OZONE MAG //

PLAYAZ CIRCLE
MANNIE FRESH
TREY SONGZ
TOO $HORT
RICH BOY
DJ KHALED
LIL BOOSIE
DJ DRAMA
PRETTY RICKY
JIM JONES
& MORE
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2nd ANNUAL OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION!
P
L
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O
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C
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T
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G
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0Z0NE hA6 ll I
Z ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll J
+ ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll S
6 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll !
8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll 9
I ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll II
IZ ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll IJ
l**RE6lSIERE I1s 1s C0NlERENCE
AIIENEES WlIh BA6ES AhlIIE
lREE I0 ALL Nl6hICLUB EVENIS BEl0RE
hlNl6hI**)
Friday
august 10, 2007
eent Entertalnnent resents the Iaste-
nakers Klckoff artv Sohe Llve lIZJ
Washlngton Ave ln South Beach)
hosted hv Irlna, 1ackl-0, 6 K-loxx
Llve erfornances hv 1on Young, 1 Cash, 6
Corev Baes
saturday
august 11, 2007
I Ph IZ Ah
CIE 6 8!JZ resent the Iastles lashlon
Show Chakra lISth 6 0cean fornerlv
Blllhoard Llve)
hosted hv K-loxx
Llve erfornances hv Roccett, Cassldv,
Ihree ee, 1-honev, I-hud, Kvnanl
harlev, Young AC, 1ust A 6lrl, RawLI 6 other
artlsts IBA
IZ Ah J Ah
I1s 1s 6 0Z0NE hagazlne resent the
ofclal Iastles lashlon Show afterartv
Chakra lISth 6 0cean fornerlv Blllhoard
Llve)
hosted hv Lll 1on 6 Slln Ihug
Llve erfornances hv Crlne hoh, Plccalo,
Young Cash, 6 6randaddv Souf
VlP 6uests lncludlng Klller hlke, Irae, Cool
6 re 6 nore
sunday
august 12, 2007
I Ph IZ Ah
Iastenakers 0nlv Showcase Sohe Llve
lIZJ Washlngton Ave ln South Beach)
Llve erfornances hv loxx, Irae, Klnfolk
Kla Shlne, hontana, 1okanan, Slncere,
oughhov, Chlef, llauge, Chlnkle Brown 6
nore IBA
IZ Ah S Ah
0fclal Plles Ihe Real Iestanent alhun
release artv at hanslon Nlghtcluh
IZJS Washlngton Ave ln South Beach
Presented hv Blg 6ates, Sll-N-Sllde, 6
Atlantlc Records
Seclal lnvlted guests lnclude Iwlsta, Blg
Kuntrv, 1 rana, B.6., B.0.B., Irev Songz,
llo-Rlda 6 nanv nore Atlantlc Records
artlsts
huslc hv 1 Khaled
monday
august 13, 2007
ef 1an resents the ofclal 0Z0NE Awards
afterartv hanslon Nlghtcluh
Llve erfornances hv ef 1an, CIE, 6 IP
artlsts IBA
huslc hv 1 Khaled
I+ ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll IS
I6 ll 0Z0NE hA6
Friday august 10, 2007
+ Ph 8 Ph
Check ln at hvatt Regencv l+ SE Znd Avenue ln downtown hlanl)
Reglstratlon ln the lohhv on Ist foor
+ Ph I Ph
hosltalltv Roon hvatt Regencv 1enga Lounge
II Ph - Buses deart fron hvatt to South Beach
II Ph J Ah
eent Entertalnnent resents the Iastenakers Klckoff artv
Sohe Llve lIZJ Washlngton Ave ln South Beach)
hosted hv Irlna, 1ackl-0, 6 K-loxx
Llve erfornances hv 1on Young, 1 Cash, 6 Corev Baes
saturday august 11, 2007
I Ah 8 Ph
Check ln at hvatt l+ SE Znd Avenue ln downtown hlanl)
Reglstratlon ln the lohhv on Ist foor
IZ Ph ! Ph
Strlctlv Buslness Records hosltalltv Roon featurlng Redd Evezz
hvatt Regencv 1enga Lounge
IZ Ph ! Ph
Asvlun Records resents the 1 Panerlng Sulte
hvatt Regencv 0rchld Roon Cl
hassages, halrcuts, and nanlcuresledlcures 1s onlv
Z Ph J.J Ph Panels I 6 Z
Producer Panel hvatt Regencv honroe Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude Polow da on, hannle lresh, Cool 6 re, Brvan hlchael Cox, Nastv Beatnak-
ers, Iraxanllllon, Plav 6 Sklllz, runna Bov, 6 Nlttl
lndle CE0lExecutlve Panel hvatt Regencv Brlckell Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude Brvan Leach lPolo 6rounds), 1ason 6eter l6rand hustle), Ied Lucas lSll-N-
Sllde), E-Class lPoe Bov), Wendv av lRa Coalltlon) 6 nore
+ Ph S.J Ph Panels J 6 +
1lve Records resents the 1 Panel hvatt Regencv llagler Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude 1 rana, 1 Snallz, 1 Khaled, 1 +S, 1 lrle, 1 Backslde, hanl Chula, 06
Ron C, lreddv hvdro, 6 1 Prostvle
U lgg Recordsl0arn lstrlhutlon resents the hedla Panel hvatt Regencv - Iuttle Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude 6rouchv 6reg lAllhlho.con), arnella unhan lRadlo 6 Records), Iuna
Basa lhIV 1ans), Erlc Perrln l0Z0NE), hatt Sonzala lhoustonSoReal), Ist Ladv El lon lva)
I Ph - Buses deart fron hvatt to South Beach
I Ph IZ Ah
CIE 6 8!JZ resent the Iastles lashlon Show Chakra lISth 6 0cean fornerlv Blllhoard Llve)
hosted hv K-loxx
Llve erfornances hv Roccett, Cassldv, Ihree ee, 1-honev, I-hud, Kvnanl harlev, Young AC,
1ust A 6lrl, RawLI 6 other artlsts IBA
IZ Ah J Ah
I1s 1s 6 0Z0NE hagazlne resent the ofclal Iastles lashlon Show afterartv
Chakra lISth 6 0cean fornerlv Blllhoard Llve)
hosted hv Lll 1on 6 Slln Ihug
Llve erfornances hv Crlne hoh, Plccalo, Young Cash, 6 6randaddv Souf
VlP 6uests lncludlng Klller hlke, Irae, Cool 6 re 6 nore
J Ah S Ah
Backhahv lnc 6 NuBreed Entertalnnent resent
Ihe 0fclal I0A late nlght after-afterartv Cocos
hosted hv Brvan hlchael Cox 6 oughhov
S.J Ah - Buses return to the hvatt
sunday august 12, 2007
I Ah 8 Ph - Check ln at hvatt Regencv - Reglstratlon ln the lohhv on Ist foor
IZ Ph ! Ph
Strlctlv Buslness Records hosltalltv Roon featurlng Redd Evezz
hvatt Regencv 1enga Lounge
IZ Ph ! Ph
1 Panerlng Sulte hvatt Regencv 0rchld Roon Cl
hassages, halrcuts, and nanlcuresledlcures 1s onlv
IZ Ph - I.J Ph Panels S 6 6
lglwaxx resents the Pronotlons Panel
hvatt Regencv Brlckell Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude Adan lavors llnterscoe), Chad Brown l1lve Records), Steve Raze lAllhl-
ho.con), Shawn Prez lBad Bov), Lex lLex Pronotlons), Blg Ieach lBlg houth harketlng
6 PronotlonslPolo 6rounds), onna 6rvn lPolo 6rounds), Corev CL Llewellen llglwaxx),
1azz lhlskeen 0rlglnals) 6 nore IBA
A6R Panel hvatt Regencv honroe Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude Erlc Nlcks lUnlversal), 0rlando hc6hee lWarner Bros), Shawn Iuhhv
holldav llnterscoe), 1ole handa lAsvlun), Shaklr Stewart lef 1an), hlckev hehhlIz
Wrlght l1lve Records), Aaron Bav-Schuck lAtlantlc Records) 6 nore IBA
Z Ph - J.J Ph Panels ! 6 8
eent Entertalnnent resents the 1 Crews Panel
hvatt Regencv llagler Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude Ionv Neal lC0RE 1s), Latln Prlnce lBunsquad 1z), lelll lel lheavv hlt-
ters), Ist Ladv El lhurda hanls), 1 Irauna lSuerlrlends), Blgga Rankln lhlttnenn 1s),
Kasa the on lhlttnenn 1s), 6 Rav hanllton lLeglon of oon)
Buslness of huslc Panel hvatt Regencv Iuttle Ballroon
Panellsts lnclude 1eff lxon lIP), Wendv av lRa Coalltlon), 6 nore
+ Ph 6 Ph
CRUNKlll Energv rlnk resents the Artlst Panel
hvatt Regencv llaglerlhonroe Ballroons
Panellsts lnclude Lll Scrav, Plles, Plthull, Ioo Short, Klller hlke, Irev Songz, BloodRaw,
Rlck Ross, 6 hlstah lAB
6.J Ph !.J Ph Llstenlng Sultes Z 6 J
Atlantlc Records Llstenlng Sulte wlth Iwlsta, B.6., and B.0.B.
Caltol Records resents the hvhv hav hour wlth Clvde Carson
!.J Ph 8.J Ph Llstenlng Sultes + 6 S
eent Entertalnnent Llstenlng Sulte wlth 1 Khaled, 1on Young 6 1 Cash, and Corev
Baes
Asvlun Records Llstenlng Sulte wlth surrlse artlstsl
9 Ph - Buses deart fron hvatt to South Beach
I Ph IZ Ah
Iastenakers 0nlv Showcase Sohe Llve lIZJ Washlngton Ave ln South Beach)
Llve erfornances hv loxx, Irae, Klnfolk Kla Shlne, hontana, 1okanan, Slncere, ough-
hov, Chlef, llauge, Chlnkle Brown 6 nore IBA
IZ Ah S Ah
0fclal Plles Ihe Real Iestanent alhun release artv at hanslon Nlghtcluh
IZJS Washlngton Ave ln South Beach
Presented hv Blg 6ates, Sll-N-Sllde, 6 Atlantlc Records
Seclal lnvlted guests lnclude Iwlsta, Blg Kuntrv, 1 rana, B.6., B.0.B., Irev Songz, llo-
Rlda 6 nanv nore Atlantlc Records artlsts
huslc hv 1 Khaled
monday august 13, 2007
IZ Ph J Ph - heet N 6reet Brunch wlth llve erfornances hv artlsts IBA
+ Ph 6 Ph - 0Z0NE Awards Red Caret
! Ph II Ph
Znd Annual 0Z0NE Award Show the 1anes L Knlght Center
Perfornances hv Rlck Ross, Plles, I-Paln, Young 1eezv 6 USA, Lll Wavne, Irlck
addv, Yung 1oc, 1 Khaled, hurrlcane Chrls, loxx, Lll Boosle, Wehhle, Bahv Bov, lat
1oe, Rlch Bov, Llovd, Ioo Short, Ihe Sho Bovz 6 nanv nore IBA
Aearances hv Plthull, Pln C, Bun B, Slln Ihug, lreewav, Irev Songz, Irlna,
Rasheeda, 1odv Breeze, Buffv the Bodv, Plav 6 Sklllz, Kvnanl harlev, 1ackl-0, Pas-
tor Irov, 6angsta Boo, Cool 6 re, 1uelz Santana, evln the ude, Bahv, Lll Scrav,
Crlne hoh, Klller hlke, Chanllllonalre, Clvde Carson, Polow da on, hannle lresh,
Brlsco, 6orllla Zoe, hlstah lAB, Keak da Sneak 6 nore IBA
II.J Ph - Buses deart hvatt to South Beach
I Ph + Ah
ef 1an resents the ofclal 0Z0NE Awards afterartv hanslon Nlghtcluh
Llve erfornances hv ef 1an, CIE, 6 IP artlsts IBA
huslc hv 1 Khaled
+ Ah
Buses return to hvatt
I6 ll 0Z0NE hA6
l**C0NlERENCE AIIENEES WlIh BA6ES AhlIIE lREE I0 ALL Nl6hICLUB EVENIS BEl0RE hlNl6hI**)
0Z0NE hA6 ll I!
tJs dJs tastEmaKErs
musiC ConFErEnCE
&ozonE awards
wEEKEnd itinErary
2nd ANNUAL
0Z0NE hA6 ll I!
<<<<<<<<<<<
I8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll I9
Z ll 0Z0NE hA6
ZZ ll 0Z0NE hA6
tJs dJs HustLEr award
dJ Khaled
Polow da don
t-Pain
t.i.
tony neal
yung Joc
tJs dJs tastEmaKEr award
andre 3000
dJ drama
Jim Jones
oomp Camp
rick ross
t-Pain
mtV Jams BEst VidEo award
dJ Khaled - we takin over
directed by gil green
Ludacris f/ young Jeezy
grew up a screw up
directed by Chaka zulu
Pimp C - Knockin doors down
directed by Benny matthews
three 6 mafia - doe Boy Fresh
directed by gil green
young Buck - get Buck
directed by Bernard gourley
BEst ProduCEr
mannie Fresh
nitti
Polow da don
the runners
dJ toomp
BEst miXtaPE dJ
Bigga rankin
dJ Chuck t
dJ drama
rapid ric
dJ scream
dJ smallz
BEst radio dJ
Crisco Kidd
Emperor searcy
greg street
dJ Khaled
nick@nite
BEst CLuB dJ
B-Lord
dJ irie
King arthur
dJ Q45
supastar J-Kwik
t-roc
BEst raP aLBum
devin the dude - waitin to inhale
Lil Boosie Bad azz
Ludacris release therapy
rich Boy rich Boy
rick ross Port of miami
young Jeezy the inspiration
BEst raP artist (maLE)
Lil wayne
Ludacris
Pimp C
rick ross
t.i.
young Jeezy
BEst raP artist (FEmaLE)
diamond & Princess of Crime mob
rasheeda
shawnna
trina
BEst raP grouP
8Ball & mJg
Crime mob
outKast
three 6 mafia
ugK
usda
BEst r&B aLBum
akon - Konvicted
Beyonce - Bday
Lloyd street Love
ne-yo Because of you
Pretty ricky Late night special
BEst r&B artist (maLE)
akon
Bobby Valentino
Lloyd
ne-yo
t-Pain
trey songz
BEst r&B artist (FEmaLE)
Beyonce
Ciara
Fantasia
Keyshia Cole
Letoya Luckett
BEst LyriCist
andre 3000
Bun B
Lil wayne
Ludacris
t.i.
