’t know anythin about the music industry but are very talented so we try and steer them in the right direction What’s the Cali music hip hop scene like right now? Will it ever return to the position of dominance it was at the beginning of the decade? IW - I think the youngsters are starting a new movement out here that could really catch on nationally. YG from Compton, Skeme from Inglewood, Tyga, Cold Flamez, New Boyz, Ya Boy etc are all making mainstream, non regional music which I think will be the key to the Cali scene coming back to prominence. The typical “West Coast sound” is just not winning outside of Europe or the OG’s in the hood. Let’s be honest, the youngsters and people outside of the hood don’t really care about chucks and khakis and low riders anymore. The only way to get the West back on top is to accept that and stop stereotyping our own sound and evolve into what the fans really want to hear. How has the rise of independents impacted Cali’s rap game? IW - Maybe in the bay it has but not in LA so I can’t really say it has impacted anything that I am really aware of. How has being from Canada impacted the road to where you are now? Has it helped or hindered your career? How does it influence your perception of the industry? RS - When I started, I thought it would be tough but these days you can be anywhere and get heard just as easily as anyone else, (i.e. Drake, Justin Bieber.) The internet has changed everything. What’s the Canadian hip hop scene like? How far does it varie from the United States? RS - They are very different because first of all United States has literally 10x more the population then we have so they’re bound to have more talent, more competition and more listeners. Plus HipHop in general is bigger in the states than it is here. If you really wanna get noticed and your from Canada, you have to make music that both Canadians and Americans can relate too. How has Drake’s sudden influence over the entire industry impacted Canadian Hip Hop and the urban community as a whole? RS - I think Drake paved the way for any Canadian Hip Hop artist to have a chance. He is the first Canadian Hip Hop artist who’s considered an A-list artist everywhere.
How has the mixtape game involved in recent years? Is it helping or hurting your careers? The industry? IW - I think that due to decline in Hip-Hop album sales the mixtape game has boomed. Now since a label will only put out albums with artists that they feel like they can bank on it leaves the other artists on the label needing a way to stay relevant. In my eyes the only real way to do that is to put out a mixtape; otherwise it might be years between albums where nobody hears anything from you and you might lose your relevancy. This is why even the biggest artists in the game are dropping mixtapes, they know that it is key to the success of their popularity and relevancy in this game. Even R&B artists are joining in the mixtape movement like Chris Brown, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, The-Dream, etc. It definitely is the most important aspect of breaking new artists to the fans, look at Drake, Gucci Mane, Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, and Tyga. RS - Well it has its ups and downs, but I think in general it has blown up. You gotta do a mixtape these days before right before your album drops. And it’s not only songs that were leftover from an album. Artists make different type of music for a mixtape, they say stuff they wouldn’t usually say on an album, it’s more raw, not just freestyles over played out beats. If you want your mixtape to be heard, you gotta have original content. I think it helps producers and artists to get noticed too, as well helps them work together and get a feel before they drop an album. What’s the proper, or in your opinion most successful way of marketing a mixtape? IW - I think everyone has their own personal opinion on what works best. Some people think street distribution, some think store distribution. Me personally, I think the best and easiest way is online distribution. If you can build your traffic and network online you can distribute a mixtape to hundreds of thousands, if not millions of fans within minutes. The cost of that in man hours and pressing up CDs for distribution would never compare in my eyes, but if you have all three... uh oh! RS - Get all original content, brand new hot ass beats from some dope producers, record the whole mixtape. Once done, drop your three hottest tracks as singles online a couple weeks apart, and promote the date your dropping. With the internet and social networking came an ease of access by up and comers to major players in the industry that had never existed before. How has that affected how you approach the game? IW - I embrace them. It’s another outlet to promote your brand and name to a different market so of course it’s a great thing for both artists and DJ’s alike. RS - I embrace the social networks; they’re great promotional tools especially for up and comers who don’t have money to spend on advertising. I personally just use Twitter but if I wasn’t already known I’d be on all of em. What do you feel is the difference between an “internet” DJ so to speak and a DJ in the more traditional sense of the term? Is there one or is the internet critical to any DJs career? IW - I think the term internet DJ is often associated with people who hide behind a DJ name and just upload music they find floating around the net to mixtape websites. Nobody really knows who they are or where they are from. They can usually be associated with “pause” mixtapes or mixtapes that have no transition or mixing. Really the DJ bullies and extremists are the only ones who care about that shit at all, the fans don’t. Me personally I think some of them could take a little more pride in what they do or be more professional but I think a lot of times these “internet DJs” are just super fans and are only doing it for
fun or because they enjoy it, so I don’t put too much energy in focusing on it I just do what I think is best for me and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. But I think any DJ that is winning in this game has to embrace the internet in some sort of way otherwise they will be missing out. Look at the biggest names in the DJ game; they all have a strong online game whether it be Drama, Skee, Whookid, Khaled, Clue or whoever. Anyone that thinks they are too big to embrace the internet for business is an idiot and needs to re-evaluate what they are gonna do for a living in the very near future. RS - An Internet DJ is someone who puts together mixtapes as well as drops new exclusive music online once in a while but without havin the rights to it. The traditional DJ is someone who spins in the clubs and plays the hottest and latest music, does promotion for artists, helps put together mixtapes directly with the artist and drops new exclusive music almost everyday from the artists he works with.
What’s your current focus? IW - My current focus is expanding my brand so that I can’t be put in a box as just a Mixtape DJ. I am shooting videos now, putting together an album, running my own label, shopping a clothing line and setting up an international tour. Hopefully that will do it but I am always keeping my eye open for the next move as well. The mixtape game is my bread and butter so I am not gonna stray too far from what I do best though!! RS - I’m currently focusin on managing some artists and producers and hopefully helping them get heard as well as workin on my record label with my partner Ill Will. What are you working on now? IW - Stay tuned to @Deejayillwill on twitter I don’t want to let the cat out the bag or spoil the fun on anything but trust I got some stuff up my sleeve! RS - Too many things, you’ll just have to wait and see. Anything you want to add? IW - Thanks for your time and make sure to check out any of my previous work on www.hotnewhiphop.com and datpiff.com or stay tuned to my twitter @deejayillwill for my new stuff! RS - Follow me on twitter: @RealDJRockstar, lookout for The Alumni & Cuff Yo Chick! Also, Shoutout to all the DJs out there doin they thing.
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RS - I feel the internet has completely changed the game, anyone, anywhere can hear your music a couple seconds after you’ve finished recording it. That was impossible in the past. It’s also the reason why there are so many leaks and less album sales. But after all, times change, you gotta adapt to it. As for the future, watch and see.
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How do you feel the internet has impacted the industry as a whole? Where is the industry headed? IW - Can’t wait to see....
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A Year in the Life of The South’s Most Notorious Asshole
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here was a time when Hip Hop was a voice, an outlet to express the emotions, struggles, and triumphs of an all too over-looked and underappreciated culture. Then, mainstream America took notice of what was quickly becoming the voice of a generation and as its voice grew louder corporate America capitalized. That’s when the core started to break down, and values were forgotten. Shear determination, desire, and sacrifice for the smallest ounce of recognition, of success, was replaced by who you know, who knows you, and how much of yourself you’re willing to sacrifice to gamble with the politics of the industry. The importance of lyrics was replaced by the feeling of the beat; the beat was replaced by the visual appeal of the next dance move. With the rise in popularity of hip hop to the masses, the principles on which that appeal was founded was forgotten. Somewhere along the way commercial success and marketability replaced talent and the will to succeed, and the standards by which we gauged success. We evolved from grey cassettes to re-writable, Sharpie scribbled CDs, to a high end graphics game that is often times better than the music it is representing. As hip hop has risen to being the universal sound, so to have the salaries and profits margins, for those willing to exploit the craft for capital gain, and with that we have lost apart of ourselves in the process. There is, however, a silver lining. There have been rappers, artists, in the industry who haven’t been swayed by what the mainstream says you must do to be successful, there are rappers who will never have ass shaking bootylicious bubbly bimbos plastered across they’re video just to make it into BET’s rotation. There are artists who have refused to dumb down, or fabricate their lyrics simply to appeal to the stereotype that hip hop has become. For these few rappers, who haven’t compromised the message they are trying to convey, the road is much longer, much sharper, and much more difficult to overcome. Most lose themselves in the process, never reaching the summit, becoming a victim of circumstance or of their own undoing. Trae Tha Truth has never been one to play the victim though. Between Bobbleheads, Babies, and Bans, he’s experienced more in the last year then most rappers do in their entire careers. This is the story of that year. This is a year in the life of the South’s Most Notorious Asshole… Feel free to take notes…
Words By: Mz fuSHion
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Trae Day - July 22, 2009 The last time we talked to you, this time last year, you were in the middle of the prison tour with Slim Thug. What have you been doing since? I’ve been doing my thing in the community. Reaching out to some of the young people, some involved with gangs, some of the inmates just trying to get back home. I’m workin on my solo album; you know I haven’t dropped a solo album in two and a half years. The Truth is on the way, and it’s going to be a certified classic album. It features Jada Kiss, Rick Ross, Game, Shawty Lo, Young Buck, too many people to name, Plies, Slim Thug, it is what it is. A lot of the things I do with the community overshadow my music, but this album is going to be the one to bring it back for the state.
