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page 20

www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 1
 WHO's THE BESTIN
HIp Hop IN tHe VIlle INteRVIeW WItH ARtIsts
NASHVILLE?
irst, I'd like to know how you two met?
Bossman: We were basically recording
at the same studio.
Ron D: Rushing to a show, my anxiety was
high. Sometimes I may overreact. We had a
1ST ANNuAL major dispute, but we’ve been working hard
since we saw the angel.
Interesting, tell me a little more about
this angel that was seen.
Ron D: Okay, true story. We put our song
“I Don’t Want To Live This Way” on repeat
and went outside to blaze one. The song is
about reaching out to the Lord and us not
living right.
AUGUST 14,2009
May 29th 2009 at
at THE
the INSPIRATION CENTRE
InspIratIon Centre Bossman: I looked up directly across
the street at the steeple. The sky turned
Nominate & vote for your favorite Business Owner or Professional in Nashville & surrounding areas. cloudy. I saw an angel blowing a horn. It
Lawyers, Realtors, Hair Salons, Clothing Stores, Restaurants, etc. was a bird right above the trumpet. The
Let's recognize these pillars of our communities for all their hard work. crazy thing about it, I tried to take a picture
Go onlIne and vote today! but it wouldn’t work.
Ron D: That was for us, the function on his
phone wouldn’t even work!
For more information visit www.elitebusinessaward.com Have you collaborated with any other local
To become a sponsor, please call 615-573-2118 details. artists?
Ron D: T. Arthur, Rap or Dope album
featuring Nuts. Top Twenty Records with
Mark Drews. Shout out to T. Scales.
Bossman: KMG (Kommittee Music Group),
Quezzy the Don, and we have two albums
A portion of the proceeds generated from the elite Business Award Show, out. Also T.R, same family do shows
will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. together. I have two producers, A. White
produces beats, and South produces half of
the tracks. I’ve been working with them for
8 years.
2 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
What artists have you've opened for?
Bossman: All of my own shows, like 12th
and Quarter, The Basement on North Ave,
and other places around town.
Ron D: I’ve opened for Three Six Mafia,
Juvenile, Jadakiss, C-Lo Green, Bobby
Valentino, Delafonics, and much more.
Who inspires you both to rap?
Bossman: I would have to say artists like
Tupac, Biggie, and Jay-Z.
Ron D: I have to get a little deep.The Lord
and my kids. Without them I'd be in trouble.
As far as Hip Hop, I’m a 100% Tupac guy.
I like Young Buck too. That’s my boy.
Inspiration, I try to look in the mirror and
get mine.
Is rapping your passion or is it just
something you do?
Ron D: I’m just trying to use something to
hustle. I really want to be an actor.
Bossman: Music is my passion. I love
music. I used to use the karaoke machine
to make beats. Music is my soul. Any kind
of music.
Ron D: I’m not sure if I have a passion for
music, but every time I smoke, the creative
side of my brain is affected. I wish I could
stop rapping. I get to hang with beautiful
ladies like you when I do shows.
Are you both from Nashville? Is there
anything you want people to know about
you that’s not obtainable in your music?
Bossman: I was born and raised in
Louisville, Mississippi. (Laughs, I’m also
going to be a sex symbol one day!
Ron D: I’m originally from Knoxville. I don’t
have much to hide. They also need to know
that I didn’t snitch in my worst hour of life.
I’m trying to be an honorable person.
Any upcoming projects to look out for?
Bossman: We have two videos shot. We are
also working on a movie in January.
Ron D: “She Got A Man” is going to be big!
We are going to focus on that. That’s the
one we love. We are going to hit the world
with this one. Go to www.myspace.com/
ebn1 and check out our video “Club Like”.
How can you be contacted?
Ron D: www.myspace.com/Rondknox or
ripcordentertainment.com
Bossman: www.myspace.com/missbossman
– PORSCHe AKINS
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 19
 STAFF
& CONTRIBUTORS
PAGE 10