ZZ ll 0Z0NE hA6
airing
LaBor day
wEEKEnd
on
mtV Jams
0Z0NE hA6 ll ZJ
BrEaKtHrougH artist
Baby Boy da Prince
Lil Boosie
rich Boy
shop Boyz
unk
BEst raP/r&B CoLLaBoration
akon f/ snoop dogg i wanna Love you
Lloyd f/ Lil wayne you
Ludacris f/ mary J. Blige - runaway Love
Plies f/ t-Pain shawty
t-Pain f/ yung Joc Buy u a drank
young Jeezy f/ r Kelly go getta
CLuB BangEr oF tHE yEar
Foxx f/ Lil Boosie & webbie wipe me down
Jim Jones we Fly High (Ballin)
rich Boy f/ Polow throw some ds
shop Boyz Party Like a rockstar
unk walk it out
miXtaPE monstEr award
Chamillionaire
Lil Boosie
Lil wayne
Plies
young Jeezy
most sLEPt-on artist
devin the dude
gucci mane
Lil Boosie
Plies
trae
BEst miXtaPE / strEEt aLBum
dJ drama & young Jeezy i am the street
dream
Killer mike - i Pledge allegiance to the grind
Lil wayne da drought 3
rob g state of the streets
ozonE wEst:
BEst raP aLBum (wEst Coast)
E-40 my ghetto report Card
the game doctors advocate
ice Cube Laugh now, Cry Later
snoop dogg tha Blue Carpet treatment
too $hort Blow the whistle
PatiEntLy waiting: CaLiFornia
Bishop Lamont
Clyde Carson
Hot dollar
mistah FaB
mitchy slick
Z6 0Z0NE Awards hotos hv Rav Ianarra. ll-r) Plles, Lll Boosle 6 Wehhle, K-loxx 6 Young 1eezv, Yung 1oc wlth hosts Irlna 6 avld Banner
Z+ ll 0Z0NE hA6
2007 ozonE awards:
PatiEntLy waiting
aLaBama
hohlle, ALs Rlch Bov hun rushed lndustrv doors for Alahana last vear and
atlentlv waltlng hehlnd hln were a slew of encees readv to follow the s
on Rlch Bovs Cadlllac. Blrnlnghans AIIlIUE slgned to Warner Bros., landed
wrltlng credlts on Ilnhalands Shock Value alhun and Nellv lurtados hlt
slngle Pronlscuous, and stlll ket hls fow tlght on Rlch Bovs Role hodel
and Kev Z a Streets nlxtae wlth 1 Wallv Sarks. Ihe BA B0YS staked thelr
claln claln wlth the Blrnlnghan duos dehut alhun avs of Belng Broke and
thelr slngle Check he 0ut. After nanv vears of lndeendent hustllng, BlR-
hlN6hAh 1 sustalned hls resence ln Alahana ra wlth hls 1 Serlous hosted
nlxtae 6otta 6rlnd and asked the streets how U Llke hv Stvle. h0ESIY X0
showed Alahana how to re-u on hls street snash Bag lt U and Colunhla
records newest slgnee YELA W0Ll stood tall as the next great whlte hoe.
ont call then Banas anvnore. ln thls age of slunlng alhun sales and
hl ho ls ead rhetorlc, sweet hone Alahana has lentv to offer.
tHE CaroLinas
Ihe Carollnas havent seen nalnstrean hl ho success slnce Petev Pahlo
sun hls shlrt around llke a hellcoter, hut thls ast vear hlrthed a new
hreed of Carollna artlsts reared to take thelr Carollna relgn to the nasses.
lsturhln Iha Peaces Norfclk hoasts two Ralelgh, NC artlsts that nade thelr
resence felt. Snall World and hls dlstlnctlvelv heavv fow rovlded a new
volce vvlng to he svnonvnous wlth Carollna nuslc on the on Cannon hosted
nlxtae World onlnatlon, ln rearatlon for Worlds dehut alhun World
Prenlere. And fellow Norfclk grou nenher BR0LlC lnressed streets fron
Ralelgh to the AIL on hls Carollnas lavorlte nlxtae alongslde 1 Chuck I.
South of the NC horder, LlL RU ket cluhs and streets rocklng throughout
SC wlth hls hlt slngle ont l Look 6ood and S 6rans nlxtae. hean-
whlle, all eves were on Rus lndeendent headhunters Records lahelnate, as
C0LLAR6REENS slngle Evervhodv Looklng snashed cluhs and radlo across
the Carollnas. Iwo states, two cllques, these four raers were a cut ahove
the rest ln Carollna durlng 6-!.
FLorida
Poe Bovs lL0-RlA llt u the Sun Coast wlth hls hlt slngle Blrthdav and fol-
lowed u wlth a Rlck Ross renlx, rovlng that the Port of hlanl got hls hack.
Ihev sav tlnlng ls evervthlng, and for es-Loc of the lndeendent duo
PlCCAL0, there was no hetter vear for the cluh release Stlck N Roll, not to
nentlon a new clothlng llne and guest aearance ln the novle Bloodllne.
SEAN KlN6SI0N, the Beluga helghtslElc Records wonder hov, cane out
of nowhere wlth sulcldal thoughts of Beautlful 6lrls and hecane llvlng
roof that hvSace.con ls not onlv a lace for frlends, hut a lace to land
na|or lahel deals. haltlan sensatlon ShlIIY found hls wav to the hallot wlth
a lanonds 0n hv Neck renlx featurlng Lll Wavne and Iwlsta, the 8s
lnslred led ln Your Arns renlx wlth I-Paln, Rlck Ross and 1r. Reld, and
dont forget ahout hls Nlttl heat. 0rlando reresentatlve WES lll conquered
the streets wlth nlxtaes hv Blgga Rankln and 1 Snallz, whlle hls 0range
Countv hrethren IREAL snashed radlo houndarles wlth the laver anthen ln
Not Lockdown. Bootv nuslc nav he extlnct, hut llorlda has a fresh new cro
of faces to kee the nonentun golng.
gEorgia
Ihough hes heen atlentlv waltlng ln I.l.s shadow for 6 vears, Bl6 KUNIRY
contlnued to hulld hls own fanhase vla solld aearances on ln a Streetz
Vol. + and street slngles llke Yeah and Ihats Rlght. lAB0 strengthened hls
oularltv hv volclng hlt for other artlsts llke Ihe Alllance on Iatted U and
0ne Chance for Look At her. B.0.B. cane on strong wlth hls Cloud 9 nlxtae
naklng fans fron the Bav to the A sallvate over ls uconlng dehut. Ihe nost
dlstlnctlve new volce of the vear, 60RlLLA Z0E, ls uttlng ln douhle dutv
as the newest nenher of Bovz N a hood and the latest solo star on Block
Entertalnnent thanks to hls cluh snash hood Nlgga. But the nost atlent of
all of these artlsts ls .6. Y0LA who hroke through last vear wlth Alnt 6on
Let U hut saw hls ascenslon stalled hv lahel drana and a shootlng that left
hln hosltallzed. he returned earller thls vear wlth Rollln featurlng Bone
Ihugs N harnonv. Atlantas negastars stoned through the last vear snatch-
lng laques and trohles along the wav, hut thls cro of new talent wlll kee
the state grounded.
KEntuCKy
Ihanks to those nav rooted encees, hl hos lastlng lnresslon of
Kentuckv ls along the llnes of countrv raers eatlng waternelon, chlcken 6
grlts. But thls vears grou of Patlentlv Waltlng
nonlnees roved that the Bluegrass State lsnt
|ust countrv hackwoods ra nuslc. B Slhh ralsed
the har ln Loulsvllle wlth hls nlxtaes lLegend ln
Ihe haklng and Ihe Legend Contlnues hosted hv
1 E-leezv) and Roe-A-oe slngle. 6-hACKS
resune checked out as hls street anthen hatahs
rang loud fron Lexlngton, Kentuckv hoods. hr.
Kentuckv 0N lEIIlS Lets 6et En featurlng Pln C
was a -hov favorlte. And three nan ra grou, BEL0W
ZER0, reresented for Bowllng 6reen on thelr ode to
tted cas, New Era, wlth Lll lll. Kentuckv nav he
hetter known for lts frled chlcken hut even the Colonel
would resect the grlnd these nonlnees have ut ln.
Louisiana
1udglng fron the last IZ nonths, that state hetween Iexas
and hlsslssll should rohahlv he renaned Lou-WEEZY-
ana. But there are stlll a few nanes that nanaged to eat.
New 0rleans tradltlon was contlnued when B.6.s Ch0PPER
ClIY B0YS klcked off the vear wlth thelr lndle effort We 6ot
Ihls, reklndllng llght nenorles of the hot Bovz. Bevond that,
lt was ohvlouslv the vear of Baton Rouge. B.R.s hAX hlNELLl
contlnued hls underground grlnd drolng 0n Ihe Cut, whlle at
the sane tlne relng for hls Koch dehut Paln hedlclne. lellow
Baton Rouge raer l0XX energed fron the shadows of hls Irlll
lan hrothers Wehhle 6 Lll Boosle wlth Wle he own. But whlle
he urged vou to hrush off vour shoulder, chest, ants and shoes,
Shreveorts hURRlCANE ChRlS was ln hot ass cluhs taklng hls off
to the chant of A Bav Bav. Ihe entlre state of Loulslana took ln
dlslaced New 0rleans resldents after hurrlcane Katrlna, and now lt
sounds llke thev are adotlng thelr nuslcal success too.
mississiPPi
lts heen four vears slnce avld Banner let the world know hlsslssll
does lt Llke A Pln hut the rest of the Crooked Letter state ls stlll a-
tlentlv waltlng for thelr chance to hatlze the gane ln hlsslssll water.
B00 A B0SS PLAYA had trouhle naklng lt raln thls ast vear hut stlll
nalntalned a solld huzz wlth hls 6angsta 6rlllz nlxtae rugstore. Canton,
hS raerlroducer 6hB nade hls claln for next to hlow wlth hls hlt slngle
Llke at that had cluhs all across the state dolng the hlsslssll hounce.
1EWhAN was out to rove Banner wasnt the onlv talent fron 1ackson and
nade nolse wlth tracks llke Swagg, Proof Be 6one and Pull En 0ut.
And S0UL1A B0Y had evervone fron Atlanta to Los Angeles crankln hls dance
as hls snash hlt Crank at Soul|a Bov lSuanan) sread across the natlon,
u the charts and all over YouIuhe.
tEnnEssEE
lron Ihree 6 haa to 8Ball 6 h16 to Young Buck, the Volunteer State has had
lts share of successful artlsts ut lt down for Ien-A-Kev. And thls vears gang
of Iennesseans have all nade thelr ush to carrv the torch ln 6-!. Cash
honev slgnee ALL SIAR nade hls nane known hv showcaslng hls skllls along-
slde the llkes of Young Buck, Yo 6ottl and the Blrdnan and roved hls solo
worth on hls lndle alhun Prlnce of the Vllle. After vears of lndeendent grlnd-
lng, KlA ShlNE nallv hroke through wlth hls hlt record Krlsv whlch set
the tahle for hls na|or lahel dehut alhun ue Season. Ihree 6 haa rotege
LlL WYIE released hls thlrd studlo alhun entltled Ihe 0ne and 0nlv, as he
attented to natch the success of hls hvnotlzed hlnds can. And henhls
duo, A V0LUNIEERS, released thelr alhun Whats Yo lavorlte Color!, wlth the
slngle lavorlte Color featurlng h16.
tEXas
Iexas renalns a stale ln the Southern ra novenent and the new hreeds
aear readv to carrv on a strong llneage ln the Lone Star States ra legacv.
houston legend Scarface lntroduced 6REEN ClIY and the Kllleen, IX ra grou
drew attentlon wlth thelr slngle Partv Llke A Pornstar fron thelr dehut
alhun Brand New honev. Ihe 6RlI B0YS sread thelr ghetto realltv as thelr
slngle lresh caught on strong and antlclatlon for thelr alhun 6hetto
Realltv ln Iexas grew. houstons lreestvle Klng R0B 6 reresented hls cltv
strong wlth hlt slngle Reln hv Block, along wlth one of the vears hest
nlxtaes State of the Streets. And SR nenher IUh IUh heled to estahllsh
allas as a cltv to take note of wlth hls slngle Carlce huslc that had trunks
rattllng all across the South. ll
- hv Erlc Perrln, Randv Roer, 6 hs Rlvercltv
0Z0NE hA6 ll ZS
Z6 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll Z!
ISI LAY EL l1ERSEY ClIY, N1)
CE0, hurda hanls
Ist Ladv El ls the CE0llounder of hurda hanls a resected
grou of fenale 1s, raers, slngers, and nodels. She also re-
centlv secured the tltle of Edltor-at-Large of on lva hagazlne.
AAR0N BAY-SChUCK lNEW Y0RK, NY)
lrector of A6R, Atlantlc Records
Aaron graduated fron Colunhla Unlversltv ln ZJ and went to
work lnnedlatelv for lnterscoe Records. he |olned the Atlantlc
Records fanllv ln ZS and qulcklv rose through the ranks to l-
rector of A6R. he has contrlhuted to nunerous gold and latlnun ro|ects llke
I.l.s Urhan Legend and Klng, Irlck addvs Ihug hatrlnonv and Back Bv Ihug
enand, Iwlstas Kanlkaze, Irev Songzs 6otta hake lt, and nost recentlv
Plles dehut alhun Ihe Real Iestanent. Uconlng releases lnclude llo-Rldas
hall 0n Sundav and Culds Ilne lor A Change. he ls also currentlv settlng u
hls own nuslc venture, ZS Y0 Entertalnnent. he ls alwavs looklng for the next
great roducer or artlst and helleves vou can never llsten to too nuch nuslc.