How were you able to get so many celebrities involved with the event? In the industry there’s really no one out that I don’t deal with. These are all like brothers to me; you know I deal with them on a personal level. I reached out to a few, and it turned out to be a long line of them, but that’s even more beautiful you know? The kids get to come together and kick it with us. We’re throwing a big block party and its free. I told them with this event it’s not about money; no matter how much I spent I still wanted it to be free. I wasn’t out here trying to think of ways to make quick come-ups, because if you do that it ain’t genuine, from the heart you know? Why are you so concerned and involved with the welfare of the community? Comin from this lifestyle, we been in the streets. I got a brother doing three life sentences, I used to be a lil young cat runnin in the streets, and everybody used to call me lil homie, now they call me big homie, I gotta be out here for ‘em. If I’m not out here to help who’s going to be out here to help them? Who’s going to be out here to guide some of the youth? How do you plan on expanding it year after year? I don’t know, I just take it a day at a time. As long as I’m out here living I’m always going to do the same thing regardless of if its Trae Day of if it ain’t. So aside from that what are you doing for the community? Make music for the streets. They call me The King of the Streets. I am the voice for what they got goin on out here because I lived this life. I’m kind f like the Savior for the streets, kind of like they’re last hope because a lot of people ain’t really been doin what needs to be done. I’m still out here representin the right way, so it’s always gonna be a good thing. What’s going on with your new charity? Angels By Nature: A Better Neighborhood. It’s about rehabilitating inmates, the children of incarcerated parents, youth gangs, after school programs. I’m trying to specialize in everything. You know I’m in these streets to the point I live this life, and I just want to show them that even though I lived this life, and you feel like you may want to live this life, there’s still other ways to be ok out here. That’s why I do what I’m doin.
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What all goes into the preparation of events like Trae Day? How much time, energy, and resources go into producing such a large, free, community event? I decided that I wanted to make it a fun day for the kids. With it being my day, I wanted to make it a holiday for the streets. My preparation was getting the school supplies, getting the gifts, the rides, clowns, face paints, everything.
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How did you end up getting your own day recognized by the community? It had to be God. That’s not something that you can ask for, it gets brought to you. It had to be that man up above. The Mayor’s Office, Councilman Peter Brown, Ms Kathy Griffin, they went to bat for me. They believed I should have my own day, and they gave me the strength to believe like them, and they made it happen.
Shots rang out that night, and the repercussions are still felt almost a year later, but not for the reasons one would think. Over 9000 people attended Trae Day, Hundreds of AIDS test were administered and thousands of immunizations shots and school supplies were given to the children in attendance, giving them the tools they needed for a successful school year. Thousands enjoyed free rides and jumping castles, and were entertained by major artists including, Slim Thug, Shawty Lo, Rocko, Rich Boy, Bun B, Lil Duval, Rick Ross, and more. The event went off without incident, yet at the let out, after countless attendees and all artists had left the premises, shots rang out. Two individuals, neither of which was affiliated with Trae, Trae Day, ABN, or any other of the countless organizations there to lend a hand that day, took a disagreement to the worst possible plateau, and in turn, all the outside world chose to hear and see was the gun powder. The following day Trae participated in a live, on-air interview with members of 97.9 The Boox’s popular radio show, where Nnete, pointed the finger at Trae for the unfortunate turn of events.
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After everything started were you surprised at how fast you caught the media’s attention? I wasn’t surprised behind the media coverage; I was more surprised that it went down less than 10 minutes after I left the event. You already know how the story goes when you’re living that life. For the most part I would be the first to say I don’t like the media, but the media was clearing up the story for me, having me on all the news outlets and really being positive about the unfortunate situation. Only one main media source was still trying to bring negativity to an already bad situation. It was funny cause people didn’t get to see the bigger picture of what we had accomplished, since I had been in school a lot has changed. Immunizations shots cost, so when you’re able to get 3000-4000 kids free shots and school supplies that’s a beautiful thing; people got tested for AIDS and HIV and took their families to see a major show and have fun for free. That’s what Trae Day is all about. But when something like this happens it takes one person to make a comment like “Why did you have it in that neighborhood” for it all to get out of hand and make people not see the bigger picture. But the great thing about the whole ordeal is it shed some light on the purpose of Trae Day. Hopefully next year we can get more people to contribute and make it even better. This one was just me and the hood, and the office of Councilman Peter Brown. No sponsors wanted to jump in. Its kind like they all turned their backs and I had to continue on. Where did the shooting take place at the last event? It wasn’t on the grounds of the event, it was actually on a side street but there were thousands of people leaving so it’s a blessing that more people didn’t get hurt. Is gun violence an issue you want to take on next year? I’d rather not because at the end of the day I’m going to continue doing whatever I can do for the youth, but I would contradict myself by telling people not to have a gun because as an entertainer I have to be able to protect myself when I’m out on the road touring or whatever the case may be. Its one thing to protect yourself and it’s a whole other story when you’re out here just doing dumb shit with it. If you’re doing it for that purpose then hell yea I’m all against it but protecting you and your family is never wrong. There’s snake in the grass n****s in this world that break into your home, try kidnapping your kids, and in that case you need to protect yourself. I carry mine but at the same time you’ve never heard of me in any type of shootout or anything of that nature. It all goes back on the type of person you are. Why do you think it’s hard for media to separate the man from the entertainer? Personally I take it for what it is. Only the MAN upstairs can judge me on being a man and a rapper because one thing you have to understand is I’m
always going to be me. If I wasn’t rapping I would still be doing the same type of shit I’m doing. I’m from the street and understand that aspect. People that aren’t from the streets don’t understand all of the struggles we’ve been through. Now I can look on both sides of the fence. I know where I’m going and where I’ve been so with all that being said I don’t look for anyone to judge me cause at the end of the day I’m TRAE, and that’s not just a rap name my name is Trae cause I’m the third.
Kracker Nuttz DJ Baby Jae (one third of the infamous Kracker Nuttz, responsible for The Boxx’s highest rated show,) was also suspended for releasing the Traebute, a collection of Trae’s works from his time with MAAB to cuts from the Incredible Truth. In April, after The Kracker Nuttz accidently played a Chamillionaire track with a Trae snippet in it, they were fired. And just a few weeks ago, DJ Brandi Garcia was fired for playing a Trae song at the non-station sponsored, 50 Cent concert.
You’re different from the others who have traveled your path. Instead of just writing a check to different organizations and/or charities you are more hands on, why is that? Anyone can write a check cause really people just write that as a tax writeoff. When people give me the papers to make anything I do a write-off, I throw it away because I feel like if I do it just for the write-off, I’m in it for all the wrong reasons.
This ban is no longer simply a Trae vs. The Boxx situation. This ban against Trae’s music has evolved into a ban against Trae’s, and in turn, the community’s livelihood. It is a known fact that Trae puts a tremendous amount of his own time, energy, and money into supporting his community. Into organizing events like Trae Day, where on top of a concert, games, and rides, AIDS Tests are administered, school supplies are given to children, and a host of other positive things are done for the community. And with Trae it’s not just a once a year thing. Day in and day out Trae is doing something, somewhere, for somebody, and asks nothing in return.
October 2009 As the fall leaves began droppin so to did The Incredible Truth, and with it, the now infamous line from It’s Ok: Look at you with your bad built ass/your trash/I’m so far gone/you ain’t even in my past/I guess its understood when I’m rollin on glass/that the world is hatin on me like Nnete fat ass, And so the Ban was born. In the days following the event, 97.9 allowed someone representing their company to attack the same person who had helped the Boxx in countless community events, community awareness projects, and also concerts, and club nights that were strictly profit for the radio station, without suffering any repercussions. She used her platform, which happens to be one of the most listened to radio stations in Houston, to make a bold, un-researched, and untrue statement against an upstanding member of Houston’s hip hop and urban community. Then, months later when Trae chooses to express his opinion on a person who wronged him, he his banned from the only hip hop radio station in the fourth largest market in the country. A personal issue between two individuals, not a business issue between two companies, has evolved into a seriously negative parasite that is no longer just affecting the two individuals originally involved, it has impacted an entire community, and the careers of a number of DJs employed by 97.9 The Boxx. This is not an attack on the DJs however. For the most part the DJs are caught in the middle. Adhere to the ban that can’t be mentioned, or lose your job, and with it your means to provide for your family. To hold the DJs liable for the unethical action of their employer is like turning our backs on the soldiers fighting for our freedom, for the freedom of a free press, of our 1st amendment rights, because W sent them blindly into what has become a second Vietnam. The parallels are far too similar. Both the war in Iraq and the war between Trae and The Boxx are unwinnable, and strewn with the carnage of the innocent. Boxx DJ GT was suspended for acknowledging the ban on twitter and stating that he does support Trae and plays his music when he I DJing at clubs.
By banning Trae for practicing his constitutional right to free speech only after provoked, by not sitting down with all parties involved and discussing the situation like adults, by then damaging his business relationships and misusing their position of power to where it effects the money Trae makes to feed his family, and take care of his community, you are telling the children it doesn’t matter if you hope, it doesn’t matter if you dream, because no matter how successful you are, how good of a person you are, someone can come in and take it all, right or wrong.
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So besides the album, and planning next year’s Trae Day Event, What are you working on? I’m also in the process of finishing up my mixtape The Incredible Truth Then I get done with this interview I’m getting right back in the booth so I can continue recording so once I put that out it’s like a warm up for the album.
This is no longer about whether you support Trae as an artist or individual, whether you have his entire catalog or have never heard a him rap over a single beat before. Banning Trae has now become a Ban on Houston’s Urban Community. 97.9 brings in headliners from other states like Plies, Drake, The Game, artists who have no ties or concern for the Houston Community. By bringing them in they are taking money out of our own community, away from our schools, and parks, and our children.
So what’s the point of dreaming? Of hoping? And then taking that Dream and doing EVERYTHING in your power to make it reality? What if the Honorable Dr. King stopped dreaming his dream On March 6th, 1965 - On The eve of Bloody Sunday, the one powerful, horrific day during his fight for Civil Rights that finally opened the eyes of the rest of the world to the importance of equality for and among all people?
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May 2010 Radio One has a proven reputation for not supporting and for the most not playing local artists, no matter the city. The fact that they support 97.9’s Ban of Trae because of a simple dispute between two individuals, further proves this. It is clear they would rather fill the listeners ears with Plies rapping about Becky, and support documented women beaters (not a stab a Breezy, just the truth,) then ensure every child in our community has paper and pencil for school. In May, Trae took the battle to the mainstream by legally filing suit against Radio One for their unjustified actions in the matter, citing “a consistent pattern of business disparagement, conspiracy, and tortuous interference.” Without action there is no progress. We now live in a day and age where we will throw away or morals, our values, for a damn McDouble and Small Fry... a dollar here... two dollars? And what does that accomplish? It’s time to finally take a stand for what is right. For what is needed in our communities, for our children. every song that is played, for every day that goes by, for every event that takes place that this issue is not resolved that’s another AIDS test that will not be administered, another set of books that a child will not have for school, another child who loses the hope and will to one day pull themselves up and rise out of the trap society has set for them. After all, without the ability to hope, the ability to dream, we lose the ability to truly LIVE.