Wesley Mitchell lll

Publisher

Meredith Pierce
Chief Editor

DestinyRaine
HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE NO. 2 Fashion Writer

CONTENTS
6 PLAYBROKE Amicka Hunt
Writer
7 SCHAKE
9 SHU’NE - Extraordinary Swag
10 ROB DEE - Hood Movie Star
13 T-DOGG - Big Man On Campus
15 DYNASTY - Da Don Knyte
Writer
18 YOUNG CORLEONE
22 CHRIS WILLIAMS & ON DECK TV

DEPARTMENTS
17 MODEL OF THE MONTH Mr. Grimey
Hold Me Down
20 HOLD ME DOWN
23 HOT TRACKS
25 OL’ SCHOOL TRIBUTE
26 FASHION
Deion
Hip Hop in the Ville is published and distributed bi-monthly. All Ol School Tribute
material (c) 2009 Elite Business Network, LLC. Contents may
not be reproduced in any manner without written permison
from the publisher. Elite Business Network and it’s staff
reserves the right to edit or reject inappropriate content in
any display ads and or classifieds ads.Hip Hop in the Ville
Magazine assume no liability for advetiser or product claims. Goldy
All advertiser’s are responsible for securing all necessary Photographer
consent/permission for all ad copy,text,photo and illustratons
appearing in their ads.The avertisers assume all liability for
claims/suits based on subject matter appearing in their ads.
Opinions expressed in columns and articles are those of the
writer and not necessarily those of HHVM or it’s staff. The
publisher assumes no liability for typographical errors or H. Walker
omissions. but will correct them free of charge. Layout & Design
4 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
 PLAY
BROKE
Can you remember the first bars that you
wrote? If so, did it come easy for you?
No, I don’t remember. I have been doing
this for a long time. But I can write verses
and bars in about 15 minutes. This has
been very easy for me.
Which one is more appealing to you – to
hear an artist doing an album or a mixtape?
An album. Mixtapes are easy because an
artist already knows the beat and lyrics. It
is not hard to come up with your own words
to a single that has already been produced.
Anyone can do a mixtape. An album on
the other hand is a lot harder and more
complex. The artist is or will put more
work into their album then a mixtape.
How many albums do you have, and what
are their titles?
I have three albums but have only released
one of them. The album is called Lady’s
Night. It has more of a L.L. feeling to it.
This album will be released in March. I
have only done one mixtape.
6 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
by DRaine
B e careful of those who cross your
path.
I have heard of this man before, but
never really knew who he was. I heard he
had a video, but I didn’t think much about it
because I wasn’t in it. But I recently found
out that he is one of my friends on MySpace.
Playbroke has his own label and modeling
company. Read his interview:
The Ville: Where are you from?
Playbroke: I am from North Nashville, born
and raised, 16th Ave. to be exact.
How did you come up with your name?
My mom gave me my name. One day she
asked me for some money, and I told her
that I was broke. But that same day she
saw me with a new car. That is when she
told me that I am always “playing broke.”
So, the name just stuck.
Where could people get the latest album?
It will be at SoundStream, LJ Fashions, Key
the Music, and any mom-and-pop store.
Also, you could catch my music on my
MySpace page.
What or who is BH & Co?
That is my record label and modeling
company. I am working with models on
calendars, magazines, print, etc.
What else can we expect to see from you
in the future?
In March, I will be shooting another video,
and I will be on the road doing shows.
Also, there is an album release party on
March 29, 2009. Keep your eyes open for
more information.
How will people get in touch with you?
Contact and booking information is:
615-506-7159 by phone, or catch me online
at www.myspace.com/playbroke07.
SCHAKE
The Ville: Have you lived in Smyrna your
whole life?
SCHAKE: Nah, actually I moved here to
provide better environment for my family.
That’s what’s real. … I really like a man that
can rap and be intellectual also, so tell me
about the book you’re writing.
It’s “The Man’s Guide to Staying Out of the
Dog House.” It teaches men and women