AAh lAV0RS lSANIA h0NlCA, CA)
Natl lrector of Radlo Pronotlons, 6effen Records
Born ln Cleveland, 0h, Adan got hls start ln the nuslc huslness
as an lntern at Ehl Records. he ls now the Natl lrector of Radlo
Pronotlons for 6effen Records, where he ls resonslhle for
lannlng alhun releases and securlng radlo alrlav. hes laved a kev role
ln the success of the entlre 6-Unlt can, Slln Ihug, Kevshla Cole, Connon,
Rohln Ihlcke, and evervhodv thats heen hot over the last ve vears.
ERRlCK Bl6 IEACh IURI0N lhlAhl, lL)
lounder and CE0, Blg houth harketlng and Pronotlons 6
Natlonal hlxshow lrector, Polo 6rounds huslc
Blg Ieach has over I vears exerlence ln the lndustrv. he has
seclallzed ln evervthlng fron artlst develonent, to hrand
nanagenent, to roduct lacenent. he even dahhles ln vehlcle wras and
weh deslgn - to nake lt short, errlck Iurton ls a hustler. he has worked
wlth over 6 natlonallv renowned conanles and contlnues to nanage
ronotlonal accounts for Uncle Luke, Plthull, Lll 1on, the Ylng Yang Iwlns, Lll
Scrav, hurrlcane Chrls, hnotlq, hennessv, Crunk Energv rlnk, Polo 6rounds
huslcl1 Records, Vlrgln Records, Bad Bov Entertalnnent, IVI Records, Warner
Bros, Luke Records, Unlversal huslc 6rou, 1lve, 0aklev, Akadenlks, 6llvard
and Converse. Blg Ieach attrlhutes nuch of hls success to hls rn hellef that
relatlonshls nean evervthlng.
Bl66A RANKlN l1ACKS0NVlLLE, lL)
Presldent, Sll-N-Sllde Streets
Known as llorldas A6R, Blgga Rankln has an extenslve re-
sune. CE0 of the Cool Runnlng 1s, lounder of Real Nlgga Radlo
hlxtaes, Vlce Presldent of the hlttnenn 1s and Presldent of
Sll-N-Sllde Streets are a few of hls restlglous tltles.
BRYAN hlChAEL C0X lAILANIA, 6A)
CE0, Beat lactorv
Brvan hlchael Cox was horn ln hlanl hut ralsed ln houston,
where he attended hlgh school wlth Bevonce Knowles and
LeIova Luckett. ln I99!, he noved to Atlanta to attend Clark
Atlanta Unlversltv, and wlthln a vear, he was well on hls wav to heconlng one
of the ganes nost successful songwrlterlroducers. he has co-wrltten and
co-roduced such snash slngles as harlah Carevs Shake lt 0ff and Ushers
Confesslons Pt. Z, anong countless others.
BRYAN LEACh lNEW Y0RK, NY)
CE0, Polo 6rounds huslc 6rou
After develolng artlsts llke Lll 1on 6 Ihe East Slde Bovz, the
Ylng Yang Iwlns and Plthull as VP of A6R at IVI, Brvan Leach
hecane Presldent of hls own lnrlnt, Polo 6rounds huslc, dls-
trlhuted through 1 Records lhone of hurrlcane Chrls, C-Rlde and Lava house
Records). Brvan also holds the tltle of Senlor VP of Urhan at RCA huslc 6rou.
ChA BR0WN lAILANIA, 6A)
Southeast Reglonal hlxshow hanager, 1lve Records
Chad Brown hegan hls career as a 1 at 6eorgla Southern Unl-
versltvs college radlo statlon. lnltlallv, Chads endeavors were
notlvated hv hls deslre to attaln status and ower on canus, hut lt soon
got serlous. Brown earned an lnternshl at Unlversal, whlch led hln to the
nallroon at Bh6 and we all know how nallroon storles go. Iodav, Chad
Brown ls the Southeast Reglonal hlxshow hanager for 1lve Records, and nost
call hln the #Z hlxshow Re ln Ihe South. he clalns to he Ihe 6o Io 6uv ln
the South, as he can get records to start 6 crackln ln the streets, cluhs, and
on nlxtaes. Now he asks, What can Brown do for vou!
C00L 6 RE lhlAhl, lL)
Co-CE0s, Eldenlc
Suer roducers Cool 6 re need no lntroductlon. Ihev are fron
North hlanl and lt alnt no secret, honle. Ihevve roduced for
evervone, lncludlng S Cent, 1a Rule, Rlck Ross, Young 1eezv,
Lll Wavne, and lat 1oe lthev are a art of the Ierror Squad can). Ihev have
also worked extenslvelv wlth actresslsongstress Chrlstlna hlllan. Cool 6 re
are resonslhle for dlscoverlng a slew of new talent energlng fron the JS,
lncludlng C-Rlde and 1oe hound, hoth slgned to thelr Eldenlc record lahel.

C0REY CL LLEWELLYN lNEW Y0RK, NY)
Co-lounderlPresldentlCE0, lglwaxx
CL ls a seasoned nuslc nagnate wlth nore than a dozen vears
exerlence ronotlng and narketlng urhan nuslc for varlous
conanles lncludlng Elektra huslc 6rou, Cornerstonellader
hagazlne, and SonvlCrave Records. Although he achleved success wlthln all
these nedluns, lt has heen the lncetlon and nurturlng of lglwaxx hedla
that has heen hls greatest glorv. lnltlallv forned as a dlgltal nuslc dlstrl-
hutlon conanv offerlng excluslve dlgltal content ln the forn of xed and
streanlng audlo and vldeo nedla, lglwaxx has hranched out to hecone an
onllne and offlne narketlng and ronotlons conanv offerlng a lethora of
servlces and rograns to lnfuence tastenakers and trendsetters glohallv.
ARNELLA UNhAh lL0S AN6ELES, CA)
Radlo 6 Records - UrhanlRhvthnlcl6osel Edltor
arnella unhan has worked her wav u the radlo lndustrv
ranks to hecone the UrhanlRhvthnlcl6osel Edltor for Radlo 6
Records, a well-resected lndustrv trade uhllcatlon. her ast
career tltles lnclude huslclProgrannlng Coordlnator at WER 99 1anz ln
hlanl, hornlng Show ProducerlCo-host at W1hh IZ 1anz ln 0rlando, huslc
lrector at WhBX IZ.J lh 6 W1BW ln West Paln Beach and WhlB IJ.S Ihe
Beat ln hlanl.
1 BACKSlE l0AKLAN, CA)
1 BackSlde hegan her career ln ZZ at a college radlo statlon
ln Southern Callfornla and later noved to a late-nlght tlne
slot I6.I KhEL ln the Bav Area. her 6ot Bav! nlxtae serles
has heen lnstrunental ln the hvhv novenent. Backslde, who
recentlv relocated to Los Angeles, ls also an 0Z0NE West colunnlst.
1 RAhA lAILANIA, 6A)
0wner of one of the nost ronlnent volces ln hl ho, Phlla-
delhla natlve 1 rana has heen an honorarv AILlen slnce hls
davs on the strl at Clark Atlanta Unlversltv. lt was at CAU where
ran net on Cannon and 1 Sense lhoth Phlllv natlves as well)
and hegan 1lng artles around the Atlanta Unlversltv Center. Ihe 1 trlo
hecane Ihe Ahllllates, and have slnce taken the 1 gane hv storn. 1 rana
ls resonslhle for the world fanous 6angsta 6rlllz nlxtae serles and has a-
eared on the covers of such nagazlnes as 0Z0NE, Blllhoard, Scratch and XXL.
rana ls undenlahlv a suerstar 1.
1 lREY hYR0 lhEhPhlS, IN)
Wlth over elght vears exerlence 1lng ln the henhls area,
lreddv hvdro ls known as one of h-Iowns nuslcal owerhro-
kers. After organlzlng the 6rand Crew Record Pool and foundlng
the Rl Squad 1s, he also hecane the hlx Show Coordlnator
for WhPW Power 99. lreddv ls a valuahle nenher of 6reg Streets hlttnenn
1s and Ionv Neals Core 1s. hls skllls on the tahles have recelved countless
accolades and have heen featured on hIV, BEI and a host of others.

1 lRlE lhlAhl, lL)
As the ofclal 1 for 1anle loxx and the hlanl hEAI, and wlth
aearances on BEIs Ra Cltv and Nlckelodeons Ieen Cholce
Awards, 1 lrle knows no houndarles. hes a nenher of the hlt-
tnenn 1s, ef 1s, and 99 1anz WER ln South llorlda.
hEEI IhE I1s 1s IASIEhAKERS PANELlSIS
conlled hv Erlc Perrln
Z8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
1 KhALE lhlAhl, lL)
Ihough Khaled ls actuallv fron New 0rleans, he nlght as well
have heen horn and ralsed ln the countrv of ade. Ihe Palestln-
lan 1 has taken over the hlA llke Pahlo Escohar ln the 8s.
he not onlv has the nunher one rated nlght show ln hlanl, on
WER 99 1AhZ, hut ls also the co-nanager for the suer roducer duo Ihe
Runners, and the self-roclalned Nunher I 1 ln the worldl Khaleds sec-
ond and nost recent Koch release We Ihe Best dehuted as the #I lndeendent
and Ith overall alhun on the Blllhoard Charts.
1 NASIY l0RLAN0, lL)
Nastv Beatnakers
lor alnost a decade Nastv has rocked on 0rlandos W1hh IZ
1anz as well as ln the nlghtcluhs. he ls also a roducer, known
as Nastv Beatnakers along wlth hls hrother LVh, and has worked
wlth artlsts llke Lll Wavne and Ludacrls. Along wlth 1 Khaled, he also nan-
ages the roductlon duo Ihe Runners.

1 PR0SIYLE lNEW Y0RK, NYl0RLAN0, lL)
0rlglnallv fron ueens, NY, Prostvle rosered as the nore vocal
half of 0rlandos renlere 1 duo lProstvle 6 Nastv) hefore lock-
lng down a sot on BEIs I6th and Park. he now nalntalns hls
own record lahel, All Pro Records, ln addltlon to 1lng on Power
9S.J ln 0rlando.
1 +S l1ACKS0NVlLLE, lL)
Ra Cltv
1 +S ls the fresh new face of BEIs Ra Cltv. ln addltlon to
helng a IV ersonalltv, hls skllls and energetlc ersonalltv are ln
hlgh denand ln cluhs fron 1acksonvllle to hlanl and hevond.
1 ShALLZ lIAhPA, lL)
ZZ vear-old 1 Snallz was horn overseas, hut noved to llorlda
at the age of J and fell ln love wlth hl ho alnost lnnedl-
atelv. hls asslon for the turntahles ln hls earlv teenage vears
sawned hls natlonallv recognlzed Southern Snoke C serles,
lavlng a nonunental role ln cataultlng na|or and lndeendent Southern
artlsts to the attentlon of natlonal and lnternatlonal narkets. Snallz also has
a weeklv Z-hr show alrlng on Slrlus Satelllte Radlo and lSh Network. hIV
News naned the Southern Snoke 1 as one of the Io I 1s of ZS and
Rolllng Stone hagazlne naned hln one of the Io I 1s to watch ln Z6.
1 IRAUhA lAILANIA, 6A)
Suerlrlends
Irauna, orlglnallv fron New York, got hls start ln the nuslc
lndustrv hv 1lng at cluhs and worklng for Sonv huslc as a col-
lege re. Currentlv, he ls a hlxer at hot I!.9 WhIA ln Atlanta and
a foundlng nenher of the Suerlrlends 1 crew. he has worked wlth a varletv
of artlsts lncludlng honlca, Clara, 1ernalne url, and Vawn.
0NNA 6RYN lNEW Y0RK, NY)
Sr. lr. of Ra Pronotlon 6 Artlst evelonent, Polo 6rounds
New York natlve onna 6rvn hegan her career ln nuslc ln ZI
whlle attendlng New York Unlversltv. She landed an lnternshl at
Roc-A-lella Records and earned a full tlne osltlon ln |ust three
nonths. Slnce then, onna has held down osltlons as lrector of Pronotlons
lPharrells Star Irak lahel), co-nanagenent at 1ackhove lnc lworklng wlth
1 Clha Sounds and Nlna Skv), and Senlor lrector of hlxshow Pronotlons
lVlrgln Records). onna dearted Vlrgln Z! to head u the ra deartnent
at Polo 6rounds huslc, a new |olnt lahel venture wlth 1 Records.

RUhhA B0Y lhEhPhlS, IN)
runna Bovs nane has fown under the radar hut hls roduc-
tlon on songs llke Young 1eezvs Standln 0vatlon and Ihe
Realest and Yo 6ottls Ihats Whats U has hls nane huzzlng
ln the streets as a roducer to look out for. ln addltlon to Young
1eezv and Yo 6ottl, thls hltnaker fron henhls, IN has roduced for 6angsta
Boo, Pastor Irov and Bovz N a hood. As the heatnaker hehlnd USAs Whlte
6lrl and Plles Shawtv, the denand for runna Bovs orchestral-lnfuenced
roductlon ls on the rlse.

ERlC E-CLASS PRlNCE lhlAhl, lL)
lounder 6 CE0, Poe Bov Entertalnnent
Ihls entrereneur and narketlng genlus ls resonslhle for one of
the fastest growlng lahels ln llorlda. Acknowledged as a leader
ln the South llorlda novenent, Poe Bov Entertalnnent ls cur-
rentlv hone to Brlsco lCash honev), llo-Rlda lAtlantlc), Carol Cltv Cartel, and
several other artlsts. Poe Bov also cultlvated na|or lahel deals for Rlck Ross
and 1ackl-0.