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How will the next event defer from the previous event? The next event’s gonna be bigger. It gets bigger every year. I’m defiantly going to beef up security but the thing is, during the event there never a problem. That unfortunate incident took place was after the event was over, and that’s hard to control, but we still going to do it big. A lot of people are hurting for money, so when you have something to count on or a shoulder to lean on that’s helps, so the streets will come out and support.
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July 09
October 09
22: 2nd Annual Trae Day 21: Baby Houston Born 23: Nnete of 97.9 the Boxx The Incredible Truth Released claims Trae is reponsible for the violence after Trae Day
November 09
January 10
Trae is Banned from 97.9 The Boxx 23: Kracker Nuttz DJ Baby Jae releases Trabute and is suspended from The Boxx
16: Co-Grand Marshall’s The MLK Day Parade 16: Honored with a Humanitarian Award 18: Hip Hop 4 Haiti
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April10
May 10
June 10
July 22 ,2010
Hot 97 Interview w/ Angela Yee 18: Video for Inkredible ft. Lil Wayne & Rick Ross released 21: Kracker Nuttz fired from 97.9 for playing Chamillionaire single w/ Trae snippet Boxx DJ GT suspended for acknowleding ban on Twitter
5: Trae Tha Truth sues Radio One 30: Headlines DUB Car Show in Houston
3: Trae’s Town Hall Meeting 6: Week long Ban on The Boxx 14: Boxx DJ Brandi Garcia is fired for playing Trae Song at a concert 17: The Adventures of Trae The Truth premieres on WSHH 17: Becomes Honorary Member of No More Victims 19: Trae Sponsors 4 Floats for Juneteenth Parade
3rd Annual Trae Day
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TE f O Emergency
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n April, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, signed SB 1070 into law, an immigration law which orders immigrants to carry legal registration cards at all times, requires police to question people if they suspect they are illegal, and targets those who hire and transport illegal immigrants.
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In 2005, 300 bills were proposed by the different states regarding immigration. In 2006 that number almost doubled, by 2007 the number grew in upwards of 1500, and remained there, relatively constant, until this year. However, already in 2010, as of May over 1000 bills like SB 1070 have been proposed as laws to be approved by the states. Clearly illegal immigration has become extremely evident and controversial problem over recent years. 15%, approximately 781, of bills proposed were signed in law by their respective states since 2005. Most pertaining to drivers licenses, health care, and education. SB 1070 however, is different. SB 1070 focuses on identification and “control” of illegal immigrants, and the terms under which law enforcement officials have grounds to pull over and/or question suspected illegals are so broad and vague that pretty much anyone, at any time can, and probably will, be suspected of being illegal. As the law stands now, basically if you just look Hispanic, if your skin is a little darker, or a little more tanned then the “acceptable” pale white, then the police have the right to question you and force you to provide documentation to prove your status. And what happens if you’re simply taking your pooch out to potty? And you didn’t happen to bring your wallet on the short walk to the corner? You could be detained, arrested, until you’re able to prove you in deed are allowed in the land of the free. Representative Bill Bilbray, (Republican rep for California,) appeared on Hardball recently to try to explain a “non-ethnic aspect” law enforcement could use to determine someone’s immigration or citizenship status. He stated the following: They will look at the kind of dress you wear. There is a different type of attire, right down to their shoes… to their clothes. They also know to look for the ways in which illegal immigrants just ACT illegal.’
These laws are affecting everything in Arizona, from livelihood to sense of community, play dates to grocery shopping, the economy to education. University of Arizona President, Rob Shelton to The Huffington Post: “The families of a number of out of state students, (to-date all of them honors students,) have told us they will be sending their children to universities in other states. This should sadden anyone who cares about attracting the best and the brightest students in America.” Rufus Clasper, in The Chronicle on Higher Education, continued the sentiment: “The many Latino citizens and lawful immigrants who attend college now face the offensive and discriminatory prospect of incessant demands to show their documents. We can expect that some will find the prospect discouraging and will discontinue their pursuit of education and training as well.” Quite simply, SB 1070 has made legal racial and cultural profiling. There is absolutely no way to simply look at somebody and determine their immigration or citizenship status. Do we not remember the aftermath of 9/11? Every Arab, Muslim, and Middle-Eastern AMERICAN citizen and immigrant in our country was looked upon as and treated like a member of Al Qaeda. Or how bout the months following Pearl Harbor during WWII? Japanese immigrants and natural born Japanese citizens were locked away in “work camps” for months, and some even years. Entire races of people were persecuted, and some still to this day, simply because of how they look and dress. Now Hispanics in Arizona, and possibly even more border states, will suffer the same fate, only this time it’ll be legal for law enforcement to do so, guilty until proven innocent. This is in direct contradiction with the principles our country, a country founded by immigrants, was built. While we all understand the issue with illegal immigration needs to be addressed and the problems associated with it do not have easy solutions, turning to racist practices is never acceptable, and that is exactly what SB 1070 is, legalized racism. The fuSHion Magazine sat down with AZ hip hop artists to get their take on the laws and how they are affecting the hip hop and urban communities.
Atllas
From an insider’s view, what do these new immigration laws mean? These new immigration laws mean that the police will have the power to harass you LEGALLY. They can say they suspected you were an illegal immigrant and pull your over or stop you or try to have you thrown in jail without any real rhyme or reason. They say the law is supposed to be make illegal’s become legal citizens, but how can you tell if someone is illegal just by looking at him? They also say that this bill is supposed to help protect the border. How the hell does harassing people in Phoenix protect the border? It’s just legal racial profiling. Period. How have they affected everyday life thus far? Arizona feels like a very unfriendly place for minorities. It feels uncomfortable here. People are angry and frustrated on both sides and that is not a good thing. Anger with no outlet can only have bad results. I LOVE Arizona, but HATE some of the people here. It’s tough to see a place I love so much go through this. I hate to talk to people and they have such a negative outlook on Arizona. We already had a tough enough time trying to show people we do have culture here. How have they impacted the urban/hip hop community? The economy? The urban/hip-hop community has been affected because that’s where the majority of the brown and black people are in this state. It has upset a lot of people and you can hear it in the music we are producing. There are a lot of anti 1070 anthems out there right now. At this same time, it is calling us to action. Calling us to rally and support each other. It’s easier to rally around a cause and I do see people coming together. We know if something is going to change it must start with us.
Is this returning our country to the process or racial profiling? Even elevating it to cultural profiling? This country has always had a practice of racial profiling. This law has just made it legal to do so. Who is going to police the police? If you had confidence that this law would be enforced properly it may not be as scary. But, you know it won’t be. There will always be a police officer who abuses his authority and takes it too far. He’s the one that messes it up for everybody else. It is definitely cultural profiling. Because now they are going for cultural representation to determine whether or not they think you are illegal. Bills like this lead to an abuse of power. That’s why it can’t be done. What do you see as an overall end result to this law? The end result will be the law being changed or thrown out. Once the state starts losing money they will change. Cash rules everything around here. Once those dollars start leaving they look to start saving their asses. It’s never good politics to make your entire state start to lose money for a stupid bill you passed. How is a state that ranks last in education focusing on immigration reform? I think it’s safe to say that we have bigger problems.
“The color of you skin should never be a crime... How is a state that ranks lasts in education focusing on immigration reform? I think its safe to say that we have bigger problems.”
Words By: Mz. fuSHion Juice Photo By: S Dot B Photography
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Has anyone you know been directly impacted by the laws? Definitely. A lot of my Hispanic friends who were born in Mexico and moved here when they were very young have been greatly affected. They had no choice in where they were born or when they moved here. They were kids. Why should children have to suffer when their parents were just trying to give them a better life? It has given a lot of them a sense of fear. What’s going to happen? Will they be violated? Harassed? No one should have to live looking over their shoulder, especially when they haven’t done anything wrong. The color of your skin should never be a crime.
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The economy has been affected dramatically because people are starting to not want to do business in Arizona. I’ve spoken with a lot of business people who were planning to bring events here and now they are looking elsewhere. Arizona was really thriving and growing and now this immigration stuff has slowed down our progress. It’s going to affect our housing market and a number of other industries that are mainly made up of minority labor and filled with companies that support civil rights. All of them are taking their business elsewhere. And that is ultimately what will cause them to change the law. Once these “lawmakers” start losing money they adjust their thinking. Politics is all about the all mighty dollar.
A-DUB
From an insider’s view, what do these new immigration laws mean? What these laws mean to me is that authorities have the right to take away our rights. They can legally be racist and profile people and violate the rights so many people fought for. It’s like all the rallies, marches, protests and bloodshed throughout history was for nothing. It breaks my heart to see people who come here for a better life treated this way because they want to live the American Dream.
www.thefushiononline.com
How have they affected everyday life thus far? People are afraid to leave their homes legal and illegal. People are losing jobs and are scared to go to work because they don’t want to get pulled over just because the way the look or because the person they carpool with might be illegal, causing them to get stamped with a felony just for helping out a fellow employee with a ride to work. People are afraid to send their kids to school for a great education because their kids were not born here and are afraid if they do they won’t come home. All this is doing is stirring up rage in the Latino community.
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From an insider’s view, what do these new immigration laws mean? They’re taking away a certain security people have. Just being brown could get me pulled over? It’s nonsense. How have they affected everyday life thus far? I look at every officer, border patrol agent, anyone figure in uniform and I automatically think they’re going to stop me and ask for papers. How have they impacted the urban/hip hop communities? The economy? Most of the Urban/Hip Hop community is 95% Mexican, so almost everybody is taking this as a threat. The economy is going to hurt now because no one is going to want to come here. Has anyone you know been directly impacted by the laws? A personal friend is here illegally but on the waiting list to gain citizenship and he can’t go anywhere without being afraid of deportation. And he’s a hard working man who has a job. Is this returning our country to the process or racial profiling? Elevated it to cultural profiling? I have no doubt in my mind that this is going to start up a whole problem with racial profiling. It was subliminal before but now it’s actually legal.