how to have healthy relationships. I
remind men what they forget to do in a
relationship, so that those things can be
corrected.
So, you know we are in a movie together
called “ Still Broke.” How do you feel about
the role you got?
Yeah (laughs), Wes (Mitchell) said that he
was writing me into a movie, and I always
say, “Ya know what I mean?” so that ended
up being my part. But this is my first script,
and I have been reading it, so that’s one of
the things I wanted to do. So, I guess that’s
one dream down and a million more to go.
Inquiring minds want to know. What does
SCHAKE stand for?
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm
by Amicka
I was doing a lot of wrong in my earlier life,
and I wanted a change, so I left Michigan
and turned a new leaf. With that came
“SCHAKE” – SINCE CREATED HUSTLN
AMBITION KORUPTD EVERYBODY.
Now that’s deep. I am a poet, so I read into
what you are saying. … Do you have anything
new coming out?
Now that I think that my wife is through
having babies … ha ha. Nah, seriously,
I have to make sure that my family was
straight before finishing the album. It’s
been four years in the making, and I’m
coming hard.
Can’t wait to hear it.
The name of the album is Perfect Timing,
and it should be out around the middle of
April.
How can the public reach you?
MYSPACE/SCHAKEDABOYWONDA
E-mail: SCHAKE08@GMAIL.COM
Producer: Ty Shelton, (615) 483-0373
7
 extraordinary swag
SHU’NE
The Ville: Hey, wassup Shu’ne?
How you doing, bruh?
Shu’ne: I ain’t complaining. It is what it is.
It’s all good.
word! Let’s start by telling our readers …
who is Shu’ne?
I’m Key 2 Music, 300 Douglas Avenue,
(615) 262-3066 – been here for five
years now.
Are you originally from Nashville?
Shu’ne: Yeah, east side, Berry Street to be
exact.
So, what’s your take on hip hop both locally
and nationally?
Hip hop is not dead but very much alive.
There’s a lot of mainstream artists selling
millions of records. It’s primetime for
local artists to get in. I want to see local
artists working like Rob Dee, All Star
and Crisis “Tha Rhyme Don.” They been
here grinding. We need new artists like
T-Gizzel. He’s grinding for real. He’s doing
the work, and he’s humble. But I haven’t
seen a new artist make an impact like
All Star.
what else does Shu’ne do besides run the
day-to-day at Key 2 music?
I’m currently managing, and I’m willing to
manage anybody, but they got to be willing
to work and be able to listen.
8 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
by Knyte
I dig that! who are some of your influences
business-wise?
Definitely Master P, Jay-Z, Diddy, just
about anybody who started from nothing to
something that had a vision.
Do you find local artists motivated or doing
music just because?
A few are motivated, then you got some
that do it just to do it. It’s money here
to get!
what are some projects that you are
currently working on?
I’m promoting Key 2 Music compilation
volume 1 that’s in stores now. I’m also
taking singles for volume 2 if it’s hot.
Ya’ll heard it from mr. Key 2 music himself!
How do they get in touch with you?
Yeah, at Key2music@bellsouth.net or
(615) 262-3066, or come by Key 2 Music at
300 Douglas Avenue; Nashville, Tennessee,
37207.
You can also catch Shu’ne on an upcoming
episode of “Hip Hop in the Ville,” so check
your local listings for times and dates.
Anything else you want to say to our
readers?
If you stay ready you never have to get
ready!
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 9
 ROB DEE
HOOD MOVIE STAR & TV HOST
The Ville: man, it gets no better then this,
folks. I got the hype-iest rapper *slash* –
You, ready? Are you ready, hood? – movie
star, my G.U.H. “ground-up homie,” Rob
Dee, mutha suckers, Rob Dee. what’s been
happening with you, superstar?
Rob Dee: Being blessed
First, I want to touch on your rap career.
I want to take it back to your album I’m
Determined. There’s a song in there called
“Jump In Da’ Tub.” what is all that about?
Personal experiences with females who
didn’t have good hygiene.
You wild. Now, moving into your latest
album, which I feel is different from what’s
on the streets now, mE. I had an opportunity
to be in the “mE” video. what was the
inspiration behind this album?