ERlC NlCKS lNEW Y0RK, NY)
Senlor Vlce Presldent, A6R Unlversallhotown
lorner osltlons at Vlolator Records, ef 1an and Sonv Records
aved the wav for Erlc Nlcks current role as Senlor VPlA6R
for Unlversallhotown. Nlcks heled shae the careers of loxv
Brown, LL Cool 1, Busta Rhvnes, and Lvfe 1ennlngs, |ust to nane a few. he ls
also on the hoard of advlsors for the Brooklvn Acadenv of huslc.
lELLl lEL lL0S AN6ELES, CA)
Born ln the snall town of Rock hlll, South Carollna, 1 lelll lel ls
now hollvwood llterallv. ln fact, over I.6 nllllon eole llsten
to hln each nlght, as he ls the host of the #I nlghttlne show ln
Los Angeles. lelll lels show on LAs Power I6 has held down
the nunher I sot for vears, garnerlng the hlghest ratlngs ln hls resec-
tlve tlne slot. Ihough he was horn ln South Cak, and ralsed ln Atlanta, lelll
lel has trulv nade hls nark on the West Coast. he ls now venturlng off lnto
roduclng and has a new slngle huzzlng across the countrv.
6R0UChY 6RE6 WAIKlNS
Co-lounder of Allhlho.con
lor 9 vears, Allhlho.con has heen the #I onllne destlnatlon
for hl ho news, revlews and lndustrv lnslghts. After |olnlng
forces ln I99!, Allhlho.cons founders Chuck 1lgsaw Creek-
nur 6 6rouchv 6reg Watklns have slnce launched the allv hl ho News
Alerts and the annual Allhlho Week.

1AS0N 6EIER lAILANIA, 6A)
Presldent, 6rand hustle
1ason 6eter, along wlth hls huslness artner Cllfford I.l. har-
rls, forned the owerhouse lahel 6rand hustle ln ZJ. Wlth a
|olnt venture deal through Atlantlc Records, 6rand hustle has
had enornous success wlth artlsts llke I.l. and Young ro, and contlnues to
develo lts roster of u-and-conlng talent.
1AShl1N 1AZZ Rl1CKEN lPhlLAELPhlA, PA)
VP of harketlng, hlskeen 0rlglnals
1asnl|n a.k.a. 1azz, orlglnallv fron Rotterdan ln the Nether-
lands, got her start as an unald lntern at hlskeen. She worked
her wav u the ranks and ls now VP of harketlng, where her |oh
resonslhllltles lnclude sonsorshls, glohal narketlng, roduct lacenent,
hrandlng, uhllc relatlons, and olnt-of-sale ronotlons.
10lE hANA lNEW Y0RK, NY)
head of A6R 6 Pronotlons, Asvlun Records
Asvlun, hllled as an lncuhator lahel, serves as the unhrella
for several successful lndle lahels llke Swlshahouse and Irlll
Entertalnnent. As head of A6R, 1ole ls lnvolved wlth ro|ects
fron artlsts llke Wehhle, Lll Boosle, CanRon, and nanv nore.
KASPA IhE 0N lAILANIA, 6A)
Presldent, hlttnenn 1s
Kasa ls hls nane and PR0h0Il0NS ls NAA6AhEl Los Angeles
natlve Kasa the on was horn and hred on the left coast, hut
relocated to AIL ln the 9s. he started hls ronotlonal conanv
after lnternlng at hot I! ln Atlanta, where he was the anong the all star
draft class of lnterns that lncluded Chrls Luva Luva, hIVs LaLa, Coco Brother,
and harsha headows. ln I99! Kasa started ulo harketlng and hedla, ser-
vlclng cllents such as lnterscoe, Vlolator, Coca Cola, I-8-CALL AII, Warner
Bros, Suave house, and BhE. ln ZJ, he started Leglon 0f oon 1s, hut soon
llnked u wlth 6reg Street and Blgga Rankln to found the hlttnenn 1s.
LAIlN PRlNCE lL0S AN6ELES, CA)
Presldent, BunSquad 1s
Ihe BunSquad 1s founder Latln Prlnce ls a nogul ln the nak-
lng. Ihe forner IVI Records exec and LA natlve has heen taklng
over all facets of the nuslc lndustrv for over a decade. Now wlth
BunSquad huzlk lnklng a new deal wlth Unlversal, there reallv ls no stolng
thls Latln Prlnce of Belalr.
ALEX LEX PlERRE-L0UlS lhlAhl, lL)
Natlonal Pronotlons lrector, Lex Pronotlons 6 harketlng 6rou
Lex Pronotlons 6 harketlng 6rou hoasts a cllent llst lncludlng
Z8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll Z9
evervone fron Russell Slnnons to Irlck addv to Courvolsler Cognac. Ihelr nls-
slon ls to hrldge cororate Anerlca to todavs vouth and urhan narket.

1 hAhl ChULA lAILANIA, 6A)
As a nenher of hoth the hurda hanls and Ihe C0RE 1s, hanl
Chula lavs a slgnlcant role ln the hl ho culture. hC hegan her
radlo career whlle attendlng Kansas State Unlversltv. She has slnce
noved on fron college radlo to donlnate the Atlanta cluh clrcult as
well as hot I!.9.
hANNlE lRESh lNEW 0RLEANS, LA)
hannle lresh ls a hl ho legend. Ihe New 0rleans roducer was
once known as Cash honevs excluslve heat nan. hls dlstlnctlve
sound ushered ln an entlrelv new era and heled the N.0. donlnate
the gane. Iodav, he has wldened hls cllentele hase and has worked
wlth dozens of artlsts fron I.l. to Rlck Ross.
hAII S0NZALA lh0USI0N, IX)
lreelance WrlterlBlogger, lnternatlonal Booklng Agent, CE0
Pushernanagenent, Pushernanla Productlons and houstonSoReal
Ihe ofclal Iexas hl-ho Anhassador, hatt Sonzala has heen
relng the South on the radlo and ln nagazlnes llke hurder og,
Ihe Source, Raages, and nore slnce hefore lt was cool. hes currentlv focused
on hreaklng Southern and lndeendent nuslc outslde of the Unlted States and ln
reglons where lt nav not have recleved nuch attentlon vet. he conslders hlnself
qulte osslhlv the realest dude ever.
hlCKEY hEhPhlIZ WRl6hI lNEW Y0RK, NY)
Vlce Presldent of A6R, 1lve Records
CE0, hlIz Connlttee
henhls natlve hlckev hehhlIz Wrlght earned hls nlcknane
whlle at Arlsta Records, where he galned a reutatlon for consls-
tentlv churnlng out the hlts. he was resonslhle for such artlsts as Ihe Young-
hloodz and 1-Kwon. he later relocated to 1lve Records, and has heen lnfuentlal
ln the success of I-Paln and hlIz Connlttees artlst huev. hlckevs slogan ls, ln
hltz We Irustl
NlIIl lAILANIA, 6A)
CE0, Plavnaker huslc
Nlttl got hls rst taste of success on 8Balls Sto Plavln 6anes,
hut Yung 1ocs lts 6oln own was Nlttls rst #I. Ihe record
heled the world recognlze that Nlttl wasnt lavlng ganes wlth hls
heats. Ihls AIL heat nan has worked wlth a varletv of artlsts fron Bow Wow to
I.l. and contlnues to roduce hlt nuslc wlth that classlc Nlttl sound.
06 R0N C lh0USI0N, IX)
0ne of the foundlng nenhers of, Swlshahouse, 06 Ron C ls an h-
Iown legend. lornerlv the ofclal 1 of Chanllltarv Entertalnnent,
he has also nade a nane for hlnself natlonwlde wlth hls choed
and screwed Cs. hls slogan ls Choed u not sloed u, and
hls nuslc ls true to the nantra. ln 1anuarv Z!, 06 Ron C lntroduced hls new
record lahel, Platlnun Sounds. he ls also the CE0 of the 60 1s.
0RLAN0 hC6hEE lAILANIA, 6A)
Sr. lrector of A6R, Warner Bros.
Born |ust outslde of Atlanta, ln Augusta, 6A, thls graduate of
hanton Unlversltv got hls foot ln the door of the nuslc lndustrv
as a college re for Loud Records ln I99J. Currentlv the Sr. lrector
of A6R for Warner Bros. Records, 0rlando has colned the hrase, Nothlng ls
achleved wlthout hard work.
PLAY N SKlLLZ lALLAS, IX)
Ihe Iexas heat hosses Plav N Sklllz are erennlal hltnakers. Ihev
have crafted several lnfuentlal tracks lncludlng Chanllllonalres
Rldln, whlch heled Klng Kooa ascend hevond the latlnun la-
teau. Plav N Sklllz are also resonslhle for Kla Shlnes hlt Krlsv,
and a nultltude of other hlts.
P0L0W A 0N lAILANIA, 6A)
Atlanta natlve Polow a on ls undenlahlv one of the hottest ro-
ducers ln the gane. he roduces unlque heats that love to llnger
at the to of the charts and he has worked wlth an arrav of artlsts
lncludlng R. Kellv, Rlch Bov, Clara, 6wen Stefanl, and lergle.
RAY hAhlLI0N lAILANIA, 6A)
CE0, Leglon of oon Record Breakers
SAVALAS h0LL0WAY lL0S AN6ELES, CA)
head of Ra Pronotlons, Warner Bros. Records
ShAKlR SIEWARI lAILANIA, 6A 6 NEW Y0RK, NY)
Senlor Vlce Presldent of A6R, lsland ef 1an
Shaklr, orlglnallv fron 0akland, got hls start ln the nuslc lndustrv
hv ronotlng artles. Currentlv, he ls Senlor VP of A6R at lsland
ef 1an, where hls |oh resonslhllltles lnclude slgnlng new artlsts
and overseelng the creatlve rocess. Sone of hls recent slgnlngs lnclude Clara,
Young 1eezv, and Rlck Ross.
ShAWN IUBBY h0LlAY
Senlor VP of A6R, lnterscol6effenlA6h lLos Angeles, CA)
A Brooklvn natlve, Shawn holldav hegan hls career ln the nuslc
huslness whlle attendlng llorlda A6h Unlversltv. A chance neetlng
wlth Sean lddv Conhs resulted ln holldav helng offered a osl-
tlon as a college re for Bad Bov, and slnce then, the nuslc lndustrv and Shawn
holldav have heen lnsearahle. Uon graduatlng fron lAhU, Shawn noved to
Callfornla to work at Ehl ln Z+, and soon after, he was naned VP and 6eneral
hanager of hltco huslc Puhllshlng hv Antonlo LA Reld. A vear later, Shawn was
naned Senlor VP of A6R for hoth lnterscoe and 6effen Records, where he lans
on not |ust naklng hlts, hut naklng hlstorv.
SIEVE RAZE lNEW Y0RK, NY)
Executlve VP of lgltal Content, Allhlho.con
As edltor of the Breedlng 6round sectlon of Allhlho.con, Steve
Raze ls the nan who has heled exose artlsts llke hlns, halno,
1oell 0rtlz, C-Rlde, B0B, Wlz Khallfa, Stlnull, Nawledge fron Kldz N
Ihe hall, Wlllle 1oe, ualo, 6arcla, ananl, lred the 6odson and countless others.
Raze ls also the hoto edltor for the slte ln addltlon to helng resonslhle for all
the nuslc and vldeo content. Raze hrldges the ga hetween lnternet and radlo,
dellverlng weeklv Allhlho reort segnents to radlo statlons natlonwlde.

IE LUCAS
CE0, Sll-N-Sllde Records lhlanl, lL)
Ied Lucas ls the nan hehlnd the lahel that lntroduced Irlck addv,
Irlna, Rlck Ross, and Plles to the world. As CE0 of Sll-N-Sllde
Records, Ied Lucas has recelved several accolades for hls contrlhu-
tlons to the record lndustrv.
I0NY NEAL lhlLWAUKEE, Wl)
lounder, Ihe C0RE 1s
Ionv Neal has quletlv hecone one of the nost lnortant eole ln
hl ho. A forner nlddlewelght klck-hoxer, Neal has transforned
the C0RE 1s collectlve lnto an lnnenselv successful all-star
assenhlv of 1s, record hreakers, and lndustrv novers and shakers. Ionv ls a
vlslonarv whose lans for Ihe C0RE 1s are llnltless.
IRAXAhlLLl0N lSAN 10SE, CA)
Suer-Producer, owner of Sla Addlct roductlons
Ihe Sla Addlct, Iraxanllllon ls known across the countrv for
hls henonenal talent ln naklng radlo-readv hlts. Artlsts such as
Keak a Sneak, E-+, and Ioo Short can all attest to the ower of
hls creatlvltv, whlch ls sought after hv the nost owerful eole ln the lndustrv.
Iraxanllllon ls a seclal talent on the nlcrohone as well, and hls new nlxtae,
Rldln hlgh ls a testanent to that fact.
IUhA BASA lNEW Y0RK, NY)
hanager of huslc Progrannlng lnltlatlves, hIV 1ans
0rlglnallv fron Rwanda, Iuna Basa was horn ln Congo hut grew
u ln hoth lowa and Zlnhahwe. A I998 graduate of Ihe Unlversltv
of lowa, Basa conleted three lnternshls, lncludlng one at BEI,
whlch led to a full-tlne osltlon ln thelr huslc eartnent ln Washlngton, C.
Iuna was relocated to New York hv BEI ln Z. ln ZZ, Iuna |olned hIVs
huslc 6 Ialent deartnent, where he ls currentlv a hanager of huslc Progran-
nlng. Along wlth co-Progrannlng hIV 1ans and conductlng Lahel Relatlons
at hIV, Iuna ls currentlv worklng on earnlng an hBA at NYUs Stern School of
Buslness. Iunas a certled hl-ho lover and hls favorlte artlsts of all tlne are
Iuac and 1av-Z.