How have they impacted the urban/hip hop communities? The economy? There is a positive and a negative to this question. The positive is that big name artists are getting involved with the movement and might catch wind of what we are doing down here and put us on. On the other hand the negative is that a lot of big name companies won’t have anything to do with Arizona because they are disgusted with the law and how things are goin down. It leaves a lot of AZ artists out in the cold. But a lot of us are coming together to support the movement against the laws. Has anyone you know been directly impacted by the laws? I can’t say I know anybody who has been directly impacted by it as an individual but it has directly impacted the whole Latino community. The Government just gave Joe Arpio a gun and said kill at will. The immigrant that has been here for 20 years working and raising his family tryin to live the American Dream gets deported in a sweep. He and his family are impacted. It’s not right no matter who you are. Is this returning our country to the process or racial profiling? Elevated it to cultural profiling? Hell yeah it’s taking us back to the beginning. It’s like the government is spitting on the struggles African Americans had to go through. They beat the government and now they’re pressing Latinos. We will overcome this madness because we have many races that have our back. There has always been racism in the state of Arizona but now that it’s legal it at an all time high. Any Latino out here is a target. The same people are getting pulled over two or three times a day just because they fit a profile: Brown. It’s all BS. Racism is back and it’s back with a vengeance and we can’t do much but take it and smile.
What do you see as an overall end result to this law? I see total chaos people are not going to want to come to Arizona for this reason. We are the state that everybody is trying to avoid now.
What do you see as an overall end result to this law? The end result might be chaos. Latinos don’t care what the job is; we do the work that people don’t want to do. How they gonna kick out people that literally built this state? We built every building and home in Arizona. Who is gonna do it now? I wanna see Joe Arpio landscape his own yard. This country was built on immigrants.
“Racial Profiling... was subliminal before but now it’s actually legal.”
Big Boogie
Has anyone you known personally been directly affected by the laws? You have to keep in mind that Arizona is a lot like Texas. We have a really big Latin community here. My God-Parents, my cousins, a lot of my family and friends are Mexican, and now live everyday having to look over their shoulder. Even though they are legitimately allowed to be in the country, or are American citizens, they still are walking on edge. These laws are forcing them to change the way they’re living their lives. Is this returning our country to the process or racial profiling? Even elevating it to cultural profiling? To tell you the realest shit ever, my state has always been one of the states that outsiders would look at as a racist state. You have to keep in mind that Arizona was really the last state to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and other things like that; you know what I’m sayin? Being from here and really representing it is really hard at times because we do live in a racist state, and it’s starting to truly show. This is modern day racism at its pinnacle; there’s no way of getting around that. When you can pull someone over just because of their skin and then assume they are something that they are not, I don’t know what else you could call that. This is the political version of racial profiling. What do you see as an overall end result to this law? When all is said and done, this is going to cause more hurt for our state then good. I understand what they are trying to do, I mean we do live on the border of Mexico and a lot of illegal immigrants do find their way here, but the law is so broad, and so general that it’s really just causing more chaos. It’s going to cause a civil war within our own state. Our own people are going to go after our government and shit like that. And that shouldn’t be. I truly think it’s going to end up the exact opposite of what they want. They won’t get any positive out of it if they continue to go about it the way they are now. I try as hard as I can to uplift the city and state that I rep to the fullest, and show it in a positive light, but with all the negative that’s going on its only hurting our state.
Juice
www.thefushionmobile.com
How has this affected everyday life thus far? I’m literally affected a lot by this. Being a person in the industry who has a voice, more so then the average person, a lot of people I do business with, have basically banned themselves from the nonsense that’s going on within our state. A lot of artists and other people I deal with are banning Arizona, and not doing business here because they feel disrespected by the law itself, or don’t support what its doing. For upcoming artists such as myself, we need a positive working relationship with outside artists, to help uplift us. The only thing these laws are doing right now are dividing up a lot of the positive shit that we have going on within the state. It’s hitting us on a national level. This is bringing us a lot of negative press, business-wise and personally. So it’s has really been a struggle.
“This is modern day racism at its pinnacle; there’s no way of getting around it. When you can pull someone over just because of their skin and then assume they are something that they are not, I don’t know what else you could call that.”
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From an insider’s view, what do these laws mean? Honestly, I disagree with this shit completely. A lot of people out here agree with it because they feel illegal immigration is corrupting our city, they think that with illegal immigrants coming in we have to pay more taxes. I just think that this is a ploy to validate the racial profiling that is going on in our city. I think that’s it real fucked up for our government, and even down to the street level, to accept it and approve something like this as a law.
The Real: Jimmy Jones
www.thefushiononline.com
Do you consider yourself a DJ or radio personality? Is there a difference? Well I don’t consider myself a “DJ” because in reality, I’m not spinning records from a turntable. I’m just an on-air talent who can play music during the show. At any radio station, if you don’t have a DJ there actually spinning the records, you have the on-air talent who play the music that’s logged in the station’s system. So, when you hear me on the show playing music that you’ve never heard, it’s only because I’ve used the CD jack at the station to play the record. So, I will never call myself a DJ until I am actually coming and putting records on turntables and making magic happen. And also, I have respect for DJ’s and the craft they have. I’m not doing what they doing, therefore I can’t take credit.
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What exactly is the premise of the show on 90.9? The show has a lot of history but I know that would take all day to explain but I can only speak for the time that I’ve been a part of the show. The original name was Kidz Jamz but it recently changed to The Movement: Hosted by the Take Ova Crew. It all started with four college kids who were Radio, Television, and Film majors who wanted to build a solid foundation for themselves to prepare them for the real world of media. Jimmy Jones, Max Dolla, Mz. B, and Chase Cash all have worked hard to build a bridge for college students at Texas Southern, as well as bringing to the airwaves underground local and regional hits from artists that are getting the short end of the stick by other stations. In the end, the entire purpose is to break records and help artists get their music to the next level. And you can thank Go DJ Damon for that. I promise you, 90.9 KTSU is responsible for the careers of a few artists because when other stations didn’t give these artists a chance, 90.9 KTSU, as well as another public radio station in Houston, held it down for them. What’s Houston local music scene like currently? The music from the newer artists in Houston is a lot different from the music that held this city down 10 or 15 years ago. And this is only because music in general is different. The image, word play, exposure, opportunities, and accessibility to music are way different. So when you have an evolution of things happening to something, everything around it tends to evolve. The music has really evolved because I think the artists were tired of hearing what the majors had to say about Houston. And this had to bring a change because if the majors were tired of hearing the same things, the artists change everything to fit their situation. I think artists now understand and embrace the art of versatility in music. You can’t place music in a jar and expect it to please everyone. The list of music genres and styles are endless, so why stick to just one form? So yes, I think the days of “candy paint,” “grills,” and “chains,” are coming to a slow end in Houston due to the fact that artists are exploring music in rare form. But in the end, it’s our culture and it’s around us faithfully. So you might not hear a rapper talk about all that stuff in his music, but when he walks up to you, you’re going to know he’s reppin Houston to the fullest. What’s going on with your role at Tapwire Magazine? No comment. Next question please. What are you workin on outside of the show? Currently, on a personal standpoint I really could care less about having a lot of things going on outside from the radio show. After stepping into this game, I realize it’s too many people following trends and try to make themselves seem important. Technology makes the media very available to the public. And it’s very easy now to create whatever you want if you have the internet. Like in Houston, every damn week someone has a new internet radio show, a marketing team, video company, model squads, record labels, such-and-such ENT. I mean all kind of shit that just yearns for attention. And when they see what they doing is being repeated by 15 other people, they get tired and give up. So for me to have a BDS radio station in my hands compared to all the other made up stuff these folk have, I’m thankful you know? Trying to make other things happen and not taking care of my show and the artists who need help would be hurtful. I don’t give a damn about fame and being seen because that’s all some people are about. I can’t do night clubs, pictures, videoS, and all that phony stuff. It’s just not me. Call me a loner or a clam if you want, but staying to myself and putting these songs on-air is me. I’m all about giving artists a shot with what I have without giving up. Because if I leave the station, it’s going to be real hard
out here. And I dare someone to challenge that. Anything you want to add? First and foremost, it’s a lot of people who be out here who talk bad about me as a person, but in the end, they know they need they records played. So y’all stop talking and just bite the bullet. Shoutout to my big brother Go DJ Damon for showing me that breaking music is everything, the whole “Take Ova Crew” and our producer Mesha. Listen in every Friday Night 10pm-2am to 90.9 KTSU FM and you might hear yourself over the airwaves. We are BDS and we do break records. Numbers don’t lie. Keep supporting the Frontline Tour. MC Kane is the new face of our city and this is a great movement. I am so happy and grateful that Houston is coming together through music. I am apart of Union Muzic and I am passionate about this movement because our artists are being heard. Shoutout to Kane, Dee Wreck, Kizza, KB, Verse, O.N.E, Ken 2, and the Capo A.D. Last but not least, OG Ron C and Gizzle Management. “Chopstars” and Gizzle Management is something that has potential with all the right moves. I would like to urge everyone to visit www.chopnotslop.com and see that the legendary DJ OG Ron C is still killing the mixtape game. I love this man so much because when I was a college student trying to help that radio show evolve, he was the person to throw me out and put me in front of artists who 90.9 would never see. So my resume is stacked because of him. He is the greatest DJ living and in The South period. Hands down Ron holds the throne in many areas of music especially since he’s taking on the role of manager for artists. Most DJ’s stay in the clubs and go hard every week rocking clubs. I’ve only seen Ron do a club once in the last two years. He doesn’t need to because he’s out here grinding for artists, keeping his mixtapes flowing consistently, and branding the “Chopstars” as a DJ team for the ages. The “Chopstars” will be here to stay and kill all the haters on these mixtapes. I am the first “Chopstar MC” so you will be hearing a lot from me on tapes in a little while because we’re about to start dropping tapes every week of the year. Now who else is doing that? That’s a plan that can’t fail. I’ll never walk in life and not have Ron somewhere near me. Even if he can’t walk! (laughs) We in here.