It was actually the lacking of props I was
receiving from the public. I feel like what
I represented was being overlooked. I
wanted for people to understand and
recognize the diversity in me, so since I
wasn’t getting it from the people, I made
one and dedicated to myself.
Besides rapping what you got going on?
Acting and hosting of the television show
“Hip Hop in the Ville.” Acting is actually my
first passion. Man,
what else I got going
on? Church, church
and we gone end that
right there.
So, I hear you’re
staring in your second
movie, “Still Broke.”
what can we expect
to see in this film
from Rob Dee? You
was super funny on
“Pizza man.”
10 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
by Tamara
What you can expect to see from Rob Dee
is me actin’ the role out to the fullest of my
capabilities.
I see you are an outbreak artist, hood movie
star, host of “Hip Hop in the Ville.” Is there
anything you not doing? which do you have
more passion for – rap or acting?
Equal. Naw, hold up Te, I got to say acting.
Do you see yourself producing any movies of
your own?
Maybe, sometime in the future.
what can we look for in the next year from
Rob Dee?
You can look for a more prestigious
Rob Dee – more music and more movies.
It is what it is. whether you believe or not,
this dude going somewhere. This is the
hippest honey in the Ville, bringing you the
inside scoop on our hood star. Rob Dee,
anything you want to tell the hippest readers
before we get out here? And don’t forget to
tell the people how to find Rob Dee.
Never think inside the box. Always be open
to creative ideas and different people with
different frame of minds. And you can
find me at: myspace.com/robdee026 and
Robdee25@yahoo.com.
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 11
Specializing in soft elegant style, commercial hair weaving, dreads and total hair care
big man on campus
T-DOGG
Today, I am sitting and talking with T-Dogg,
the big man on campus.
The Ville: So, T-Dogg, are you a native of
Nashville, Tennessee?
T-Dogg: No, I have been in Nashville for
five years, but I am from Foley, Alabama.
So how long have you been producing?
I got a computer back in 1998 and started
producing myself. I was skeptical of telling
anyone that I had a computer ‘cause that
meant that you were nerdy, but when
I found out you could make beats on a
computer … oh my God!
who would you say inspired you to start
producing?
I used to record tracks on my keyboards,
and then I met Big Hop who encouraged
me to pursue my dreams. He took me to
the studio one day and after I saw what I
could do – I never turned back. Man, you
really took me back just then, but yeah,
SHOTS OUT TO BIG HOP!
what type of music do you produce?
I am actually a gospeI rapper, but
I produce gospel rap and gospel.
who are some of the artists that you have
worked with?
I have worked with Kurtis Blow, Verbs,
Grits, Pettidee, Midnyte Sun, Andalé,
UnCommon and many, many more.
12 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
by Amicka
will you be coming out with a cD written
and produced by T-Dogg?
Actually, I just released a CD not too long
ago called Created 2 Worship, and I am
going to say that whether I release another
CD is going to be totally up to the public.
It may be hard to believe but gospel rap
isn’t always considered a form of worship!
We are criticized all of the time, saying we
only dwell on our daily issues in life, so
I decided to create a project for God that
was directed to God and about God. Now
we will play the waiting game to see what
type of ridicule we will get next, for trying
to uplift Him higher.
Do you let anyone get on your tracks,
or do they have to be hard?
Anytime that I make a beat, my signature
is on that beat, and you best believe that
I always come correct, so regardless if
the next dude gets on the track, and it
sounds like garbage, my track still going
to outshine those words. So yo, what’s
up? We going through a recession. You got
heat. I got the beats.
So, how can the public contact you for
bookings and beats?
You may contact me through Myspace at
www.myspace.com/TDOGG7 or email me
at tdodouble@gmail.com.
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 13

