H
ow do I begin this edition of TRAP DOOR MAGAZINE…(Shrug shoulders ) shit I don’t know . Lately writing has become extremely hard for me. It’s School, work, the fear of publicizing the wrong things , upsetting some of my readers, and simply me just maturing past certain people ,places and things in life. They say a man changes every five years. I find that to be the truth because what I believed and what I stood for this time in 2008 when I was incarcerated I no longer believe or stand for now. I use to believe in the conspiracy theory and the leaders who spoke of change. I use to believe that as an African American man I was
doomed for failure because the white man hated me because of the color of my skin. Through my travels I realized that
There is no such thing as a conspiracy theory (at least not In the world I have created in my mind) …In fact the only mother fucker conspiring to hold me back is simply myself. (This is done either directly through my actions or indirectly through the way I think.) The leaders that speak of change be the main mother fuckers that won’t change, and the color of any ones skin is only important to trailer park trash and lower class niggas. I realized that though all these things are truth to others it only becomes truth to me if I allow myself to become manipulated by them. I aint never been no follower , once inspired by different people , but I could always think with the left side of my brain and I always had enough fight to do what the fuck I believed while everybody else did what they was “taught “ to believe. Now that I’ve gotten that out the way allow me to let my readers know that as of the release of next month’s publication we will no longer be being released on a monthly basis. We will be released on a quarterly basis. The reason why I’ve decided to change the circulation of the TRAP DOOR MAGAZINE IS because I’m simply not happy with the content enclosed with in the TRAP DOOR MAGAZINE. I find myself rushing and putting out a bunch shit that I really don’t agree with. In closing I’d like to say thank you to all those that has supported the door through the struggle. Please don’t blow my high.
STILL REPPING THAT THUG SHIT, AND MY NIGGAS DOING THE SAME/ MONEY ALL IN M POCKETT , SKULLS ALL IN MY CAIN, YOUR BITCH ALL ON MY DICK DOG , CAUSE FUCK NIGGA YOU LAME/ COMING DOWN I THAT OLD SCHOOL , YOU SEE SWITHCING THEM LANES , money all in pocket , skulls all in my chain…
T
Sierra “Si Notes “ Carter, Sonny Reds , Jay Royal and Eddie H. Standing roughly about 5’ 7 inchhe above 8 es tall the brother is humble, optimistic and Grounded . This past bar hook was what made me conclude Da- weekend Damond Blue and I had mond Blue needed to be in T.D.M an opportunity to sit down and It was Dream Chasing Mondays (A discuss what’s going on with him. local show case that allows local Damond Blue That’s how artist to show case their talents. the Fuck you feel. Damond Blue came to the stage with enough energy not just to Trapp: Blue, what’s good man? awake the crowd of on lookers but he came with enough energy Blue: Aww man I just been heavy to awaken the city. His bars was in the studio working on this mix smooth and his delivery was felt. tape to put something out that the people can appreciate. Damond Blue comes from out that Gritty Gang mafia along with
Trapp: and that the Mix tape album called, “The Feel”? Blue: Yea the album is called the feel, which is just a catalog of how I feel. I just took the “ing” off of It. It consists of a lot of great sounds. I mean I really put my foot in this one. Trapp: Who do you have appearing on the album with you? Blue: Of Corse you know I have the whole Gritty Gang; My nigga Money on there, my nigga V.Dot on there, Caddy on there. It’s revel music all day. I got so many people I don’t want to forget nobody. Trapp: So exactly how long have you been rapping? Blue: since I was about 8 years old. Trapp: Tell me about the single “Unusual”.
Blue: That’s a song featuring my man Young Money. It’s just a joint that goes against what everybody else is doing. Trapp: How long have you been associated with Gritty Gang?
Blue: It’s not the fact that we lack it. It’s the fact that we just haven’t had our time yet. Trapp: You still signed with Monarch Entertainment?
Blue: (pause) no. I still don’t Blue: Shit, I met Ogun outside the know what’s going on with that Lava Lounge and I’ve been with situation. No I’m not on paper them ever since I was about 17 or with Monarch Entertainment any 18. more but that is my team and the Trapp: Growing up who inspired niggas that I fuck with? Of course. you? Blue: Music wise Growing up The Beatles, Biggie, Skarr Akbar, and a few others. I really don’t go to artist for inspiration I go to my mother. Trapp: Where are you from? Blue: I’m from east Baltimore; I’m from all over man. Trapp: what’s your input on Baltimore Hip-Hop, what do you think we lack ass a city?