Words By: J Hall
Da Kennel: Fighting for The top Spot
“We’ve been doing this for a long time and for us it’s all about the music,” says member Skillz. “Our songs have developed so much in the last few years, from doing shows to making mix-tapes, and that growth can be heard on our records.” For the city of Akron, Ohio, Da Kennel has always been the leader of the pack when it comes to music. Now, with their new single Model steadily gaining spins and drawing all types of attention, the world is getting see what they’ve always known; and that’s Da Kennel’s Next Up. As a nine-man collective compiled of 6 rappers and 3 in house producers, Da Kennel has the breeding ground for something real and worth the listen. Bringing the heat with their scorching lyrics and tracks, they offer up a pool of talented individuals all focused on the progression of one sound. Already drawing comparisons to other all male collectives like the St. Lunatics, Wu Tang, and Slaughterhouse, Da Kennel looks forward to setting themselves apart and showcasing their talent. Fully representing Northeast Ohio, Da Kennel uses the different elements of life to spark their creative juices. While Unknown, Mage, Gram Citi, Skillz McNeilla, Kuntry, and Leland Ray bring out the groups lyricism; Dat Boi Pizz, Rip Rugga, and J.C. provide the music that allows them to showcase the bark and the bite that makes them Da Kennel. How did you all come together as a group? When you’re in a city like Akron everything gets around fast, especially if you’re out here doing something worth people talking about. For all of us we had a name that carried some weight in the city when it came to rapping. We all had a fan base and people who messed with us heavy. So when we all got a chance to meet up we decided to come together and join forces. Who could deny us after that? Where did the name Da Kennel come from? At our studio we always had Pit bulls around. It came to the point where that’s where we raised them. So people just start calling us Da Kennel Boys and it stuck. We just had to drop the boys cause theirs nothing but men over here, (laughs.) With their being so many talented members in you group, how do you all decide who gets on which record? Oh, we have a very easy way of deciding that. Whoever’s in the studio when the song is made gets on it first. Its move ya feet loose ya seat around here. That makes you want to be in the studio 24/7 because you don’t want to miss your chance of being on a hit. We all got that song or songs we felt like we would
have killed but because we weren’t there we missed it. So, it keeps us in the studio, which is a good thing. Your new single Model is really taking off, what made you all choose this from the rest of the songs you had to be your single? Model hit is just feel good music and also an anthem for all the beautiful ladies. Women love it, scream extra loud to it in the club and all. With that response we felt it was the right song at the right time. So far for us it has been. We’re getting good airplay right now with it too. Now is Model only directed at models or what is the thought process behind the song? The song is really for your every day woman no matter the race, size, or shape. There are nine of us so we all got a different type, even though sometimes they over lap. But if we see a regular chick that’s bad we call them models!!! Being from Akron, Ohio how does that help or hinder your quest to take over? It hinders us in a way because we have to work twice as hard coming from such a small city, but it does give us a chance to give hip-hop some new, fresh faces, and a new, fresh sound in music. It helps in a way too because we’re well known and have the city behind us. Plus being from the same city as Lebron James and what he’s doing for the NBA we have to musically match it up. What’s the music scene like right now in Akron? What are you all currently working on? The music scene is good here. We have a lot of great talent but Da Kennel is definitely at the forefront of not only Akron, but also all of Ohio. Our current projects are the Dogfight Mixtape and the Certified Hood album coming around the New Year. And when can we expect to hear more from you guys? Hopefully everyday on nationwide radio soon. We’re almost there, we can see the light. In the meantime check us out at www.dakennel.com. KENNEL IS THE MOVEMENT AND ELITE IS THE MUSIC. Currently backed by Elite Music LLC, the release of their new mixtape, Hood II Hood has given the streets exactly what they’ve been looking for. With their new single Model continuing to receive spins and ads across the region and in the South, Da Kennel is positioned to aggressively stake their claim in the industry.
The fuSHion Magazine
www.thefushiononline.com
The Road 2 Dallas Words By: Mz fuSHion
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So how important is the independent movement in exercising influence over the mainstream? I think it’s real important, especially right now. The majors are looking to the independents to do a lot of the legwork and so it’s important. You gotta get hot, an independent label and/or independent artist has to get hot before a major will even be interested. That’s what we’re trying to do, push the record independently so that we’re not asking for a situation with the mainstream; we’re creating a demand for it. How important was linking up with Beanz N Kornbread for the Rock Your Body beat? Would it have been as successful with any other beat? (Laughs,) That’s a trick question. That’s a good question. Yea it would’ve been as successful, absolutely. This song was done was a year before I came into the picture. It’s not so much that I went and put a record together; the record was already together, it was more a search for the right artist. We linked up and I think it was just a perfect marriage between songwriter, producer, artist, and independent label. I defiantly think it’s something special that all parties brought together to make what it is. You write and produce the majority of your own music. What other artists have you produced for and/or lent your vocal talents? I’ve done a lot of work with different people. Bryan Michael Cox is really the person who I’ve learned a lot about songwriting and producing from. I was in a group called Dirty Rose since Dino, from H-Town, put us together. So it stems from way back. Of course I’ve worked with Bryan Michael Cox, Matthew Knowles, Solange, different groups at Music World, I just did a song with Slim Thug for which I wrote the hook, the same with a song on Paul Wall’s album, I sang and wrote the hook on Married to the Game, produced by Beanz n Kornbread, with Tum Tum, Slim Thug, and Big Tuck. We don’t have a lot of RnB artists that live in Texas, are from Texas, and are successful. I’ve worked with a lot of other groups, but as far as artists who are known and seen, I’ve always thought that I would be my best bet to push me into branding myself as a song writer and producer. Most up-and-coming artist turn to lockin down a huge feature for their first couple singles to try and secure “getting on.” We’ve yet to hear a single from you with a feature. Why is that? I think I have a lot of material with different people, and a couple of
Getting back to what you said about there not being a lot of truly successful RnB artists out anymore, was rap ever an option for you or have you always just been a singer? Because I’m a writer, I can rap. Its fun, I do it for the fun of it. I’ve done it on a couple of mixtape records, but I’ve always been an RnB artist. I wasn’t a person who was like “I just gotta try something;” I’ve always been an RnB artist at heart. I’m a musician so I’ve always been true to that. Rap has pretty much taken over the industry, but in doing so there’s been a noticeable replacement of quantity over quantity. Do you think that leaves the door open for RnB artists to take over the top spot? If you really look at it right now, RnB has defiantly come back from two or three years ago, you would rarely hear an RnB song on the radio, and now not only do you hear it everywhere, you have veterans coming back to the top of the charts, like Monica, Slim from 112, Ginuwine, Avant came back, Joe came back, but you also have the new artists like Dondria and Nicoya. RnB is defiantly coming back and it is a result of so many people coming out and just throwing stuff together, and following whatever the next fad was. There’s a lack of substance coming from any genre right now, and I think that’s what the people are looking for. As a male RnB artist it’s easy to lose credibility amongst male peers and fans, (think Spectacular Red Thong Video Incident.) How do you maintain respect amongst your male counterparts while still appealing to your female fan base? (Laughs,) I think it has a lot to do with where I came from. Me and the other members of Dirty Rose really came up together. If you know them you know we were never some spinnin and giratin type dudes. Coming up under Dino, he always felt he was a rapper trapped inside of singer’s body. I think that’s the same with me. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it, but you really ain’t gonna catch the average dude just dancing, and spinnin, and gyrating and stuff like that. I’m on that. I’m trying to be an artist that guys won’t feel like, if they come up to the red light and they’re jamming Dallas, they gotta quickly turn down the radio. I don’t want that. I want my music to reach across the whole spectrum. I want the guys to be able to say “I fuck with that dude. That Dallas joint is jamming.” R Kelly was always able to do that, and that’s the type of artist that I want to be. So what are you working on now? Right now my biggest priority is branding myself and letting the world know about myself, about Dallas Blocker. Rock Your Body is doin a lot, it’s already hit Billboard and that’s a great thing but it’s taken me a long time to get here. By no means do I want to come out and just be Mr. Rock Your Body, I’m not Mr. Rock Your Body, I’m Dallas. Rock Your Body will come and go, and I want to make sure that after it’s gone I’m still standing. My biggest thing is branding myself, whether that be doing features for people, releasing another single, producing, writing for other people. Whatever it may be I wanna brand myself and become a household name.
www.thefushionmobile.com
How do you make it into radio rotaton as an indy artist? I linked up with people who had been there before and who I believed were capable of getting back there and getting me there. They did what they do. Swisha House had success with Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Lil Keke, so I think me being from Houston, it just made sense to go through a channel that was able to get back there.
years ago I think it was necessary to have the features. But I’m an RnB artist, and the records I’m pushing, like Rock Your Body and 2 The Room, don’t really need a rapper in order to convey the message that I’m selling. They’re sex records. I’m really selling myself, and the idea, and the fantasy of that, which is something I believe that RnB was meant to be in the first place. It wasn’t meant to be with a bunch of features, I was meant to tell stories and feel a certain way. So I’m really trying to capture that more than just getting features and capitalizing off of that hype. Let the music speak for itself.
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You’ve already hit the billboard charts with Rock Your Body, a known oddity for an indy artist. What do you attribute that too? From my angle, I just basically recorded the record and did my part as an artist to sell the record vocally, but I can’t really speak on the push of the record. Radio, at this stage in the game, is playing the biggest role. It’s not really a club record so we couldn’t try and break it there. Now that it’s playing on the radio the DJs will play it in the club. So for my role, the biggest push is doing the shows and interviews, and raising the awareness of myself, not just the record. I want to sell myself, and I think that’s my biggest goal right now, not just to sell that record, but to sell me.