Fish, Chicken & Ribs
Sports Bar & Grill
Come visit us for Ladies Night!
Ladies free drinks & entry
I had the pleasure of meeting this
artist before this interview, and I
can honestly say that he has taught me
something. He told me that no matter
Thursday who it is – or where you are – sell your
product. That is what he does. Take
6 pm – 8 pm time to read about a person that you
will be hearing more about – Dynasty.
Friday
8pm- 10 pm The Ville: So where are you from?
Free Buffet from 5pm-8pm Dynasty: I am from Nashville,
straight PJs.
where did your name, Dynasty,
come from?
Being from the projects, everyone gets
Open a nickname. Mine was “Lil Wayne.”
Growing up and hanging out with my fam
Tuesday- Saturday and mentor, Pistol, he gave me advice
11am- 8pm 11am- 2am about thinking heavily on changing
my name. Of course, I didn’t want to
be confused or compared to the other
Lil Wayne, so I began to think of a new
name. The concept that I am the head of
1431 Dickerson PK my throne, and all lyrics came from the
top of my head, which I consider to be
Nashville, TN 37207 the throne of my body (the kingdom) …
Dynasty became my name.
(615) 227-9669
can you remember the first bars that you
wrote? If so, did it come easy for you?
14 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
DYNASTY
◊Da Don◊
by DRaine
Naw, I don’t remember. However, I
can say this that I have been rapping
since I was in 2nd grade. I can say that I
probably did it as a rough draft and then
rewrote it. But now I spit bars with no
problem.
How many albums do you have, and what
are their titles?
I have done three albums – The Game,
Feel My Pain and No Way Out. Everyone
seems to think that my latest single is
called “No Way Out,” but it is not. No
Way Out is the album, and the first single
is “Rap for the Moment.”
How long does it take for you to get your
album done?
The longest that it has ever taken me to
do an album would be about 30 days. I
am always in the studio, and I already
have music recorded.
where could people get the latest album?
The album is approved everywhere.
When it is out, you will definitely hear
about it and where to get it. On the real,
you can get one from me because I will
always have one available for you.
what else can we expect to see from you
in the future?
I am staring in two movies this year. One
movie is called “Allusions,” written by
Tragic, where I play a goon. I am also
in another movie coming out this year
called “Still Broke,” written by Wes
(Mitchell). I play the character by the
name of “Hair Ball.” I hope to – in the
future – to get an independent record
deal.
How will people get in touch with you?
Dynasty: contact and booking information
is: (615) 753-0949 and on Myspace at
www.myspace.com/dynastydadon.
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 15
 Model of the Month