WENY AY lAILANIA, 6A)
lounder, Ra Coalltlon
Wendv av ls the founder of the Ra Coalltlon and a certled nuslc
lndustrv ueenln. She ls lnstrunental to vlrtuallv all levels of
lndustrv success, and has ushered deals for the llkes of No Llnlt,
Cash honev, Enlnen, avld Banner, Iwlsta, and llend, anong countless others.
ln addltlon, Wendv wrltes a nonthlv colunn for Your lavorlte Raers lavorlte
hagazlne and consults lndeendent record lahels through her conanv, Pow-
erhoves.
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ENIERIAlNhENI W0UL LlKE I0 WEL-
C0hE ALL 0UR 1 AIIENEES I0 I1S 1S
IASIEhAKERS hUSlCl1 C0NlERENCE 6
ZN ANNUAL 0Z0NE AWARS
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10
top
REAS0NS WhY P0L0W
A 0N lS IhE 6REAIESI
PR0UCER 0l ALL IlhE
As told to Erlc Perrln ll lllustratlon hv Iene 6ooden
W
eve all heard Polow a ons
roclanatlons of hls own great-
ness, hut untll now we havent
exactlv known whv. 0Z0NE has glven Polow
the oortunltv to enllghten us all on exactlv
whv we secretlv wlsh we could he hln. Ihe
onlv llnltatlon was that Polow could onlv
glve us ten of the nanv reasons hes the hest.
Were sure lt was an extrenelv dlfcult task
for Polow to llnlt hls llst to |ust ten, hut our
rlntlng costs would have skvrocketed lf we
had allowed hln to go on. Regardless, here
are ten reasons whv Polow ls not onlv the
hest roducer ln the world, hut also a far het-
ter erson than vou. En|ov.
J8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
N0hlNAIE l0R BESI PR0UCER
0Z0NE hA6 ll J9
p
o
l
o
w

d
a

d
o
n
1.
l Brlng 0ut Ihe Best ln Peole
Whether lts an englneer, lntern, nuslclan, custodlan, or sone-
hodv who |ust carrles nv hags, lt dont natter what thev do,
lf thevre ln nv clrcle or nv can, lll ush then to he the hest at
what thelr |oh ls. l exect out of then what l exect out of nvself
nothlng hut the hest. lf voure a custodlan, he the hest custodlan
vou can he and own the clean-u conanv. Iheres alwavs roon
for growth.
2.
ln A Natural Leader
ln a natural leader hecause lts |ust heen roven. Ever slnce
l was 8 vears old lavlng llttle league foothall lve heen the
cataln. Even anongst nv frlends, ln alwavs rettv nuch heen the
nost vocal erson. Iheres nutual resect and lts a falr frlendshl,
hut theres |ust sonethlng ahout ne. hv ldeas seen to alwavs he
the ldea of the grou sooner or later. Wlth 1ln Crow, we all went our
searate wavs, hut fron there l started thls whole Zone + thlng, and
l nade the transfornatlon fron ralng to roduclng. hv success
as a roducer ls |ust crazv, eseclallv wlth ne conlng fron helng a
raer. And helng a roducer, vou have to he a leader. lts llke he-
lng a quarterhack, hecause voure calllng the shots. When the record
ls a huge success, vou get the glorv, hut when lts a fallure vou get
the hlane. 1lnnv lovlne and the lnterscoe fanllv, l thlnk thev
recognlze nv leadershl. lron dav one l was alwavs honest wlth
then ahout how l feel the future should go for ne, nv career, and
even how thlngs should go wlthln the hulldlng. Ihev resect that
and thev love lt. But to he a great leader vou nust he a great fol-
lower. You cant teach eole how to follow lf vou dont know how
to follow vourself. Youve got to know when lts tlne to |ust shut
u and llsten, and learn. l know all these thlngs hecause l learned
then sonewhere.
3.
ln Loval
ln one of the hest roducers ln the world, and one of the
hest eole ln the world hecause of nv lovaltv. ln verv
loval. ln the nuslc gane vou can verv rarelv nd lovaltv. Peole use
vou for what thev can use vou for, and then lts over. But evervhodv
that l work for, or that works for ne, or wlth ne, we all have great
relatlonshls. Were all ln lt for the long haul. When were all S
vears old, we lan on stlll helng frlends and helng loval to each
other even then. lve hullt nv strong foundatlon hecause of nv
lovaltv, and thats whv lovaltv has heen glven hack to ne.
4.
l have Patlence
l have short atlence for stuldltv, hut l have a lot of a-
tlence for soneone trvlng to get lt rlght. lf vou dont know,
hut voure trvlng, l can hear wlth vou. lf l see effort, l can hear wlth
vou all dav. l |ust hate when vou dont have the deslre to learn. l
have atlence for wlnnlng, and wantlng to wln. And, l have atlence
for nuslc. lf l have an ldea for a sound and lt doesnt cone out
great at rst, lll kee nesslng wlth lt, and nesslng wlth lt, and
then, surrlse, that one sound changed evervthlng. Even wlth nv
whole career, lve heen atlent. lts seened llke there was no llght
at the end of the tunnel so nanv tlnes, hut l |ust ket grlndlng, and
lt ket worklng.
5.
l Never Conronlse
When l know sonethlng ls rlght, or when l helleve ln sone-
thlng, l cant conronlse. l wont conronlse for success,
to he connerclal, or to go along wlth the crowd. Ihats what a lot
of eole nlss ahout nv success. l dare to he orlglnal. l dare to do
thlngs that the whole lndustrv was telllng ne wasnt golng to work.
Ihe whole lndustrv was |ust followlng radlo, and nv lan was to
dlctate radlo. lve alwavs heen that wav. When evervhodv ls golng
rlght, l go left.
6.
ln Versatlle
You have to glve lt ne. ln recent tlnes lve shown that ln
the nost versatlle roducer out there. l love all tves of nu-
slc, so |ust hv ne lovlng all tves of nuslc l haslcallv show lnterest
ln roduclng all tves of nuslc. ln the last vear, lve had a nunher
I hlt ln all genres and nohodv else can sav that. Ihe onlv thlng ln
leavlng out rlght now ls countrv and gosel, and ln verv lnterested
ln dolng hoth. l thlnk that lf l nlx what l do wlth countrv nuslc ltll
he a whole new sound. ln looklng forward to dolng countrv, and
of course gosel. lve heen telllng Coco Brother forever that lve got
sone doe ldeas for gosel nuslc.
7.
ln Not Afrald Io Be lfferent
Ihat takes a lot of halls and a lot of character to not he afrald
of helng dlfferent. We llve ln a world where were all tralned
to he a certaln wav. Socletv tells us when to sto and when to go,
when to wear whlte and when not to wear whlte anvnore. lt tells
us when to celehrate New Years, and when lts tlne to av taxes, we
|ust llve ln that tve of socletv. So when vou dare to he dlfferent,
voure gonna catch a lot of fack, and l alwavs dare to he dlfferent.
Ihe sane roducers that were hot two vears ago that were telllng
ne what l was trvlng to do nuslcallv wasnt golng to work are the
sane roducers that arent hot anvnore.
8.
ln ln Iouch Wlth Ihe Peole
Whether ln dolng o, R6B, or gangsta, l have a great feel
for what eole wanna hear, or whats gon nake then feel
good. Even when l do a o record, l can stlll nake the hood sav,
Ihat was hotl Ihat record was doel And thats hecause even wlth
all nv success, ln stlll |ust evervdav ne. l have new frlends, of
course, hut l also have the sane frlends lve alwavs had, and that
kees ne grounded. lt kees ne ln touch wlth the connunltv and
wlth the hood. lt kees ne ln touch wlth realltv, and wlth whats
real and whats not. l dont get caught u ln the hve of the husl-
ness.
9.
l Understand Ihe Evolutlon 0f huslc And Iaste
l was alwavs ahle to tell eole what was golng to he next.
l thlnk helng fron Atlanta hels hecause Atlanta ls llke a
neltlng ot, and evervhodv ls fron evervwhere, hut Atlanta also
has lts own thlng, too. So, vou klnd of get a sense of whats gon
he next. l had Akons deno ln record lahels ofces vears ago, and
nohodv wanted to llsten. l took I-Paln to the sane eole, and
evervhodv took a ass on hln as well. hv olnt ls, sone of the
thlngs that turned out to he the hlggest thlng ln nuslc, l was rlght
there for. l saw lt wav hefore lt haened, and was canalgnlng
for lt. lt wasnt ahout nonev, hut when l heard I-Paln and Akon, l
|ust got that feellng. lt was sonethlng lncredlhle. Even ln roduc-
tlon, l alwavs roduce for the future wlth a llttle taste of whats
haenlng now. l alwavs tell eole, lts cool lf vou dont llke
lt, voull understand lt next vear. When ln naklng a record, lts
alnost llke ln an A6R ln a roducers hodv. When l neet an artlst, l
look at then and llsten to thelr nuslc. l llsten to the wav thev vlew
thenselves, and have a conversatlon wlth then and vlhe wlth then.
l tell then what l thlnk thev should do for thelr career, and what
thev should or shouldnt change ahout thenselves. And fron there,
we alnt the lcture nuslcallv.
10.
Peole Wanna Be he
ln the one the lavas wanna he, ln the
one the ladles wanna see. ln a great erson
to he, and thats not hragglng. ln a great erson
to he hecause l work on helng a great erson rst,
hefore roducer or anvthlng else. l have a great foun-
datlon, nv arents are stlll together, l have fanllv
tles verv nuch so, and l work on nvself evervdav.
how l ush the eole around ne, thats the sane
wav l ush nvself. Ihats how l stav ln shae, l use
the sane nentalltv, llke, lll tell nvself, You hltch ass
nlgga, vou cant fuckln sto eatlng lzza! l thlnk l
an a true role nodel, hecause through all nv success
lve nanaged to stav grounded and l understand the
thlngs that are trulv valuahle ln llfe. And l do nu-
slc wlth lntegrltv. Another extenslon of how eole
wanna he ne ls that thev nake thelr nuslc sound
llke nlne. Whenever a new, hot record cones out,
eole thlnk l dld lt. Llke that Bed record, whoever
roduced lt, thank vou verv nuch, hecause evervhodv
thlnks l dld lt. And lt ls a hot record, hut Bed ls llke
Pronlses llttle, hahv hrother or slster. l llke gettlng
calls fron eole llke, ld vou roduce thls record!
Ihats great, hecause l thlnk onlv few roducers have
thelr own sound. Ihree 6 haa, hannle lresh, Pharrell
and Ihe Netunes, r. re, Ilnhaland, the hedlclne
hen, and a few other eole. So when l hear eole
trv to enulate nv sound, lts great. ll
N0hlNAIE l0R BESI PR0UCER
+ ll 0Z0NE hA6
ln Stlll the Presldent - No natter what thev
sav, thev cant take ne out of ofce.
ln Ihe 6A lctator - What l sav goes. lf l sav
l llke lt, we rlde wlth lt. lf l sav we dont fuck
wlth, we dont.
l 6ot Bodv ouhles - l got eole walklng
around wlth dreads and gold teeth, looklng
|ust llke ne. lolks thlnk thev runnlng u on
ne asklng for an autograh.
hv Peole Love he and the haters Cant Stand
he - Sadaan had hls eole on lock, hut the
owers that he couldnt llve wlth that. Ihere
are eole over there dolng worse now wlth
hln dead and gone than thev were when he
was allve.
Ihev Irled to hang he - hanl Ihose na|or la-
hels trled to hang nel Left ne out to dlel Ihev
ut the noose around nv neck, hut l hounced
hack on then though.
ln hlsunderstood - Nohodv ever understood
what Sadaan was dolng, thev |ust hated on
hls ower and wealth. l feel the sane wav.
Evervhodv savs Irov thls, and Irov that,
hut never sat down and talked to ne.
Because l 6ot A Bunch of Palaces and hldeouts
Because l Kee Ihat AK-+!
Because S6B Reresents Llke the Iallhan - hv
hovs dont lav that shlt, were |ust llke then.
Because ln Ruthless - 0n
the nlc, l an ruthless. l
wlll fuck vou u on the
nlcrohonel Ihe hooth
ls the onlv lace l can do
that and not get hlt wlth
IS vears.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
pastor
troy
10
top
REAS0NS WhY lh LlKE
SAAh hUSSElN
As told to haurlce 6. 6arland
+ ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll +I
+Z ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll +J
++ ll 0Z0NE hA6
No natter how rlch vou get, voure stlll a nlgger.
Ihe South took the nuslc lndustrv hv storn and thev alnt lettlng
nohodv nake no nonev. Ihe South ls lavlng kee awav wlth the
hall |ust llke ln haskethall when the clock ls wlndlng down.
Ihe nuslc dlrectors and rogranners at the radlo statlons kee
eole ln darkness.
6as rlces are so dann hlgh. Ihev rlce gouge ln the sunnertlne
to nake nonev off eole travellng.
lrtv cos and olltlclans nake the South extrenelv lthv and
dlrtv.
Ihe school svsten refuses to tell so-called Afrlcan Anerlcans
ahout thelr orlglnal herltage.
We stlll got the Ku Klux Klan, skln heads, whlte surenaclsts,
hasons and a whole hunch of secret socletles that hold the truth
ln our rlghteousness. Ihev know whats golng on, hut thev wont
share the truth wlth the eole.
We stlll got ullt lns trvlng to get eole to change thelr 6od.
Ihe 6od we had on the hoats conlng over here, we was talklng
ahout the real deal. But when we landed here, we started talklng
ahout Santa Claus and the Easter Bunnv.
Ihev stlll havent legallzed narl|uana. ln Callfornla vou can own
one lant, hut for nedlclnal uroses. lts hullshlt that vou can
have a narcotlc ln one slde of the countrv hut not the other.
Ihls ls where the slaves were rst
hrought to thls countrv, and thev stlll
havent heen conensated for hulld-
lng Anerlca.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10
top
REAS0NS WhY IhE S0UIh
lS SIlLL lRIY
As told to haurlce 6. 6arland ll Photo hv 1ulla Beverlv
khujo
goodie
0Z0NE hA6 ll +S
+6 ll 0Z0NE hA6
0Z0NE hA6 ll +!