I really don’t go to artist for inspiration I go to my mother.
Trapp: Tell me about the track “Shoe Box Money”
youth. I say that because growing up I didn’t have that .
Blue: it was a beautiful track. Shout out to jay Royal.
Trapp: Before we close I want to let you know that we are offering you the opportunity to distribute your music through the TRAP DOOR MAGAZINE CATALOG. Are you interested in that?
Trapp: You also did a joint with Hundred Grand man. Blue: Yea man shout to Hundred Grand man. It’s not just rap with that nigga, he’s a real nigga. Trapp: If you had an opportunity to work with someone from the city, who would it be? Blue: King Midas. I haven’t worked with him yet. Trapp: What’s your ideal goal In reference to this business. Blue: To create resources for the
Blue: Hell yea. Trapp: Thanks for sitting down with us Blue. I’ll be in touch in reference to distribution of your mix tape. Blue: Thanks for finally having me Trapp. Trapp: Keep up the good work brother.
F
ebruary Beauty in the Streets Interview
Trapp: I understand you’re located in Michigan, what’s the best part about being a model in Michigan and the worst?
YEARS NOW I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO BREAK IN TO THE MODELING WORLD. Trapp: What do you like most about modeling? THE BEST THING ABOUT ME Trapp: I LIKE THE CHALLEGE OF MODELING IN MICHIGAN GETTING IN FRONT OF A CAMERA WOULD BE THAT MY MANAGER AND HAVING A NAME AND BEIS IN MICHIGAN WHICH HELPS ING KNOW IN OTHER CITITES ME TO BE FOCUS/LOCATION BE- AND STATES IS NICE. CAUSE OF THE SCENERY AND THE Trapp: Where have we seen you BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE. THE before (in what publications)? WORST THING IS THAT I GET MORE SUPPORT FROM PEOPLE DADI: WELL I HAVE BEEN IN OTHER STATES INSTEAD OF BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED MY HOME STATE! TO BE IN FOUR MAGAZINES INCLUDING YOURS. MY FIRST WAS Trapp: How and when did you SOFINE S.U.C.H. ISSUE MAG MAY get started in modeling? 2012/ HP(HARD PRODUCT) MAG IN OCTOBER 2012 / BABES FIRST DADI: MY MANAGER WAS AT A EYECANDY MODEL IN NOV2012 / CLUB TRINA WAS HAVING A MINI TRAPDOOR MAG FEB 2013. CONCERT AND HE SAW ME WATCHING HE SAID HE LIKED MY LOOK AND SMILE AND CAPRI JUMPSUIT AND THAT’S WHAT DREW HIM TO ME. FOR ABOUT 2
Trapp: Where would your ideal photo shoot take place, and what would you be wearing?
DADI: A MAN THAT SMELLS GOOD AN WELL DRESSED AN EDUCATED I LOVE SOME PRETTY TEETH AND NICE SMILE
DADI: HMM … I WOULD LOVE TO BE IN A SEXY SWIMSUIT SOMEWHERE WARM WITH PALM TREES AND AN OLD FASHIONED CAR .
What turns you off? OH MY OH MY GOD WHAT TURNS ME OFF LET ME TELL YOU A MAN WHO IS IGNORANT AND WHO IS AROGANT ABOUT THE THINGS Trapp: Name one thing, no mod- HE HAS AND DISRESPECTFUL TO WOMAN AND BAD BREATH el should go without, and why? MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMDADI: MOISTURIZURE PRODUCTS ACH. FOR SKIN A BRUSH HAIR AND Q- Trapp: What are your ultimate goals in this field, for example do TIPS FOR MAKE-UP CANT HAVE NO ASHY ANKLES AND BED HEAD you want to be a runway model, cover model, or are you interestHAIR AND MAKE-UP MISTAKE ed in TV, videos, or movies? BLEMISHES Trapp: What do you think is your DADI:I Would try it all runway is not my thing but I would LOVE to sexiest body part? be in videos TV and movies .I Trapp: WELL I LOVE MY SOULFUL would love to be on covers OF SEXY EYES (WINK )AND MY GLU- magazines and would like more of that exposure too. TETUS MAXIMUS AND I THINK I would try it all runway is not my BOTH ARE VERY SEXY . thing but would love to be in Trapp: What turns you on? videos TV and movies.