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The Ideal
Balance
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Wo rd sB y: Mz
fuS
Hi
on
There’s a new breed coming out of Cali, and no I’m not talkin bout jerk, jerk, jerk, music. There’s a new movement in the making, respectful enough to pay homeage to the vets yet intuitive enough to adapt to the changing technology of an everchanging industry. They combine hyphy beats with gangsta lyricism, and balance it with a unique delivery. Everything in Moderation. The New West Is Here - This is The Ideal Balance. What was the concept behind the We All In? How does differ from previous projects? What’s funny is initially this mixtape didn’t have a concept. I was just recording music and releasing it. Around November ‘09 I thought I ought to put all these songs together on one project because some people may hear a song but not know who the artist is or that all the songs they like are from the same artist. So I put Swagga Jackin, We All In, and Bootleg Liquor, on one project and then I went in and recorded new material along with a few freestyles and put it all together for DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar. This project is different because I feel like it’s my best work to date it’s the most personal and real. I put a lot of my real life and how I feel right now into We All In. How did you link up with DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar for the project? I actually reached out to Ill Will on Twitter and said “I like what you do homie let’s do a project.” What’s funny is he told me that he was a fan of my music and had been bumping it for four years. The first mixtape he ever did had one of my songs on it. This tape was big for me because Ill Will and Rockstar are known around the world for doing BIG mixtapes like Chris Brown, Tyga, Bow Wow, Drake, Jae Millz, etc. So teaming with them took this project to another level and gave me a whole new audience and look When and what can we expect from the album? Right now I’m jus starting on the album. I’m fighting with two titles but it’s gonna be dope. Expect more of the same; dope west coast hip hop but also expect some surprises. I want to make a classic album, an album where you don’t have to skip any of the tracks, an album for all moods. I want it to be universal but at the same time raw and edgy and I wanna take chances. I don’t wanna play it safe. If you play it safe you will never be great and I wanna be great. Expect more solo songs; very few features. I wanna make songs that make other artists say “I shoulda made that” or listeners say “that’s exactly how I feel.” From an artist’s point of view, what’s the reasoning behind even putting out an album? The industry has become so single driven and social networking has made access to that so easy, why take the time and money to put together an album when the rest of the
world is clicking links? That’s a good point and something I have been battling with in my mind for a few months now. If I put up a song it could get 30k downloads or more on one link. An album may get 15k downloads on one link. Its jus easier to download or stream one song than it is to download a whole album. If a person wants to get your album it’s a longer process, you have to download it and then upload it to iTunes just to burn it to a CD. I still release projects because it gives those listeners a body of work. The listener gets to hear songs the way the artist meant for them to be and in the order I wanted you to hear them. Plus its practice for when you do get a deal and do have to make a full album. Making a complete project is a hard thing to do. It takes a lot of practice. Now if all I do is drop songs how will I ever know how to make a complete project? Plus I make physical CDs of my projects and hand them out for free wherever I go. If I just drop internet songs what can I give people? Nothing. I’d only exist on the internet which is not where the majority of my fans are. Most rappers don’t try to speak to deeply on love and relationships. How would you say they’ve influenced your music? Relationships have influenced my music greatly. I went through a six year relationship that was as real as it gets. It was devastating and crazy. Mentally and physically it can tear a person down. So when it was time to make songs about relationships I put all of my REAL love experiences in it and I jus let it out. It was therapy for me. That’s why a song like Can’t Go really hits people, because it’s my real life. Ain’t no not fiction in those songs. The listener can hear the reality in it and say “man I went through the same thing wit my girl” or “I’m going thru that right now.” So when I do relationship songs I really try to tap into things people really go through. Those are the songs people will continue to play long after their off the radio or the video is no longer on MTV. Your tape with Fillmore Rich (Big Rich) was monstrous on iTunes. What do you attribute that too? I think it came from the hard work me and Big Rich did on our own and the fact that we dropped the album the same time as Twitter was becoming the new “thing.” A lot of the success that comes to an artist has to do with being prepared for the right opportunity at the right time, and it was the right time to drop that project. We had a big song and video that was tearing down Northern California called Can’t Go. That song developed interest in our project. I love that album. Good As Money was one of my fav albums. Serious heat on there! If you ain’t heard it go cop it off iTunes only 7.99. Can’t beat it. Going back to what you said about west coast hip hop, where is Cali right now? Cali doesn’t really exist in the major scheme of music right now. Snoop is the face of the west coast right now, but no one from the west is going gold or platinum. We got legends though: Snoop, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre; they are originators. Game is probably the only major artist who has less than four albums under his belt. He doin his thang. I think we need more new artists in a position to really win. The thing is NO label is gonna jus put you in position. It’s something that either happens because of a hit record or hav-
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Tupac. Baggy Jeans and Dickies were replaced with skinny nut huggers and extra Smedium T’s. Ceasars and chucks were replaced with hightops and Gucci Sandles. Gangsta rap fizzled out and Hyphy came and went. Or did It?
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Hip Hop critics are quick to say The West died with
ing a huge fan base. We got a lot of work to do. But I’m excited that there are a lot of young west coast artists going hard from The Bay to LA, so we’ll be fine. I predict after Dr. Dre drops Detox there’ll be a west coast resurrection. Then major labels will be ready to take a chance on west coast artists again. We’ll see a resurgence of the west coast in 2011 and 2012.
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LA is different than The Bay when it comes business. Being so close to the industry, LA artists seem to have their business down better than Bay Area artists. But the Bay started the independent game so all we know is doing it without a label or help. I think both these things for both areas are a plus but a minus at same time.
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The Bay is most known for Hyphy, LA for Gangsta Rap. Your sound doesn’t really fit into either mold. Why? Well I think it’s because musically I was raised on all of it. I bumped Nas, then A Tribe Called Quest, then I played E-40 and Ice Cube, then played Pharcyde and Ras Kass. So all these influences are in me, i.e.: BALANCE. All elements of every genre constantly play big parts in my music. Hip hop has the lyrics, gangsta rap has the dopest beats and hyphy has the energy. So I listen to it all of it and try to put it all in my music the best way I can. That’s where you get We All In. What other sounds are coming out of Cali? Will they have as big of an impact on the game as Gangsta rap did? There’s a new breed of west coast hip hop artists, which aren’t backpack rappers but lyrical in their approach. I think that’s the new sound coming out of Cali. Cats in Cali are getting back to being the best rapper they can be. As far as having as big a impact as gangster rap did, man I don’t think any rap music will ever have an impact like that again, (laughs,) but I think hip hop is definitely back in the west coast. Who are you workin with musically? How unified is the local music scene? I work with a lot of producers: Trak Lordz, CMT, Icon, Noah Ayala, Trackademicks, Dem Jointz, and Midi Mafia. Soon I’ma link up wit Dawaun Parker, who works wit Dr. Dre. He’s done music for Busta rhymes, Eminem, Raekwon; he’s a beast. I can’t wait to work with him. I’m always looking for new producers. Matter of fact if you are a producer send beats to balancebeatz@ gmail.com. The bay area is very unified. We all do music together and support each other whether it’s showing up in videos or doing shows together. The bay area supports its own. We’ve been built like that since Too Short sold his first tape out the trunk of his Cadillac. Twitter has taken over the game, yet you don’t seem to over expose yourself to much on twitter, using it mainly for sharing tracks and an occasional #BalanceThought. Why such a laid back approach to social networking? Yeah I admit I am addicted to twitter but I’d rather use it to talk to my fans. I don’t really get too emotional on twitter talkin about a date that went bad or I “hate woman because.” I see twitter as
an instant way to communicate with my fans directly. I can get a nice gauge of what people are talking about and what people are listening to through twitter. I love twitter, but it can be misused. Twitter is not a replacement for actually going and doing physical work, performing for a crowd, or handing a person your CD, which will later turn that person into a fan. Twitter is an addition, not a replacement for actually doing the ground work that all upcoming artists need to do in order to be really successful. You speak on twitter a lot about writing and directing. What are your aspirations outside of hip hop? Outside of hip hop I wanna do movies. Not acting but writing movies and doing screen plays. I have a degree in college for screen writing. I got A’s in class but music was my focus. This year and next year I really look forward to taking a step into the movie field. In music you only have three to four minutes to tell a story, in a movie you have two hours. Movie making is the ultimate form of entertainment; audio and visual. It’s a big challenge but it’s what I wanna do. Rappers like Ice Cube, Will Smith, and Master P are role models and examples that, yes, it can be done. Where do you see your self right now? How far and where have you come from and how far and where do you still have to go? I see myself at almost at the point where I can stick my head out from the crowd and being that “one.” When I mean “one” I mean the next big thing from the west coast reppin what’s new and hot. I think I have the ability to make a good album but at the same time make commercial records. That’s rare. A lot of new artists are one dimensional. It took me a lot of practice but I always wanted to be a complete artist like Tupac, Biggie, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Nas. So I think as long as I keep putting out great music my fan base will grow and so will my buzz and brand. It’s crazy to think that I started rapping in Jr. High School freestyling on lunch tables to recording my first song in high school. I had a dream to just do it and do it well enough so that my friends would like it. It’s crazy to think that I have fans, people who like the music I make, people who listen to the songs every day. I make music for me and I just hope that people like it. Like Quincy Jones said “you never know what to expect when making music. If it works, it’s like magic. You made something that people love”. I think the last thing for me to do is drop a solo album independently with a few videos and then go sign a major label deal which I feel will happen by Jan 2011. After that I have to start from scratch again and make more dope music, take more risks and be the best artist I can be. That’s my advice to upcoming rappers, just try to be the best you can be. Ok random question: By the time this comes out we’ll know if you were right... Predict the finals. Winner, how many games, by how many points, and who’s takin the MVP? You know I gotta go wit the west coast, so I’ma say Lakers in 6 games winning by 10 points Kobe Bryant winning the MVP. Anything you want to add? Not really I wanna say thank you for the opportunity to talk about my music. Shoutout to The fuSHion Magazine. Thanks to all my fans and if you read this and are interested in my music go to
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http://balanceskillz.blogspot.com. Follow me - @balance510.
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Words By: Robert Littal
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Yeah I used to play Kobe until I played Lebron - Kobe, Lebron, Kobe, Lebron - 24, 23 y’all n****s remember me
am saying he is playing eerily similar to Michael Jordan in 1998. That’s when Jordan didn’t quite have the explosion he once had, starting to feel the effects of injury more, but was getting by with pure desire and basketball IQ.