+8 ll 0Z0NE hA6
We at TJs DJs & OZONE Magazine wish to thank the
following partners who helped to make the 2007 TJs
DJs Tastemakers DJ/Music Conference & 2nd Annual
OZONE Awards the Greatest Event in Southern Music
History!
Title Sponsor
Defent Entertainment
Diamond Sponsors
8732 Clothing
Asylum Records
Atlantic Records
BackBaby Inc / NuBreed Ent.
Capitol Records
Corporate Thugz Entertainment
Def Jam Records
Envy Me Inc.
Multi-Platinum
Forever Records
Keep It Moving Entertainment
N Ya Face Records
Presidential Trap House
S-Line Records
SRC
Strictly Business
Universal Motown
Platinum
3535 Entertainment
BBH Entertainment
CRUNK!!! Energy Drink
Deepside Entertainment
Digiwaxx
Epidemic
Eves Executive Services
J Records
Jive Records
Nutty Boyz Entertainment
Rowdy/Front One
Royal Blunts
Trill Entertainment
U Digg Records/Oarfn Distribution
Gold
Akademiks
Birmingham Records
Black Group Marketing
Genius Marketing
Finnegan Film
Onlive Entertainment
Polo Grounds
Serious Promotions
Southern Dynasty
Starr Media Group
XO Management
Zone 4 Inc
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 7
// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
0 // OZONE MAG
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF // Julia Beverly

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER // N. Ali Early
MUSIC EDITOR // Randy Roper
FEATURES EDITOR // Eric Perrin
ART DIRECTOR // Tene Gooden
ADVERTISING SALES // Che Johnson
PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR // Malik Abdul
MARKETING DIRECTOR // David Muhammad Sr.
LEGAL CONSULTANT // Kyle P. King, P.A.
ADMINISTRATIVE // Cordice Gardner, Kisha
Smith
CONTRIBUTORS // Alexander Cannon, Bogan,
Carlton Wade, Charlamagne the God, Chuck T,
Destine Cajuste, E-Feezy, Edward Hall, Felita
Knight, Iisha Hillmon, Jacinta Howard, Jaro
Vacek, Jessica Koslow, J Lash, Jason Cordes,
Jo Jo, Johnny Louis, Kamikaze, Keadron
Smith, Keith Kennedy, Kenneth Brewer, K.G.
Mosley, King Yella, Luis Santana, Luxury
Mindz, Marcus DeWayne, Matt Sonzala, Mau-
rice G. Garland, Mercedes (Strictly Streets),
Mike Sims, Ms. Rivercity, Natalia Gomez,
Ray Tamarra, Rico Da Crook, Robert Gabriel,
Rohit Loomba, Shannon McCollum, Spiff,
Swift, Wally Sparks, Wendy Day
STREET REPS // Al-My-T, B-Lord, Big Teach
(Big Mouth), Bigg C, Bigg V, Black, Brian
Franklin, Buggah D. Govanah (On Point),
Bull, C Rola, Cedric Walker, Chill, Chilly C,
Chuck T, Controller, DJ Dap, David Muham-
mad, Delight, Derrick the Franchise, Destine
Cajuste, Dolla Bill, Dwayne Barnum, Dr.
Doom, Ed the World Famous, Episode,
General, Haziq Ali, H-Vidal, Hollywood, J
Fresh, Jammin Jay, Janky, Joe Anthony,
Judah, Kamikaze, KC, Kenneth Clark, Klarc
Shepard, Kuzzo, Kydd Joe, Lex, Lil D, Lump,
Marco Mall, Mr. Lee, Music & More, Nick@
Nite, Nikki Kancey, Pat Pat, PhattLipp, Pimp
G, Quest, Rio G, Rippy, Rob-Lo, Stax, TJs
DJs, TJ Bless, Tim Brown, Trina Edwards,
Vicious, Victor Walker, Voodoo, Wild Billo,
Young Harlem
DISTRIBUTION // Curtis Circulation, LLC
SUBSCRIPTIONS //
To subscribe, send check or money order
for $ to:
Ozone Magazine, Inc.
Attn: Subscriptions Dept
Antone St. Suite
Atlanta, GA 0
Phone: 0-0-7
Fax: 0-0-27
Website: www.ozonemag.com
COVER CREDITS // Rick Ross photos (cover and
this page) and Playaz Circle photos by Blake
Ribbey; Lil Boosie photo by Julia Beverly; Trey
Songz photo by Ray Tamarra.
DISCLAIMER // OZONE Magazine is published
times per year by OZONE Magazine, Inc.
OZONE does not take responsibility for unso-
licited materials, misinformation, typograph-
ical errors, or misprints. The views contained
herein do not necessarily refect those of the
publisher or its advertisers. Ads appearing
in this magazine are not an endorsement or
validation by OZONE Magazine for products or
services offered. All photos and illustrations
are copyrighted by their respective artists.
All other content is copyright 2007 OZONE
Magazine, all rights reserved. No portion of
this magazine may be reproduced in any way
without the written consent of the publisher.
Printed in the USA.
ozone award nominees
top 10 lists
2 TRAE
E-0
FOXX
TRINA
7 TREAL
2 LLOYD
DJ Q
DJ IRIE
0 DJ T-ROC
0 STAT QUO
7 TUM TUM
RICH BOY
7 THE GAME
7 DJ TOOMP
2 FLO-RIDA
RAPID RIC
DJ DRAMA
7 DJ SMALLZ
JIM JONES
2 RASHEEDA
0 DJ KHALED
0 DJ B-LORD
LIL BOOSIE
77 DJ SCREAM
DJ CHUCK T
TOO $HORT
72 MISTAH FAB
TREY SONGZ
0 HOT DOLLAR
2 CRISCO KIDD
20 KILLER MIKE
SNOOP DOGG
GREG STREET
2 PRETTY RICKY
CLYDE CARSON
BIGGA RANKIN
22 MANNIE FRESH
2 BISHOP LAMONT
SUPASTAR J-KWIK
BOBBY VALENTINO
70 DIAMOND & PRINCESS
features
CHIN CHECK
JBs 2 CENTS
MATHEMATICS
JON YOUNG & J CASH
0 THINGS IM HATIN ON
OZONE MAG //
P
L
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A
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C
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PG 0-2
R
IC
K
R
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S
S
PG -
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
I
ts that time of year again. OZONE Awards time! The time of year
when everyone is my friend. The time of year when I get text
messages, voicemail messages, Myspace messages, and emails
(isnt technology a bitch) from all my long-lost friends and
family a.k.a. business associates expecting free tickets. The time
of year when people Ive never met send poorly worded emails in all
caps demanding backstage passes. The time of year when my men
say Im stressing them out worse than a pregnant wife. The time of
year when Patiently Waiting nominees and Pretty Ricky members ask
me to be their date and I laugh because I realize, after last year, that come
Award Show time the last thing I will be worried about is a date.
Last years event defnitely gave me a newfound respect for promoters
and people who plan big events, because to be honest, this shit is a major
headache. Three weeks out, its easy to feel overwhelmed. You know those
little quote of the day emails that people send out that are meant to be
inspirational but tend to be an annoyance when they get forwarded to you
multiple times by multiple people? One of them caught my attention recently
and I honestly couldnt even tell you who sent it to me because I get so
many of them. It said something like this: Stop telling God how big your
problems are, and start telling your problems how big your God is. So it hit
me that Im looking at this totally the wrong way. The glass isnt half empty,
its half full. Yes, I have ,22 unread emails and my head is spinning, but if
we did it last year, damn it, we can do it again! I have faith.
Me and TJ have been on a permanent conference call 2/7 for the past
month trying to make this happen, and during one of these calls, a label ex-
ecutive commented that our event is bigger than Mixshow Power Summit.
Everyones free to form their own opinion about that, but shout outs to Rene
and everybody over there at RPM for kicking me out of MPS every year and
treating me like absolute shit every time I tried to participate and cover their
event. The last time it happened I had a long talk with another major record
label executive who shall remain unnamed, a conversation which kicked off
the planning for the frst annual TJs DJs Tastemakers Music Conference &
OZONE Awards. Be very careful who you disrespect, because you just might
inspire them to become better than you.
With that said, its important to note that the OZONE Awards weekend isnt
just the OZONE Awards. My event planning skills are not totally up to par and
contrary to popular belief I am not Superwoman, so it wouldnt happen at
all without the TJs DJs crew. The general public is drawn into the event by
the big names appearing at the OZONE Awards, but all the TJs DJs confer-
ence events that happen throughout the weekend are just as important. You
can get drawn into the music industry by expensive cars and jewelry and
delusions of grandeur, but at the end of the day that shit is mostly rented
and fake. Its a business and theres people behind the scenes who are more
powerful than anybody you see in a music video. Learn how the business
works or you wont make it. Weve put together panels comprised of success-
ful people in the music business who know their shit and know how to break
it down for you, so if youre trying to be somebody, come to the conference
and pay attention. I know, I know, theres a million music conferences with
panels these days, but we do this shit right. Trust me.
Speaking of panels, I hear that TJs homeboy J-Mills from The Source is com-
ing down for our media panel. I might have been a little hard on ol Jeremy
when he tried to compete with OZONE. His lil wannabe OZONE never caught
on, obviously, so now that Ive suffciently proved my superiority, maybe I
can start being nice to him again. At least hes willing to participate in our
event, which is more than I can say for certain other Hip Hop magazine edi-
tors who are afraid to leave New York because they dont know how to drive.
Like I said last issue: We taking over. One city at a time!
- Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com
jbsplaylist
jbs 2cents
Bryan Leach forced me at gun-
point to be in Hurricane Chris
video, and smile for this pic
Who rocked the middle fnger
look better? You decide... Kisha
& me, or....
....Midget Mac?
T
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R
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N
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T
Y
S
O
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T
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N
C
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T
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O
N
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R
A
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T-Pain f/ Akon Bartender
BloodRaw f/ Young Buck 2 inches
Soulja Boy Crank That (Supaman)
Playboy Tre f/ BOB Addicted To The Nightlife
Kanye West Cant Tell Me Nothin
Playaz Circle f/ Lil Wayne Duffe Bag Boyz
Nelly f/ Pimp C & Sean Paul Cut It Out
Foxx f/ Lil Boosie & Webbie Wipe Me Down (remix)
0 Cent I Get Money
Rick Ross Trilla
Attitude When I Roll Up
Gorilla Zoe Hood Figga
Amy Winehouse Rehab
Malik & I at Sobe Live in MIA
E
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P
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Me & Cory Mo in LA
0 THINGS IM HATIN ON:
OZONE AWARDS EDITION
By Roland Lil Duval Powell
Disclaimer: This is really what everybody else is sayin.
I know Im dead wrong, but Im hating anyway.
0 // TJs DJs TASTEMAKER AWARD
Does anybody know what the hell this
award is supposed to represent?
02 // BEST FEMALE RAP ARTIST
They should rename this the Even Though
They Havent Put Out An Album We Still Have
To Nominate Them Because There Aint No
Other Women To Use Award.
0 // BEST R&B ALBUM
We already know whos gonna win this
one - Pretty Ricky - cause theyre the only
ones coming who are nominated for this
category.
0 // BEYONCE
Speaking of not coming, JB, yall know
gotdamn well Beyonce aint coming to the
OZONE Awards. She dont even know this
shit exists.
Editors note: Beyonces managers assistant
sent us a polite email declining to attend
because of her tour schedule, so technically,
she does know it exists.
0 // DJ KHALED
The You Know Theyre Gon Win Cause Were
In Their Town Award goes to...
0 // WHOEVER THE HOST IS
Yall shouldve used me, but by the time
yall are gonna want to, its gonna be too
late.
07 // PATIENTLY WAITING
If you already have a video on BET, you
shouldnt even be allowed to be nominated
for this category.
0 // THE DUMBEST CATEGORY
I dont see how you can even have a cat-
egory for The Best Radio DJ Award. The only
way you would know that DJ is if you were
in that city.
0 // EDDIE KANE AWARD
And the winner is... Fabo!
0 // A NEW CATEGORY
There should be a new category called the
They Blew The Fuck Up, Now Where The
Fuck Are They? Award. The nominees are DJ
Webstar, Cadillac Don & J-Money, DG Yola,
and Mims.
www.myspace.com/rolandpowell
// OZONE MAG
1. Experience is a mutha. Someone
who has successfully managed the career of other
artists in your genre has the necessary connec-
tions and proper experience to help you get as far
as youre able to go. Many, many, many artists have
not fulflled their potential ability because they
have managers who (barely) answer phones instead
of being outgoing and aggressive and seeking out
opportunities that would beneft their artist. Having
someone in control of your career who can call other
power players in the industry for favors or to get
answers to questions would warrant giving up the
% or 20% you will have to pay your manager anyway, so you may as well
hire the best for your career.
2. Power matters. If your team, especially the folks putting up the
money, doesnt respect your manager, how will you get them to do what
needs to be done? Now, this doesnt mean that your label has to actually
like your manager in fact, the relationship shouldnt be overly cozy, just
respectful. But if you have a manager they absolutely despise and wont
take his calls (your label banning him from their building is a bad sign, by
the way), or at the other extreme, a manager whom they love so much that
they are offering him (or her) deals behind your back, you are fucked. This is
where someone with a track record of success and integrity has value. The
labels will respect them and go the extra mile to keep the team calm and
happy by doing whats right to build your career.
3. Structure and Organization matter. A real manager will
have an infrastructure in place to run the day-to-day operations of his man-
agement company and your career. There will be people in place to answer
phones, return calls, and actually do some work. If your manager gets busy
on another project, or is on the road, you wont be left hanging because there
will be people in place to pick up the slack.
4. Opportunities. Its no secret that the best opportunities come from
relationships and awareness. Someone who has already done a shoe deal,
shopped a banging deal, or negotiated a flm project for another artist is in
a golden place to do one for you too. At the very least, they know the going
rate and what the assets and pitfalls are of doing those types of deals and
can steer you clear of the stuff that will fuck up your career.