myspace.com/Hearrt7Baby
16 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3 www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 17
 The Ville: Here we go. Hold on to your seat because I’m here
with a ball of energy – your main man, YounG corleone. Let
the people know you here. Everything good?
YounG Corleone: Yeah, everything good. Everything cool.

So, tell me about yourself. where you from, and what inspires
you to do what you do?
First, I from Louisville, Kentucky – the “Derby City.”
What inspires me to rap? Easy. It’s rap or die. Music is life.

You made an appearance on the “Hip Hop in the Ville” show.

Your energy is out of this world. I had to tell the other host,
you brought out our “A game.” where does all that come
from?
It comes from – let me see – it’s just me. Everything I do,
I put my heart into it.

As an independent artist what would you label yourself as –

a realist, street rapper or entertainer?
A militant – a rebel with a cause.

what is your motivation when you step up to the mic?

what are the emotions you experience when you about to hit
the stage?
To give people a part of me, and music is motivation.

YounG what’s the history behind the name “YounG corleone?”

Did mom give it to you or the streets?

Corleone
The streets. I demand my respect.

by Tamara
my goal is to give the music industry
a different segment “change.”
Now, I want to get a little deep before we get out here. Now,
even though you are not seeing the money from the national
level of the rap game, can you say rap is 100 percent pas-
sion, or you in it for the money? Because, you know, my boss
always told me you doing your dream, you just not reaping the
finance part of it. with that being said, are you cool just being
a hood star or you have to be national?
Really, my goal is to give the music industry a different seg-
ment “change.” It’s not really about the money, cause I got
money. It’s about my city. The OGs said they live their life
through me, but all at the same time, I want to make enough
money to get my family off the street.
There you have – never imitated or duplicated – straight from
the artist’s mouth. YounG corleone, is there anything you’d
like to tell the readers of the hottest magazine in the Ville? Be
sure to let them know how to contact you for books, or just to
check you out.
Louisville, Kentucky, stand up. West end, stand up. Free
Tony Bender. Free Lil Chauncey. Militant Mafia, let’s get
it in. Shout out to Young Tyrant, “Mr. 106@park,” and the
whole east side. You can contact me at myspace.com/mur-
daville, barzupent07@yahoo.com or (502) 533-5620.

18 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3 www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 19


Dear Mr. Grimey,
I have three men in my life, and I don’t
know which one to choose from.
One is 22 and broke. Shawn, 35, looks
very good, and Jerry, 40, paid.
All got something I like, but each one
lack what the other don’t have.
What should I do?
Pamela – Nashville, TN
Go to the doctor and get checked out.
Dear Mr. Grimey,
Where do you get off telling people that
crap about their lives and what to do?
Terry – Nashville, TN
1. Thanks for reading the magazine.
2. I never get off that way.
3. Go to hell.
Dear Mr. Grimey,
I’m a nice looking woman in my mid 20s
with no kids and a nice job, but I can’t
find a nice man out here in the world.
What Female 2 Do – Murfreesboro, TN
well, if you’re a nice-looking woman
you shouldn’t have to find a man. He
will find you. That’s the problem with
you women today. Let the man find you,
not you find him then try to control him.
20 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
Advice from Mr. Grimey
Dear Mr. Grimey,
Man, I come home from a hard day of
work, and I stand on my feet all day. All
I want is for my wife to rub my feet, but
she won’t.
Tired Feet – Hendersonville, TN
Look here bruh, all I can tell you is
wash your feet and get the toe jam out
and see if she’ll do it then. If that don’t
work go holla at this chick named Lisa.
what one woman won’t do another will,
lol.
Dear Mr. Grimey,
Peep this. I got this fine-ass woman
from head to toe, smooth skin, nice
voice, just fine, but my girl’s breath
smell like a bag of five-month-old
onions. I try to be nice and give her
some gum or tell her to rinse her
mouth, but it just don’t work. Be a part of the Hottest Magazine in the Ville
Funky Mouth – Cashville
ADVERTISE TODAY
man, you dudes are just too nice. You
need to look her dead in her eyes and
tell her, “Look. You fine as hell, but
your breath smell like a bag of armpits.
by calling 615-573-2118
what you plan on doing about it?”
Dear Mr. Grimey,
My boyfriend of six years just won’t
change. He still haven’t gotten a job
in three years. He haven’t taken care
of his kids by his past wife, and he’s
healthy as a horse.
ms. work Too Hard – Nashville, TN
Lady, based off your photo, tell him to
slide over. I have a nice job, no kids and
I know how to swing the “D.” Get rid of
that loser, and make room for me.
For more advice, please send in your
e-mail to HYPERLINK “mailto:mr.
grimey@live.com” mr.grimey@live.
com and we’ll try to get you in the next
issue. HOLD ME DOWN!
 Chris Williams &
OK, I can dig that. How did you come up with
the concept of an Internet TV show?
We were sitting in the studio listening