I have nothing against Cleveland and I would not be shocked if LeBron resigned with them, but there is something about Cleveland and Lebron that just doesn’t fit.
More than anything, Bryant wants to end his career with as many titles as possible. He has five now and he knows the clock is ticking. His body is breaking down and he only has two or three years left before he becomes Michael Jordan with the Wizards.
All Cleveland has is LeBron and that burden seems to weigh him down. Look at it like a supermodel dating a garbage man who she grew up with; she has to constantly reassure him that she won’t leave him for George Clooney. At some point though, the supermodel realizes she has more in common with men like Clooney than the garbage man she grew up with. In many ways, Lebron has outgrown Cleveland and it is time to move on. Let’s look at his possible destinations: New York Knicks It is the place everyone assumes he would go if he decides to leave. The Knicks have been making moves for three years to get in a position to sign LeBron and a sidekick. The problem as I see it is that unless the Knicks get a legit secondary superstar, they are just a flashier version of the Cavs. If the goal is to win titles, the Knicks might not be the best move. Chicago Bulls This makes the most logical sense. The Bulls have talent, cash, and a big market. But if you’re Lebron, do you always want to be in Michael Jordan’s shadow? New Jersey Nets The Jay-Z angle. Lebron and Jay-Z are friends and Jigga is a minority owner of the Nets who will be making a move to Brooklyn in a few years. Would Lebron hang out in Jersey for a few years? The Nets were the worst team in the league this year and even if they had gotten the #1 pick, they still could be years away from the title. Miami Heat The theory goes that whenever Wade gets off the court he and Lebron will sit down and plot a strategy to play together. Plausible, yes; but two alpha males in their prime playing together? Los Angeles Clippers It’s the Clippers; if Lebron signed there he would blow out his ACL in preseason.
The Lakers – even without Kobe – are a good team with solid pieces (Gasol, Bynum, Odom) to keep the franchise intact when the decline starts to come from Bean. The Lakers are the one franchise that always replaces legendary stars with other legendary stars (West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Shaq, Kobe). It is expected that they will always have a great player in place. They have a coach in Phil Jackson who knows how to handle multiple superstars and win championships with them. It is very similar to what Shaq did when he came to LA. He had a good team in Orlando, but he became a legend in LA. If you are LeBron, what is more important to you? Money and fame, or championships? LeBron should take less money and go to a storied franchise who will be in title contention for the foreseeable future. Then he should take a Tim Duncan role to Kobe’s David Robinson. By the time Kobe leaves the building, Kobe will be happy because he will possibly be sitting on seven rings, and LeBron will quiet his critics by having some rings himself.
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I know what you are thinking: “Has Rob been smoking? Did he spend the night with Kat Stacks last night? What in the blue hell is he talking about?” But just hear me out.
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Why Lebron Should Sign With The Lakers
Then he becomes the King of LA – the next in a line of Hall of Fame players with a franchise that has a history of winning championships. To make this move would prove to me LeBron only cares about winning – nothing else. If it is truly about winning, the money doesn’t matter, being the “man”doesn’t matter, and being MVP doesn’t matter. All that matters is: THE RING He should hop in a taxi and get to LA pronto. Do I believe this has any chance of happening? Not at all.
If I were Lebron there would be only one place to go and that would be:
Most times, money and ego will win out. I don’t think Lebron will turn down max money or would ever share the spotlight with Kobe Bryant.
LOS ANGELES LAKERS The Lakers don’t have “max” money, but money shouldn’t matter to Lebron. Right now the only things that should matter are championship rings, and if he signs with the Lakers those rings will be pretty much guaranteed.
While I think it would be beneficial for Kobe to have someone take the burden off of him, especially as he gets older, I doubt he would want to deal with people saying he only got “X” amount of rings because of Lebron – especially after what he went through with Shaq.
Lakers fans don’t want to hear this, but it is the truth. Kobe Bryant is at the end of his career; when I say that I don’t mean he is turning into Mo Williams, I
As a man of logic though, I think this would be best for Lebron, best for Kobe, best for the Lakers, and best for the NBA.
Plus the Nike Puppet commercials would be epic.
You’ve done work both as a producer and a rapper. Where would you say your focus lies? I’m a producer first. While I’m making tracks I always come up with concepts and hook ideas, wherever the track may take me. How did you initially link up with UGK? I hooked up with Pimp C in 2007. The 1st song I did with C was Grind Hard featuring myself and T.O.E. That song was on the UGK self titled Underground Kingz album that went Gold. I also produced that song. After we finished the song he was like that’s going on my album. I didn’t believe him because Bun wasn’t on the record. I offered to take my verse off so Bun could get on it to make sure it got on that album but C said the song was done and it made the album. It’s been history ever since.
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How has working with Bun evolved since pimps passing? Is his presence still felt? Yeah!!! It’s not a day that we’re in the studio working where we don’t crack jokes about what would C do or say about whatever’s going on!!! Bun is in a zone right now finishing this 3rd solo project Trill O.G. It’s some classic shit we’ve been creating in Takeover Studios and you can’t get that sound nowhere else in the city.
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What song really jump started your career? What’s been the biggest song of your career? Grind Hard on UGK’s album. That’s the first song I got on a major album! The biggest song thus far is Bun B featuring Yo Gotti and Gucci Mane Countin Money, which is the 1st single I produced. I’m very proud about that. When you first started how did you even get major artist to listen to your beats? Do you approach the game the same way an up and coming rapper would? Keeping GOD 1st and everything else last. You gotta put yourself in the mix. You have to be accessible! I was everywhere all the artists would be! I traveled to all of the events to network. You’ve made tracks for southern artists like 8Ball & MJG and West coast artists like E40. How does your process change depending on the region your producing for? I tailor tracks for the artist that I’m working with. I produce until the final mix is done on the record. How does it change for what artist you produce for? IE Lupe vs. Yo Gotti, two completely different artists with completely different styles. It doesn’t change for me, music is music. I can hear certain artist on specific tracks so if I’m with an artist I try to play an undeniable track that artist would want to get on instantly! Which artist that you’ve worked with has had the biggest impact on your life and career and why? Pimp C. He was my mentor and he gave me so much game and that’s priceless! He wanted to make sure I didn’t have to go through a lot of the stuff he did early in his career. He made sure I knew everybody I needed to know and made sure I knew who not to deal with! What are you working on now? Right now I’m working on the Bun B and Pimp C solo albums. Bun drops August 3rd and Pimp’s CD will drop soon after. I’m also working on Da Underdawgz project, which is myself, Pimp C and T.O.E. That’s a project we did before Pimp passed. Other than that I’m just working on getting tracks placed and always looking for new talent. Anything you want to add? Hit me on twitter.com/djbdo
GOT BEATS?
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Words By: Mz fuSHion
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Exploring The Technical Side Of The Industry: DJ
DBo
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J Dawg - Behind Tint Vol. 2 In a world of cookie cutters rappers, J Dawg is anything but. His voice and delivery alone set him miles away from the pack, and is not one you can forget or confuse with any other. And delivers is exactly what J Dawg does on Behind Tint Volume 2. As unique as his voice and delivery however he has to be careful of sounding the same or repetitive from track to track like he did on I Salute You and Gotta Get It, which run right after each other on Behind Tint. That being said, however, with the content and message of the music, if those two tracks were set further apart on the tape I would never noticed the similarity between the beats. First 48 is clearly the standout on the album for marketing purposes; however other stand outs are Hoggz Nite Out, I Can Feel It, Meet Me, and All On U. J Dawg is an artist with a distinct voice and message, and while the constant theme of the tape, and rap in general, (the struggle, time in prison, life on the streets,) is typical, his story, and how he chooses to deliver it is anything but. Despite your preference of hip hop - backpack, conscious, street, club, gangsta - there is at least one track on BTV2 you can relate too, and you will play that track over and over again.
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His Sample Of 2 Pac’s Better Dayz on About Love is suiting in that its reminiscent of the way Pac would write a love song, (or appreciation song is probably a better term,) that is, he gets the point across while still maintaining his personal edge, and without goin over board on the love, or appreciation, the song aims to convey. Head Up becomes even more prophetic with the recent announcement by J Dawg that they found a kidney match for his mother, a perfect example of art reflecting life.
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Mixtape or not, overall this is a quality ALBUM, a much needed return to the origins of the street struggle, without the overwhelming glorification of materialistic things the commercialization of that struggle can bring.
Rick Ross - the Albert Anastasia ep The Albert Anastasia EP: All hyped up and a huge let down, I hope Ricky Rozay is just holding back so we can really be blown away with his new album. Ecspecilly coming off of such a hittin mixtape as The Timeless Audemars Piguet Collection, songs like MC Hammer and 300 Soldiers made me halfway want to take the whole “merger” as a joke. Rick Ross is not a little timer, in the music game. He’s put out three albums in his career, and all three went platinum in a time when ringtones are barley doing so. Then there’s Diddy, who in the intro set us up for failure by calling him the Notorious B.I.G. of The South; I hope he’s comparing that to his previous work, and not this, as the Prequel to July’s Teflon Don. Rick is Good, that’s not a question, But Biggie status only comes after death, not to mention, (other than their “size”) these are 2 totally different artists. All I Need ft. Birdman and Trey Songz (aside from that weird ROSS whisper) and Super High ft. Ne-Yo are the best out of 13 track mixtape which ends rather abruptly to say the least. I don’t think that’s your lucky number Ross. Good thing he is already well respected and has branded his name because that’s the only reason I left wanting more.
t.i. - fuck a mixtape From Paper Trail to What the Fuck, not saying that it’s totally bad but this isn’t totally good either. T.I. really should have just said “Fuck A Mixtape,” and not put one out at all. Jamie Foxx’s funny intro was a great start to this unfortunate let down. We get it: You been there, your n***** do that, and you get the bitches what they want, but where is the KING? I hope this makes it to T.I because I want to let him know this has already been done. Don’t get me wrong, welcome home my dude but where you really at? Lil Duval said it best “This probably the last mixtape ya’ll going to hear cause he really don’t have no reason to do this shit no more.” From his lips to God/our ears. Fuck a Mixtape isn’t the best name for this one, I would have made it Fuck THIS Mixtape. I’m feeling songs like Got Ya back, No competition, Yeah You Know, and Get Your Girl, but to have 4 halfway hits on a 22 track tape isn’t very Kingly. Kevin Hart skit was DEAD. Aside from his, the skits were the best part of the tape, and Duval is funnier on twitter.