I would love to be on covers of magazines and would like more of that exposure too. Trapp: Do you have any advice for other girls or women that may want to consider modeling? DADI: GO FOR IT DON’T LET ANYBODY DISCOURAGE YOU LOVE YOURSELF AND EMBRACE YOUR IMAGE AN INVEST IN YOUR CRAFT ALSO IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE PERSONAL MANAGER WHO HAS NAME IN THE BUSINESS OR CONNECTION AND WHO SEE GREAT POTENTIAL IN YOU THAT YOU DON’T SEE.
Trapp: What’s the best advice anyone’s ever given to you in regards to modeling? DADI: to separate business from personal and to be judged and rewarded on my professionalism am my work etic an not by sleeping my way to the top an to stay focsed on my goals
TRAPDOORMAGAZINE.COM
2 DISC 4 THE PRICE OF 1
M
ike
Knox ,comes out of Philly along with a new breed of rappers such as Meek Mill and Tone Trump just to name a few. It’s never been clear to what Mike Knox’s position was or is with G-Unit Philly, however from what wikipedia.org concludes G-Unit Philly is a record label that is a subsidiary of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. From what sources says Mike Knox was the first artist to sign to G- unit Philly. Sometime in late 2010 Mike Knox was charged and sentenced to 7 years in the federal department of corrections for an array of different charges. Recently we had the opportunity to sit down and discuss with the brother the likes of Mike Knox and the relationship of him and the G-unit brand.
MIKE KOX INTERVIEW….. didn't want to see it happen they Trapp: What's going big homie felt like it was not possible for me How long have you been writing to be able to communicate with and recording music? people that successful. The talent was there but I always conKnox: I have been writing and sider myself more of a business recording for some time I had my man. I know how to make things first deal in 1997 on Tommy boy happen even when people don't records want them to. My brother Tony Yayo had a very strong hand in Trapp: You making it to G Unit helping me make that happen. Philly was a big move coming He came to Philly and I had literfrom the position of an artist. ally 60 niggas with me, we did a How did you manage to make show together and he said “I that happen? gotta tell 50 about you”. This is Knox : I had a great relationships crazy. I was already spending with G-Unit and I was able to get money on my own so i was just some other artist from my city to looking for a shot. be a part of it. A lot of people
I was in the streets and I didn’t Trapp: I'm going to say a name to listen to anyone because I know you and I need to know what people wanted to see me lose. I comes to our mind.... didn't care what anyone thought of me. I grew a really great close Knox: You didn't say a name. friendship with 50 Cent. He has Trapp: [thinking] ..."Tone Trump" given me so much I grew a really knowledge, and whenevKnox: He was the great close friender I am around him I only one out of all of ship with 50 Cent. the members from G learn something even He has given me -Unit Philly that when I am not trying to. so much He is a real nigga! I call reached out to me knowledge, and before i got senhim direct myself; I don't whenever I am have to go through anytenced, and afteraround him I learn wards. I respect that one, even to this day. something even he did that. We had Trapp: Did your deal when I am not good conversations, with 50 have anything to we spoke a few trying to. do with Beans and 50’s times and it wasn't deal or did you create always about music . that opportunity yourself? He is in a good space with Jeezy, he knows what to do, alot of Knox: I am the one who put Beans with 50. Me - that's who, I things that happen or decision I made he understands them now. just don't get into to alot of the Anybody that reached out to me things I did but that was one of my chest moves and it was classic while I was going through this, I respect them - Freeway also. because it was big.
Trapp: There was a blog about you and Beans getting into a physical altercation. Is this true and what happened? Knox: Yeah we got into a few years back at Lil Kim’s welcome home party. We just had some words and sometimes when that happens when 2 real people meet they go behind words to settle things. We got past that and moved on. We worked together on many records. I was responsible for getting him and 50 Cent in the same room and they gave the world the go off record so people should thank me for that. Shout out to Sigel hold ya head bro! Trapp: Speaking of altercations, when I say the name "Gun Play" or "MMG" what comes to mind? Knox: You can't include MMG in that even though they are a team, Meek Mill is from my city
and our friendship has always been good so i try not to be so on it like that with that situation. As far as Gunplay - he knows what happened.