5. Knowledge matters. Something as dense as publishing, for
example, can be a minefeld for any novice in this business. A serious,
experienced manager will already know the ins-and-outs for having your
money collected for you (and will be smart enough to never put his or her
hands on your money it all goes right to your accountant for you and to
pay your taxes) from your label, your performance rights organization, your
co-publisher, plus all of those features or beats that youve done over the
years. When its time for you to tour or sell CDs overseas, that money will be
collected properly as well.
6. Mailbox money is king! An experienced manager knows that
your career will have ups and downs so securing as much income as possible
is necessary to foat you over the times when there is no money coming in.
A real manager knows the value of residual income (money that comes into
your mailbox without you doing direct and constant work to get it) such as
publishing, synch fees, appearance fees, endorsement deals, etc.
7. Exclusivity isnt an issue. If someone is doing a super job
for your career, you wont mind one bit if he takes on another client. If your
boy takes on another client because he cant afford to eat off of just making
20% of your income, you may have issue with sharing him especially if your
career isnt at 00%, and lets face it, whose is? Without experience, connec-
tions and knowledge, theres no way he or she can survive from just 20% of
one artist (meaning you).
8. Touring. Performance money is the crux of income for most artists.
Besides, you love to hear adoring fans screaming your name when you per-
form. Real managers have great relationships in place with the few legitimate
booking agents and key promoters around the country. 20% of show money
is the biggest bulk of income your manager will make, so hell work hard on
it. But his or her relationships can be the difference between touring with Lil
Wayne, Jeezy, Ludacris, or 0, instead of opening for MC Louie Lump Lump. If
you arent doing shows at least fve nights a week during the height of your
release, youre bullshitting.
9. Money. A real manager that has been through the major label system
before knows when a royalty statement is supposed to come, what it looks
like, and how to analyze it (I have never seen one that is 00% accurate yet).
A real manager also knows how to read and analyze a mechanical royalty
statement, an overseas royalty statement, and a performing rights organiza-
tion statement. These statements symbolize money and income for the artists.
They also know what to do when they fnd errors and can get them corrected
(I know this is kind of repeating numbers , 2, and , but its that impor-
tant!).
10. Proactively building a successful career. A manager
is more than a babysitter, someone to hang out with you, or someone to
answer incoming calls. A real manager structures a plan for the artists career
and implements it. He or she makes certain the day-to-day efforts rarely veer
from the long term vision of the plan and that the right team members are in
place to accomplish everything. The manager is the # cheerleader and the #
whipping boy (or girl), and needs to be able to effectively do the job. I have
seen more stars come crumbling down due to poor management than any
other factor. Your manager is the keystone of your career. Dont fuck it up by
giving the job to someone you trust rather than someone qualifed. //
BY WENDY DAY OF THE RAP COALITION
www.wendyday.com
MaThEMaTicS
TOP 10
Reasons To have a REaL Manager (and not your boy,
cousin, or just anybody) controlling Your career.
OZONE MAG //
TOP 10
// OZONE MAG
P
eace! Whats South Crackin with you homies?
Im back, Dr. Poison Paragraphs. I am to an
article what Lil Wayne is to track 2 on The
Drought Is Over Pt. 2 (Thats Im A Beast for
all you slow short bus types who spend hours trying
to lick your elbows!). The 2007 OZONE Awards are
upon us once again. Here are my predictions:
TJs DJs HUSTLER AWARD
DJ Khaled should win for the simple fact this dude
is a radio personality/mixer. We all know radio is a
thankless business and jocks/DJs make no money.
So for Khaled to be doing what hes doing and
translating it into paper, hes got to be hustling his
ass off. He deserves this award.
TJs DJs TASTEMAKER AWARD
In order to give this award to the right person, you must frst defne taste-
maker. Websters Dictionary defnes it as one that determines or strongly
infuences current trends or styles, as in fashion or the artist. Well, it should
be Jim Jones. He had everybody except me dressing like him this year. Ask Lil
Wayne, hell tell you the same thing.
BEST VIDEO
Three Mafas Doe Boy Fresh was crazy, but I gotta give it up to DJ Khaled.
He made me wish I was him, running through the church in that one.
BEST PRODUCER
My heart says Polow da Don had the most hits, and Mannie Fresh made prob-
ably my favorite joint that is still the soundtrack to my joyride when Im go-
ing down I-2 in Columbia (Top Back), but DJ Toomp is a monster! T.I. needs
to let Toomp produce a whole album for him because their chemistry is like
Nas and Premier, or Snoop and Dre. Think about it he did Dope Boyz, Look
What I Got, U Dont Know Me, What U Know About That, cmon. Thats
Tip at his best, and only Toomp can bring that out. Not to mention that new
Kanye single Cant Tell Me Nothing. As a matter of fact, OZONE might need to
give Toomp some kind of Lifetime Achievement Award. Just a suggestion!
BEST MIXTAPE
DJ Chuck T is my muthafuckin brother! Hes a South Crackaholic just like me!
BEST RADIO DJ
DJ Khaled is breaking a lot of records and hes having the most impact right
now. Look out for my homie DJFrosty.com to be in this category next year.
BEST CLUB DJ
DJ B-Lord is South Cracks kingpin! Am I being biased here? Of course, but B-
Lord gets busy! If he didnt he wouldnt be nominated, and hes been waving
the fag for South Carolina by himself for a long time.
BEST RAP ALBUM
Young Jeezys The Inspiration should win. Even though he went platinum,
people slept on this album artistically and creatively. Jeezy really took it
there, and he didnt stray too far away from the trap.
BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)
T.I.P. Do I really need to explain why?
BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)
Diamond and Princess of Crime Mob should win. I love these two young ladies
and you cant deny their star quality. They need to put out their own album
and start shooting their own reality show ASAP, and when Diamond turns 2
make sure she does King Magazine.
BEST RAP GROUP
This isnt a fair category. Award Shows are for people who have had tremen-
dous years, right? Well, Ball & MJG, Outkast, Three Mafa, and UGK have had
tremendous careers. They really should be excluded from this category. With
that said, my personal favorite rap group this past year was Crime Mob. Hated
on Mostly was slept on. Circles is still my shit.
BEST R&B ALBUM
Who cares? I bumps old Jodeci.
BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE)
I really dont give a fuck! I like Ne-Yo and I got Bobbys CD but didnt bump
it. T-Pain really went outside the box on Epiphany. Trey Songz is my man (he
told me a long time ago I should be in New York; you spoke it into fruition,
homie). I guess it should go to Akon. And Id like to take this opportunity to
throw some grease Lloyds way. Lloyd looks like a dirty-skinned girl. Hes got
that bright orange in-between Mexican and Puerto Rican complexion, and he
looks like he couldve been roommates with Bert and Ernie. Seriously, doesnt
this fow: Bert, Ernie, and Lloyd?
BEST R&B ARTIST (FEMALE)
Another category I dont care about. How bout we rename this one the Rip
The Tip Of The Condom Off So When You Put It In It Rolls Back And You Can
Bang Her Raw Award and that would go to Beyonce! God has blessed that
young lady in so many different ways. She makes you look at your own girl
and get mad, thinking, Why the hell doesnt your ass look like Beyonces?
BEST LYRICIST
Andre 000. It would be blasphemy to give it to someone else.
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
None of these dudes really broke through. Breakthrough means youre
nationwide and everybody knows you. The Shop Boyz, Unk, and Rich Boy all
had records that were bigger than them as an artist. Boosie is still regional.
He hasnt broke through yet, but he will. Baby Boy da Prince (allegedly) broke
through Fantasias pussy walls, but thats about it.
BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION
T-Pain featuring Yung Joc, Buy You A Drank. I love this record for the simple
fact that when I throw parties, Im usually getting all or a percentage of the
bar. This record made people buy drinks, and damn if it dont sound good
when youre drunk in the club at in the morning.
CLUB BANGER
Jim Jones Ballinnnnn! New York , Down South too many points to keep
track of and still scoring.
MIXTAPE MONSTER
Lil Wayne. If youve heard the Drought Is Over 2, I shouldnt have to explain.
MOST SLEPT-ON ARTIST
Devin the Dude without question. Honorable mention Gucci Mane.
BEST MIXTAPE / STREET ALBUM
Lil Waynes mixtapes prove that the hype is real, but wake your ass up when it
comes to my big homie Killer Mike. I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind will have
you mentioning Mike in the same breath as T.I., Wayne, and Ludacris lyrically.
BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST)
The Games Doctors Advocate reminded me of old Death Row shit.
PATIENTLY WAITING
I can only give you my picks for two of the Patiently Waiting Awards because
Im not up on whats going on in those other regions. For Patiently Waiting
Georgia, youve gotta give that to the homie Big Kuntry. Hes been wait-
ing patiently for a long time and he stays on his grind. Fabo is a superstar
and when he cracks, he gon crack. Fall back off the pills a little bit, though,
homie. We dont want to be talking about what couldve been. Last but not
least, for Patiently Waiting Carolinas, without question this should be a tie
between Collard Greens and Lil Ru. They are on the same label, Headhunter
Records, and I guarantee those two lil dudes from South Carolina are going to
take over where Petey Pablo left off. Mark my words.
So those are my thoughts and picks for the 2007 OZONE Awards. I want to sa-
lute TJ Chapman and thank JB for once again giving me the chance to express
my opinion. If any artist is offended by the things I have said, God bless you
and may the force be with you. //
CHINCHECK
BY CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD cthagod@gmail.com
OZONE MAG // 7
BY CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD cthagod@gmail.com
// OZONE MAG
OZONE Gave Me the Privilege to Be In Their
Magazine
So wipe me down. Im fresh out the gate, one
single. I didnt have to be mentioned in little
bootleg magazines or neighborhood maga-
zines.
I Dont Hate On The Next Man For Getting Money
Ill wipe him down before I do that. Being that
I got more haters than people that like me, I
go through it everyday. So I know what that
feels like.
I Can Go in the Strip Clubs and Write a Check
Thats just how much pull I got in the strip
clubs. Cause you know, that Wipe Me Down
is a strip club anthem, so they love me in the
strip clubs.
Ima Get Wipe Me Down Cut Into My Hair
I keep a design in my head. The next time I sit
in the chair, Im going to get Wipe Me Down
put in the back - the next time I get a haircut.
My Rims Are Bigger Than My Car
I went and got a four-door Cutlass and put
some 2s on there. That thing looks like a
four-wheeler.
I Got A Pocket Full of Clouds
And I can make it rain, even when the suns
out. I keep big bundles on me, Im fortunate
enough to do that.
My Girl Gotta Girlfriend That Gotta Girl That Got
An Old Lady
Ive been meeting a lot of gay girls lately. And
I noticed a lot of girls like girls. You dont know
that until you get to that status where they feel
like they can tell you that.
Im Fresh Like Im At My Funeral
I stay in the mall. I buy clothes. I dont like to
wear the same thing twice.
I Am Mr. Wipe Down
I started this, I made this. This is all me.
The Whole World Knows
Where Baton Rouge Is
They didnt even know
Baton Rouge existed. They
didnt even know Baton
Rouge was a part of the
world until the Wipe Me
Down movement.
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REASONS TO WIPE ME DOWN
NOMINATED FOR CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR &
PATIENTLY WAITING LOUISIANA
As told to Randy Roper
Photo by King Yella
top
10
foxx
// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
20 // OZONE MAG
Im Keepin It Real
Keepin it real what? All the real street rappers drive Lamborghini
Murcielagos and eat at fve star restaurants. You entertain millions
of people for a living. Thats not real. We get paid to tell people
stories in which the bad guy always gets away. We have an 0%
black male prison population, but of course thats not real.
Im A Real Nigga
So why aint you pickin cotton?
I Aint Really A Rapper, Im A Hustler
Why would somebody on the top of the hustlin food chain choose
to leave their hustle and get on the bottom of the rap food chain?
It makes no sense. Sosa from Scarface would never say, Im not a
manufacturer and distributor. Just call me a trap boy.
Ive Got My Own Liquor [insert: Clothing Line, Shoes, Etc.]
Having a product in itself does not make you a hustler or a busi-
nessman. And until any rap brand outsells any regular corporate
brand, I aint buyin into this shit. PS: I hope this does not affect
my free bottles of Armadale and/or Vodka, because I totally view
those differently than any other brand of rap shit. Shout out to
Jay-Z and JD.
I Got A Record On Here For Everybody
I too have made this mistake, young Jedi. Fuck everybody. Rap is
like high school pick your clique and run with it. Hopefully youre
in a clique with 00,000 to a million people, but if not, take notes
from Talib Kweli, the Hieroglyphics, and Rap-A-Lot Records on how
to make money and keep it underground. Stop trying to please
everybody and be somebody.
I Think This Acting Thing Is Next For Me
Just because you spent $00,000 on veneers doesnt make you
Denzel. Acting, like rap, is a craft.
KILLER
MIKE
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BULLSHIT PHRASES RAPPERS SAY
As told to Julia Beverly
Its A Movement
Get the fuck outta here. The Panthers were a movement.
The SNCC and SCLC were movements. Hell, even the P-Stone
Nation and the original Crips and Bloods were movements.
But rap production companies do not constitute movements
for social change. I repeat, rap production companies do
not constitute movements for social change, although they
do, on average, employ about twenty niggas from the block
which should dramatically decrease crime in a four block
radius at any given time in any given hood. But a move-
ment, no. A moment, yes.
Shes Not My Girl. Were Just Hanging Out
Remember when we were broke and bitches never wanted
us? Remember those days when we started talking about,
Im gonna have this much money and that car and that
woman? Dont get it all and act like you dont want it.
Thats your money, thats your car, and by now she should be
lookin at you telling you shes pregnant. Congratulations.
Thats your bitch.