4th & Inchez - Point of View Welcome to a change from the mundane. Point of View starts off as just that, and lets the listener know that they are stepping over to the other side. The title track is one of the tapes strongest and showcases the groups talents in producing, singing, and rapping. The group does contain 3 distinct personalities, which is evident on their solo tracks, Domino Motion (Kizza,) also one of the tapes strongest and most universal tracks, Product of The Struggle (Verse,) and Star Trekk (Pluto Nash.) While their voices are clearly NY, there sound is defiantly not boxed in by an East Coast frame of mind. POV does become a little lackluster, or typical, towards the middle with songs like Talk 2 Em, a typical “flossin” song glorifying the money, car, clothes, and hos, (let’s face it, we’ve heard this before,) and 5 Stacks which is another Mr. Me Too (Clipse,) I Can Do It Too (Young Doe,) in general I think the point of view (no pun intended) on this story is played out. Frankly these two songs seem to be taking away from the overall message of the tape seen on tracks like Yellow Tape: “In the hood we wanna produce 10 Obamas/ But roun here most n****s is Lorenzo Lamas.” The commercial hit on the tape is easily Shawty Wanna Go which is club and radio ready, while being strong enough to break the Hip Hop/RnB chart and universal enough to hit the dance floors of Europe’s huge Techno scene. Overall it’s a solid effort, with a little fine tuning the industry will see the new era of hip hop from a different Point of View, pun intended.
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my Trunk on bang hip hop According To Bishop & Squizzy Taylor To have your Mixtape or CD reviewed by The fuSHion Magazine, send complete zip file, with track listing, and cover art to:
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thefushionreviews@gmail.com
Eskabel - the pep talk Point Blank Period The Pep Talk is a speeding through traffic, switchin lanes, gotta make it to the let out to parkin lot pimp, not skip one track mixtape – POINT BLANK PERIOD. The tape even starts off with a Twilight Zone sample, so you know you’re in for a ride with this one. Throughout the project Eskabel clearly shows he is a lyrical rapper, but does not try to rap over the listeners head. He’s clearly aware of his target audience. He switches his tone and speed throughout his delivery, so the beats and songs never feel repetitious.
Eskabel was wise to re-release the tape with 3 added tracks, those being Monkey See Monkey Do ft. Aqualeo (Yea T Pain me/How can you blame me/You wanna be heard you words gotta be sangin,) Like This Mike Will, and Dey Luv Me, which complete the few loose ends the tape originally had. However the stand out tracks have to be Money Rules ft. Ken’Dale, produced by CyFyre, and Before I Get Home, but commercial hits like Model ft. Von Cannon won’t hurt the tape’s mainstream marketability. It’s a solid tape, there’s really not too much negative to say about it, and maybe that is the one negative, with such an outstanding early performance, let’s hope Eskabel doesn’t take the So Far Gone to Thank Me Later route… Eskabel set the bar, not only for up-and-coming rappers, but for himself, very high… the outcome should prove more than interesting, either way it goes.
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There are no current or overworked beats on the tape, like the normally present O Let’s Do It and All The Way Turnt Up on most, up-and-coming rappers mixtapes, And no DJ throwing drops over the message or sound effects pulsating through the beats, (insert police sirens here.) Instead Eskabel ops for beats with samples from Hall & Oates’ Baby Come Back and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
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dre day & M.u.g. - hogg musik Welcome Back to Houston should be the name of this mixtape. While other new artists have taken the New Movement approach to the industry this duo wanted to stick to the original game plan that put Houston on in the first place. The problem with that is Slim Thug was part of the movement to establish Houston’s token sound, his protégé’s should be the ones expanding it. Throughout Hogg Muzik Dre Day and M.U.G. deliver on point lyrics and classic swangin and bangin music. The old heads would approve, but the listeners who have evolved with Hip Hop since the Mid 2000’s would move on to the next one. However, songs like Puppet Master, which gets better with each listen, Big ft. Tum Tum and Big Hood Boss, and No Roof ft. Kez are good enough to push with today’s fast evolving tastes. As well as the approach a lot still needs to be done for them to package and push this one. The mix on some of the tracks are not in sync, so much bass I couldn’t hear what was being said. When you have the Boys in Blue behind you people aren’t going to accept these kinds of errors. This mixtape was supposed to show case two artists but they sound so much alike you can’t tell one from the other. Not only do they sound alike, but their approach and lyrical likeness are also the same.
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That being said, I respect their effort, and they have a solid foundation for growth. But if their sound remains stuck in the past they’ll never get it in the game. The industry is simply a big, eat you alive, swallow you whole, (pause,) competition. Go hard or get sent home.
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Balance - we all in We All In is great music to ride to, honestly reminiscent of how I feel driving through traffic on a hot summer day listening to Regulate. You can smell Cali in Balance’s blood, through his music, and throughout his vibe. Two of the three unoriginal beats Balance chooses to rap over are on point, and accent his message perfectly, Hollywood Divorce by Outkast became the back drop for Balance’s Intro and 50’s Baby By Me is perfect for his lyrical freestyle. However, I could have done without Head Rock, (Young Money’s all too played out Bed Rock.) Songs like Bootleg Liquor and Happy Endings - “Knew she was your girl/fucked her in the ride/she stroking on my ego/I’m fucking with your pride/dropped her back off/think u was inside/phone rang 3 minutes after I arrived/crying on the phone like your N***a just died/ asking if I did it and committed so I lied” (I had to give ya’ll a taste of what I’m biting on right now) are records that can take him from the small time to the majors. Then comes Swagger Jack’N. I was like what the fuck, hell no (>> Next). It’s not the song is bad; it just runs in contradiction to the feel of the rest of the tape. Stick to what you are good at don’t feel like you have to make music that might not be you, although it is the token Hyphy song on the tape. Balance still has a few quirks to work out but he definitely has what it takes. I would have to say he is someone to lookout for, and hope he can bring a little more on his album. I need more than a 13 shot dose of Balance.
Ace Mitch - who is ace mitch Ace Mitch leaves no questions concerning his identity with Who Is Ace Mitch. He is a hardhitting, no dougie dancing, in your face rapper. His beat selection process had to be mindblowing, as all the beats are nothing short of heart-pounding. The tone Ace Mitch delivers his lyrics with is what makes these songs work, with clever punch lines on songs like Work, Lights, Camera, Action, and For the Love of Money. However, with beat after beat after beat after beat of the same tone and tempo, his skill gets lost in the bass line. He has to be more careful of sounding monotone and unfortunately redundant. This proves there is fresh and different sound coming from the rap scene of Dallas. In fact none of the songs on this mixtape are token “boogie music” songs. Although some of the vocals and features were not on point this mixtape has true poetical to open the door for Ace Mitch. The talent is clearly there… after he hones his craft it should be interesting…
2pac - 16th of June What can you really say? Its Tupac. Even in the mixtape game you can’t go wrong with Pac, EVER. This compellation from DJ Terry Urban contains some of Tupac’s best songs from Same Song to Ambitionz As A Ridah to Changes. Even his notorious freestyle next to biggie in Brooklyn all those years ago can be found on the tape. The classic music is interlaced with thoughts on what Pac meant to us as fans, as people, and as a man, from Jada Pinkett, Andre 3K and more. More so the DJ was respectful enough to just DJ, to show his skill through the breaks and mixes, rather than spewing his tag and sound effects over Tupac’s Classic, yet still relevant sound and message.
D Jo - RnBeast muzik Thank You Jesus RnB is back with RnBeast Muzik. D Jo is a fresh face and sound in a world that’s been lost since the early 90’s. He has a clear voice, and sound and can’t be compared to any other singer, past or current.
Trending Topic is a great concept and makes you vibe but is this n**** really talking about twitter? (Okay with all the songs and clubs promoting twitter. Are yall on payroll? If so how can I get down?)
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Never Let You Down is one of the strongest, and carries with it a classic early 90’s RnB feel. The final tracks after Smoker’s Delight, (over Gucci Mane’s Spotlight,) delivers the listener to the Baby Making portion of the mixtape with Full Time, Hide and Go Get It, and Straight to the Bedroom.
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That being said however, his voice is not at its strongest on non RnB beats. Yes we know this is a mixtape but it just felt like D Jo was strecthin on beats like All The Way Turnt Up, O Let’s Do It, and even Say Something. Let’s face it, we need RnB back in our lives, and that’s what D Jo needs to stick with.
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There is a reason, 14 years after his death he means so much to so many people. Pac was a profit of our time, our culture, and one that has transcended and impacted all generations of hip hops children, and in this compellation DJ Terry Urban honored that. A Must for any Tupac, and hip hop enthusiast.
This is a not tape were you don’t skip a track, but if D Jo keeps to the sangin, and really pushes his voice to its full potential, there will be Signs of Love Making, and Sex in the Kitchen, in all of our lives soon.
evenodds - grind house The Grind House definitely doesn’t leave the listeners any questions as to what they are about to subject their eardrums too. The overall theme of the tape is just that, about the Grind and what comes with it, or what could possibly come with it.
Work on the grind, and the riches will then follow.
on Bang
The overall project is good however, if not a little too commercial. Songs like Grinding, Bonafide Hustlah, and We Stuntin, focus on the end result of the grind, rather than the process on which it took to get there. However, Frisco, and Why You Hatin On Me closed the tape out on a solid note.
my Trunk
Stand out tracks on the tape are Hold It and On Ery’Thang. The tape as a whole doesn’t carry with it the traditional Bay Sound, save for Frisco, which has the potential to easily be a bay Area Anthem. With songs like Chasing the Beast, the Duo, Money Aways, and D.E.O. need to work on delivery and punchlines, and with Pull It Over, the tape definitely begins to lose momentum through the middle.
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The fuSHion Magazine
75
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