ONDeckTV
to tracks one day and came up with the
concept, so the world can see it with no
time constraints.
by Knyte when did you all get it up and going? “u aint got like me” “Mr. Change ”
We had it running on June 21, 2007.
Tank the heat totta Playbroke
How’s the response been?
Positive, very quick. The City Paper came
at us by the third episode. People are “Gone some were” “Dat Dude ”
now putting faces to music, and we’re not
biased. We want everybody to shine. Pain Fat Malz
That’s wassup! So how do interested or
potential artists get on the show? “Get Paid” “Aint Nothing ”
Just be hot. We’ll find them! They can hit
me up on my MySpace page or e-mail addy. T-Gizzle Lil Walt
Yeah, we’ll post those later. So, tell us about
your crew on the show.
Yeah, I wanna give shout-outs to our host,
“Me” “Money Galore”
Lou-Lou, our second host and promoter, Rob Dee Yung Steezie ft Deezy
Polamite, and our sound man who does the
scores, Twan Soundz, and I’m basically the
head coach.
The Ville: wassup, brotha? How are you “Come Up” “Crazy ”
doing? You good?
Chris: Most definitely, staying busy.
It seems like ya’ll got it together?
Yeah, it’s a good thing that we get along.
Schake Young Rider, CP DA Babydon
We all basically grew up together. We tell
Let’s start off with it straight how it
you letting our
“...you have to is, you know. We
readers know a little
bit about you, like communicate don’t hold back
‘cause you have
where are you from?
in order to to communicate
I was born in New
York, but I was have a good in order to have a
good partnership
raised in North
partnership because every

because every
Nashville. friend is not a good
business partner.
So how long have
you been here in friend is not a
good business
How can we see the
Nashville? show and at
I’ve been here ‘bout
23 years, just about
all of my life.
partner.” what times?
We got new
episodes
every Friday, and older episodes
Do you ever go back to visit? are also available. We are also
I’ve been back twice. I’m straight Cashville starting a female panel show and
now, you know, laid back. It’s a whole new round table in the next two months –
world up there. sisterhoodentertainment.tv.
Yeah, I feel you on that. So, let our readers Sounds like ya’ll got a lot of work going on.
know what ONDeckTV is and what it’s about. Give our readers your information again.
It’s an underground hip hop show. We It’s myspace.com/ondecktv or
started with six people, but now we’re youtube.com/ondecktv or visit us on
down to only four. We wanna shine a light socashville.com.
on Nashville’s hip hop scene, focusing not
only on music but fashion and business as There you have it! Another “Hip Hop in the
well, but from a hip hop perspective. Ville” interview success!

22 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3 www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 23