Shit everybody knows what happen now. When the fight first happened nobody from my crew didn't go on Twitter or Instagram and talk about it. It was nothing as far as I was concerned shit happens, but when he went on the radio and talked about it after a snippet of the end of the fight came out; I said to myself this guy wants to get promotion because he is not getting a look in the whole Wale ,Meek and Ross thing that's going on right now. So he is trying to gain some energy behind this. So when people started to say that was me in the footage it look like he was getting at me, but I was pepper sprayed after whooping his ass he knows this. Then he goes on TMZ and starts talking crazy lol. Then the real footage comes out and I hit the radio and let it be known. I have no reason to be fake or try to gain energy off that. I was already coming to
federal prison before the situation happened so I was not tripping over it. We were there with 50 to honor Chris Lighty - my man was doing a tribute to his Manager that he just lost. We were not there for that. Come on Fat Joe was there and there was no situation they actually squash their beef. So what does that tell you? This guy is on YouTube snorting cocaine. Come on man next question. Trapp: Now that we moved past your pass let’s talk about your present conditions....How much time did you end up with your recent legal situation?
Knox: I was sentenced to 7 years 10 months in the federal system. I was fighting my case for 2 years before I came in. I was indicted October 2010. I posted bond and was on house arrest for about 9 months and I started going hard in my career. 50 helped me a lot. He made sure I was able to travel, go back in fourth to New York to work and everything by sending the proper paperwork to my lawyers. I was even on planes in Miami, doing shows all over. He also helped me with my lawyer's fees; he really looked out for me. Trapp: That's some real nigga shit...(50 helping you out with your lawyer fees) I keep telling niggas homie a real nigga. Homie didn't have to do that, how did that make you feel? Knox: I didn't expect him to do it for me only because it had nothing to do with music and he had nothing to do with me being in
the situation I was in; but he showed me support -- something people don't get. I remember when I told him my guidelines, time that I was looking at; he was really concerned and he said get the lawyer on the phone so we can figure out the best solution.
family and it still remains that way till this day. I remember when me and Beans was running around on the road doing shows and we had to do a show with 50 in NYC. After the show was over, 50 wanted us to follow him to the studio. As we were all headed to the studio the cops pulled my truck over that me and Beans was in with a few other people. 50’s truck was at the next light when we got pulled over. 50 noticed we gotten pulled over. He jumped out the truck and ran back up the street and said, “They with me.” The cops said, “We just want to make sure the paper work is straight on the I knew I was gonna have to do truck.” They ran everything and 50 stood right next to my window time it was no way out of that, but he never judged me off of my until they was done and let us go. situation and he never made me That's the God honest truth. Now that's a real nigga! Ask Beans feel like I was not wanted about that story. around. Nobody could ever tell me anything about him, Yayo or Monster. They took me in as
Trapp: Big homie trust me I've followed 50’s career since the beginning. I mean he’s always been my favorite artist more so because I can relate to what he puts out all around the board. Am I fan? [thinking] Nah not in the sense of getting caught up in the character of 50 Cent, however I tend to relate more to the Curtis Jackson side of the brother; Example in his interview with Murder Dog magazine he said ," Sometimes the hardest part about being successful is separating myself from the people I've built relationships with but yet I must do it because I understand that they are incapable of doing the right thing." When one puts that statement up against the character of 50, then something doesn't add up. I remember a particular conversation I had with a brother when I was incarcerated the brother had concluded that he was disloyal because he
said that ...I told the brother nah...what he was saying was he was loyal however he couldn't allow a stupid mother fucker fuck up what he had worked so hard to accomplish. What's your input on that?
Knox: Let's me be clear on something 50 Cent or G-Unit as a company does not owe Mike Knox anything. I am very thankful and blessed to have their support. They know me as being a good personand a person that wants to do something with their self and will do anything that I can to support and contribute to the legacy that they made. I am loyal at heart and I worked hard at my music career. I have done a lot in my community before I was indicted. I talked to kids at schools, I encourage younger teens in the neighborhoods, I feed the homeless and I even try to help other artist in my city before I would help myself because that's just who I am. And 50 seen that in me and didn't stray away from me with where I am today. When you’re in a position like 50 is, you are able to make the decisions to deal with who you want. If he didn't help
me I wouldn't feel the way other people be acting. He changed a lot of peoples lives and they be acting like he is their worst enemy. So to answer your question; I am not the stupid mother fucker he was talking about I am different. Being in the Feds is not something I am proud of. I have a family; I got a wife and kids that suffer because I am not there. I plead guilty to my situation. I had no other choice. When a person wears a wire on you; you can't beat that. So I knew I was gonna have to sit down. I did state time before so I know how to do time. Again, I am not bragging - this is my life and it's not a game. It’s nothing cool or swag out about being in the Feds. I am blessed that I will be able to be back home with my family. Some of these guys will not be able to do that, so that keeps motivated to keep moving and stay focus in a positive direction.
Trapp: (smile) [drops head] I see you’re very articulate with conveying your message. That's enough about 50 though homie, let's talk about you. So from you said in your last statement you’ve given back to your community, [pause] tell me more about that. Knox : I was going out to schools and talking to the kids to encourage them to stay focused. Where I come from a lot of the youth are dying at a young age, getting life in jail, or having babies before they can take care of themselves. They have no one to talk to and help them when they need it. I try my best to provide that to them. I feed meals to the homeless. I even gave out turkeys a lot. I did this before i was indicted and afterwards. I never forget who I am. I have been on my own since I was 15 years old. I
know how it feels to not have and to not have someone in your corner. I was wild but I changed a lot Trapp: That's what’s up. It takes a special type of mother fucker to do that. On another note what inspired you to do music....I mean what made that your hustle?
Knox: I used to always listen to rap when i was young and I started to like it allot. I was in the streets and there was an incident where I got shot and I had to wear a shit bag. I was blessed to only have to wear it for 6 to 8 months and then get it removed. I used to be angry a lot and music was a way for me to channel my anger. I had a lot I needed to get out of me and that's how it started. I eventually got in to the business aspect of it and started to see some money from it so I knew the potential was there and i kept going because i wanted to get out of the streets and have a better life.
Eve,Peedi Crack - I got a lot of records with different artist. That's a few off the top. Trapp: Before we conclude what would you like your fans and our readers to know about you?
Knox: Everybody makes mistakes but mistakes don't make you a bad person they make you stronger. I never give up on anything. My music has always been my medicine and even though I am in the Feds I have enough material to keep it going until I am released. I am a strong person at heart and I am taking my punishment like a real man is supposed to. I am not like the weak people that point their fingers to Trapp: Who have you had the make it easy on themselves but privilege of recording with? destroy their name in the proKnox: I have records with Beans, cess. I stand tall and I am not bragging I am just being honest. 50 Cent, John Legend, Freeway, The Roots, Shawty Lo, Tony Yayo, Check out my last mixtape ‘Me against the world’ hosted by DJ Young Chris, Jerry Wonda, Whoo Kid.
THIS IS LOVE
S
o recently my ex-wife and I decided to give it another try in the relationship department. Why? Well because I guess we “love” each other. Over the last few years she and I have been through our fair share of difficulties. I’ve cheated, cursed her out and have even gotten physical with her. She in return has lied, maybe even cheated (She’ll never admit it and I couldn’t never prove it) and have gotten physical with me. We have separated, dated other people, said we couldn’t stand each other and later gotten back together. I remember growing up and witnessing my father and mother go through the same thing and it wasn’t until I became of age and started my own relationship that I understood what they experienced. They went through there changes through the course of their relationship and their marriage but they honored their vows to the all the way to the grave because they loved each other. So what is love? (Shrug shoulders) love is just simply admitting your wrong, love is taking responsibility for your actions, love is many different things. In the Bible God said that he so loved the world that he “gave “his only begotten son , so love is just simply sacrifice. If two people are in love than each should be focus on the other person wants and needs. This creates duality (balance).The problem with this is a lot of people either love someone else or love his or herself.
LET’S WORK