 T R I B U T E
Be a part of the Hotess Family in the Streets
by DEION
O n the surface, the sample-reliant
productions and monotone rapping
styles of Erick Sermon and Parrish
Smith had little to recommend them,
but the duo’s recordings as EPmD were
among the best in hip-hop’s underground
during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Over the course of four albums (from
the 1988 classic Strictly Business to
1992’s Business Never Personal), they
rarely varied from two themes: dissing
sucker mcs and recounting sexual
exploits. But a closer look reveals that
the duo’s rhymes were nothing less
than incredible, simply undervalued
because of their lack of intonation during
delivery. EPmD also had a feel for a
good groove, and created numerous hip-
hop classics, including “It’s my Thing,”
“You Gots to chill,” “Get the Bozack,”
“Strictly Business,” and “Rampage.”
Though EPmD’s hardcore style influenced
the urban-oriented gangsta ‘90s, Erick
Sermon (aka E Double E; b. Nov. 25, 1968)
and Parrish Smith (aka Pee mD; b. may
13, 1968) were both raised in the Long
Island suburb of Brentwood. They moved
into rap separately, with Smith DJing for
Rock Squad on a single for Tommy Boy.
HIP HOP IN THE VILLE TV SHOW
HIP HOP IN THE VILLE RADIO SHOW
HIP HOP IN THE VILLE MAGAZINE
24
by calling 615-573-2118
HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3
After coming together in 1987 -- naming
themselves EPmD, short for “Erick and
Parrish making Dollars” -- the duo
recorded their debut “It’s my Thing” in
three hours. The single was later licensed
to chrysalis, and EPmD signed to Sleeping
Bag/Fresh Records for debut album
Strictly Business. Propelled by several
strong singles (“You Gots to chill,” the
title track), the album eventually went
gold, as did 1989’s follow-up, Unfinished
Business. Signed to Def Jam by the
beginning of the ‘90s, EPMD returned
in 1990 with Business As Usual and
Business Never Personal two years later.
By 1992, they presided over an extended
family dubbed the Hit Squad, including
Redman, K-Solo, and Das EFX.
The duo split later that year, however,
prompting solo careers for each; Sermon
debuted in 1993 with No Pressure, and
Smith made his statement on 1994’s
Shade Business. The duo re-formed EPmD
in 1997, recording a strong comeback LP,
Back in Business. Out of Business followed
in 1999.
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 25
Fashion
B.the Great Exclusives
Think for a moment. who do you know that
is requested by popular demand? Yes, you
guessed it … none other than ms. Becky the
Great!
Due to both of our busy schedules, we were
able to embark on an e-mail conversation
about “Becky the Great” and her success as
a clothing designer.
Becky is the owner and designer for B.the
Great Exclusives, and she is a two-time
nominee for the Southern Entertainment
Awards – with the pleasure of winning a SEA
awards in the clothing Designer category in
2008.
The Ville: How did you get started with
designing/airbrushing, and how long have
you been doing this?
Becky: About five years ago, I was working
with middle-school kids in an aftercare
program, and we needed matching shirts
for a program. The mall was charging way
too much – so I decided to do them myself.
I bought the materials, and it went from
there!
what does your designs consist of, meaning
do you just do shirts?
No, I do a variety of things. Besides
designing on shirts, I do the entire outfit –
from hat to shoes. Whatever the customer
the movie
by DRaine
needs, I do. I’m also somewhat of a stylist.
I will tell you if your ideas are hot or not!
who is your clientele?
There is a difference between a “client”
and a “customer.” A client consistently
orders every month. A customer comes
every now and then. My clients are: All
Star, a new artist named Mac-Goo, Roc B,
Paper and Executive Recordings, Rip, DJ
Rage and Dolewite and Scooby are my top
clients right now.
How do you come up with the designs that
you do?
If a customer doesn’t come up with their
own design, I just come up with something Starring
based on their idea. Sometimes it comes to
me instantly and other times it takes days!
I also do research to help. Rob Dee as
How do you market your business?
Word of mouth works wonders! But I “Tony”
mainly use my MySpace page to get the
word out there. If a client has a major
Dynasty as
event to attend, I provide them with a shirt
that causes attention! That works really “Hair Ball”
well too!
what plans do you have for the future, or
where do you see yourself in five years? Tamara as
“Phat Rabbit”
In five years, I will be in Atlanta with other
designers on my team. I will have a long
list of big-named clients. B.the Great
Exclusives will be known worldwide.
and Charles Whimes as
Have you ever thought about doing a
fashion show?
Yes, I think about it everyday. But in reality,
“Crack Head Larry”
I’m a struggling single mother, and I have
a lot of responsibilities that comes with
being a single parent. I just can’t afford one
now. But God is good, so he will make it
happen – it’s just not the time, I guess!
How can people contact you about your
designer clothing and accessories?
It is easier to get in touch with me on
my MySpace at www.myspace.com/
futureairbrush. Or e-mails can be sent with
www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 27
 Coming Soon
Real Street Figga’s
The Hood Compilation

28 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3 www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 29

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30 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3 www.ELITEBUSINESSNETwORK.cOm 31
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32 HIP HOP IN THE VILLE • ISSUE 3

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