Oh, We Still Cool. I Aint Trippin
This one is usually said by people who used to work together
or were former members of the same posse. Its very pecu-
liar, though, that songs never happen amongst these people
that are still cool. In other words, Im still waiting on my
fucking Hot Boys reunion, and no, there will not be a Purple
Ribbon All-Stars reunion. But we still cool. I aint trippin.
Never Been Robbed, Never Will
Thats because you dont leave the
hotel with your chain on no
more, nigga.
NOMINATED FOR BEST MIXTAPE/STREET ALBUM
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22 // OZONE MAG
Angelina Jolie
Her lipsGod damn! She got black girl lips. Every black dude that look
at her be likeGod damn! Aint like shes super fne but those God
damn lips.
Jennifer Biel
Shes just solid. She got a black girl shot. Shell be good club material.
You can walk in the club with her.
Michelle Pfeiffer
She aint the fnest but she was in Scarface. Thats classic, she did a
G-movie for the hood. And shes always had the hood movie for the
black folks, so shes like the Bill Clinton of white women.
Jessica Alba
Shes fne as a muthafucka and her lips are always shiny. She dont
got big lips but theyre always shiny.
Julia Beverly
She always got fresh Air Force Ones on, she keeps a tight little shirt
on that shows off her tits and nice little jeans that shows off her
white girl ass.
Diane Sawyer
Shes classy as fuck. Diane Sawyer keeps on a new fucking outft. She
dont wear the same shit twice. I gotta have at least one classy chick.
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Britney Spears
She got black folk tendencies. Shes in and out of rehab. Shes got a
tight little body. On top of that, she tried to kick off her dudes rap
career. If I was fucked in the game I could go with Britney, pretend
like my career is getting back on point and spend her fucking money.
Mariah Carey
I dont think shes a fne chick but Mariah Carey, just for the scandal
of it. Just for the record sales, I just wanna get caught with her in an
elevator somewhere, just for the good look.
Lindsay Lohan
Shes done a lot of ghetto shit, so I know we would get along. Shes a
fucking drunk. I can party with Lindsay Lohan. She fucks cars up and
leave them right there. And her bank is right. And her weight fuctu-
ates - sometimes shes fne, sometimes shes anorexic.
Coco T Williams
No disrespect to Ice-T but that muthafucka is
bad. She knows that shit, thats why hes just
running around faunting her. You can put a
drink on her ass. Keep it real, all black dudes
wanna hit some white girls. If were going to
make this a better world, weve got to start
sleeping with the white girls.
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mannie
fresh
WHITE GIRLS I REALLY WANNA HIT
NOMINATED FOR BEST PRODUCER
As told to Randy Roper
Photo by Julia Beverly
OZONE MAG // 2
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 2
2 // OZONE MAG
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Be Financially Stable
Im fnancially stable and I aint fnna be with no nigga who
aint fnancially stable. I aint fnna be cakin and upgradin and
all that. No sir.
Get Your Swag Right
Just be laid back and look like you got your shit together.
Come With Some Real Conversation, No Lines
Nobody wants to hear lines anymore. You really want a dude to
come at you with some nice, quick, entertaining conversation.
Be Prepared To Have Patience
So many niggas have some shit up they sleeve that it makes it
hard when you tryin to come real. You might just have to catch
her the next time around and let her know youre serious then.
Be Persistent, But Dont Overdo It
I might not be feelin you the frst time I meet you, but slide
some nice things in there. Slide in some things to let a female
know, Im checkin for you, FOR REAL. This aint no bullshit.
Dont Be Afraid To Put Somethin On It
I aint talkin about nothin over the top. You aint gotta send a
bitch a G to pick her up, but just go out of the way a little bit
to show that youre serious.
Be Prepared To Wait For Some Lovin
That takes some time shawty. Aint fnna be no straight jump off
action. That takes the stock way down. Plus you dont wanna
be fuckin around with somebody and catch something that you
cant get rid of.
Keep It Simple, Stupid
I love to eat, movies, maybe a nice little trip! It aint gotta be
too elaborate, but something simple and impressive. Maybe hop
on the yacht and have some dinner. Pick up a nice little gift,
open up some doors or something!
Step Ya Game Up
You aint gotta be loaded, but I am blessed and I aint hurtin. I
defnitely want somebody who aint at all hurtin. I aint tryna
say a nigga gotta be super duper rich, but I defnitely want
somebody whos on my level or higher.
Be A Friend
Be someone I can kick it with, be
a homie with and just enjoy each
others time.
4
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WAYS TO PULL A GEORGIA PEACH
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)
As told to N. Ali Early
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 27
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)
2 // OZONE MAG
The Streets Make The World Go Round
Thats self-explanatory.
Try That Bullshit And Youll Be Under That Muthafucker
If you come out there with that bullshit, thinking youre Superman,
you gon get laid up under the streets. The streets still gon be here
after youre gone.
Its What Real Gs Stand Up And Die For
Thats what I represent. Im not gonna let no bullshit or no mutha-
fucka who think theyre better come shit on the streets, cause thats
what I live and die for. And I know theres plenty other niggas from
any other hood feels the exact same way I do.
The Hood Is Where You Start And For Some, When You Fall Off, Its
Where The Fuck You Will End
Everything that goes up gotta come back down. But therere a lot of
niggas in the game who come from where we come, get up there and
shit on where were from. Then they fail to realize, youre gonna come
right back to these muthafuckin streets.
Fake Niggas Will Get Exposed By The Streets
Its gon happen. Slowly but surely theyre getting exposed already. A
couple of their careers done went down the drain already. Its gon be
a lot of people thats gonna get exposed.
I Am The Streets And I Will Not Lose
If you come to Houston, I am the streets. The streets is me. Youre
gonna hear me say that all the time. Come to Houston. Im the king of
the streets and I dont plan on losing. Its gonna be a hell of a fght if
you think Im going somewhere.
The Code Of The Streets Is Designed For Street Niggas To Be On Top
No matter how long it takes, its designed that everybodys hood is
gonna have their day.
Everybody Wants To Be Street
This goes way back from N.W.A all the way up. When you got niggas
like N.W.A and Geto Boys doing stuff, everybodys gonna tend to
follow their lead. If you look a couple of years ago, the industry was
on some straight rapping to a girl or rapping on some bullshit. But
now everybodys gone back to the N.W.A days and the Geto Boys days
because its a lot of niggas like us who the younger generation came
up under - a lot of O.G. cats. Then you got a lot of people trying to do
shit that we do right now. Half of the industry, they think if you go in
there and make a song about dope or make a song about shooting
somebody, thats whats needed to sell. A lot of them misrepresent
it. If youre from the hood, any real hood nigga gon know, you dont
always shed light on [the] negative. Thats not what were trying to
do all the time.
The Whole Industry Is Based On The Streets
You got a lot of these muthafuckas who aint never even been in the
streets, claiming theyre street and rapping about street stuff. And
then half of them be rapping about street stuff, messing it up for the
streets because they told certain stuff in the wrong way.
The Real Niggas Are Here To Spread
Real Shit
No matter how much the industry and
the rest of the world wanna keep real
life shut out, real niggas like myself
and a few others, were here to spread
our side of the story which is these
streets. Thats where we come from and
thats what really be happening out
here. This aint no fairytale shit.
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NOMINATED FOR MOST SLEPT ON ARTIST
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As told to Randy Roper
Photo by King Yella
OZONE MAG // 2
0 // OZONE MAG
REASONS WHY NIGGAS DONT GET NO PUSSY IN THE STRIP CLUB
10
Niggas Are Disrespectful
You cant go in there tellin a bitch to give you some muthafuckin
pussy and expect some. That aint it. She not fnna fuck you after
that, brotha.
These Muthafuckas Hygiene Aint Together
How a bitch dancin on you and she smell yo ass? Thats not pimpin,
pimpin.
Niggas In There Tryna Be Mr. Nice Guy a.k.a. Schoolboy Elroy
Oh, I would never disrespect a woman all that bullshit. You not
supposed to be disrespectful, but dont be so see-through to where a
bitch know you lyin.
Niggas Walk In There And Act Like They Aint Never Seen No Pussy
Before
They just in there starin and shit, just lookin at every bitch. You
gotta go in there and act like you been there before; like its no big
deal.
Youre In The Strip Club Every Week
Aint no bitch fnna fuck you like that. You doin too much my nigga.
Damn!! Every week? Thats just not pimpin, man.
You Lame As Hell
This is the guy who got picked on in school. Hes just a square and
bitches can see all through that. Money dont buy you no coolness.
You could have all the money in the world, but you still could be an
uncool, uncoordinated, lame-ass nigga.
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You Tryin To Holla At Every Stripper
You cant try to holla at Champagne and Strawberry right next
to her. Then you wanna holla at Cherry and they all three back
to back. Then you spittin the same ass line to each one of em.
These bitches be in the locker room communicatin. They talkin
about you and not in a good way.
Niggas Talk Too Much
You askin dumb ass questions. Them girls are at work, man. You
in there askin all about they family history, all that stupid shit;
come on, man. You see a scar on their knee and you askin when
they got that scar. Nigga, get the fuck outta here. Look at the
pussy!
Trickin On Every Stripper
One thing strippers cant stand is a trick. They love gettin money,
dont get me wrong. But when you come off like a trick and you
trickin on every bitch, that shit dont look right.
Niggas Are Broke As Hell
You dont even have a drink in your
hand not even no water. You dont
have a drink, no ones, no nothin.
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As told to N. Ali Early
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
OZONE MAG //
REASONS WHY NIGGAS DONT GET NO PUSSY IN THE STRIP CLUB
2 // OZONE MAG
So I Could Dress Fresh From Head To Toe
I gotta be looking appropriate for the ladies.
They like that, you feel me. And I like the
ladies, so staying fresh is a must.
Im Addicted To Diamonds
Thats why I need my cake. I gotta shine. Its
just a sign of success, so I gotta show Im suc-
cessful, and the ladies like success.
So I Can Drive The Flyest Whip
I gotta be stuntin. When I pull up to the club I
gotta let em know Ive arrived.
So I Can Get My Money Right In The Streets
I gotta touch money everyday. So pass that
cake, you feel me?
Mo Riches
I need that cake everyday because it aint
nothing like indulging in more riches and mo
bitches. You know what I mean? Enough said.
Gotta Pay The Bills
I gotta pay the bills. With no lights I cant
see the pad of paper and I cant put my pen
down on that paper to write my rhymes. So
I defnitely gotta have my cake everyday to
keep the lights on.
I Want That Ten Digit Account
Thats in the billions, for those of you who
dont know. I gotta get them 0 digits.
Makin It Rain
I want that cake everyday so I can make it
rain in the club. Most of the niggas in the club
are broke, so I gotta show some love in the
club and make up for them broke dudes.
To Help Other People
I gotta get that cake everyday so I can look
out for those less fortunate. The community
needs a lot right now.
I Know My Family Gonna Want Shit
I gotta have that cake everyday cause theyre
gonna want to eat everyday. I gotta feed the
family, you know? Thats gotta be the number
one reason.
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REASONS I NEED MY CAKE EVERYDAY
As told to Eric Perrin
Flo
Rida
NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING FLORIDA
OZONE MAG //
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When youre at a low point
as a hustler, thats the
rules. Thats what youre
supposed to do. You dont
just lay down cause youre
fucked up. If youre broke,
you wake up and you go
make something happen.

Words by Julia Beverly

Photos by Blake Ribbey
// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
hat are some of the
business ventures youre
working on now?
Weve got the clothing
stores, Blow Out Promo-
tions, the printing com-
pany, the record labels,
the flm companies, the
liquor endorsements,
and of course the Con-
verse shoe endorse-
ments. Were doing fve
shows a week, not to
mention, more yayo,
more yayo, and more
yayo. Believe that.
How do you choose what type of business ventures you pursue?
Its simple: One plus two equals three. As long as thats the formula, thats
what it boils down to. Im surrounded by niggas that hustle and know how
to get money, so whenever we want to make an investment and go do some-
thing, its nothin. If we want to buy a property that costs two or three mil-
lion, its nothing for us to get together and make that happen. Its easy. Were
all getting homes. Youve seen my Atlanta home. I have fve Miami homes, my
L.A. home, and my New York loft. Im comfortable everywhere.
In this rap game, you hear a lot of different hustlers stories. They all start
out the same way and they end up either in jail, dead, or a rapper. Why do you
think you survived and others didnt?
It aint even about that, man. I believe everybodys got their own destiny. If
youre a nigga in the streets and you know youre doing wrong every day,
youve gotta take that into consideration and watch how you move. Most
defnitely get money, but youve gotta do it in a way where youre still here.
Im still here. All the times I was up and all the times I was down as a hustler,
thats what you go through. Life is a roller coaster ride. I dont care if youre
making a million a month, life is like that when youre in the streets. Its a
roller coaster and when you do that, you learn. Every time you go up and
every time you come down, you learn something from that. Im glad I went
through those trials and tribulations hustling, so when I got legitimate and
Jay said, Here goes a three million dollar check, and, Here goes a million
dollar check, I knew how to invest it, or just let the money sit. A lot of times
I just like to let the money sit and have money pile on top of the money. I
like to put money on top of money on top of money. Sevens on top of nines
on top of fours. Sixes on top of fves and let em sit. Thats what you learn.
If youve never been through that, you dont know what the fuck Im talking
about.
What was your lowest point as a hustler?
The lowest point as a hustler is being in debt, owing your connect. Cant
answer the phone, gotta cut your phone off, gotta go out of town for two
weeks. I remember it clear as yesterday. I will never forget it. Owing niggas in
the street, like, damn, Im in this situation so Im gonna get this from buddy,
take the cash into this other shit and holla at him next week. I did that every
day. When youre at a low point as a hustler, thats the rules. Thats what
youre supposed to do. You dont just lay down cause youre fucked up. If
youre broke, you wake up and you go make something happen. Thats what
its called. Youre gonna break some little kids heart. Thats the name of the
game, thats how it goes. You stay focused. You straighten everybody you
owe once you accomplish everything youre trying to accomplish, and every-
body wins. Everybodys good. Ill run off with your work quick. Thats what
its about. Thats like me being an artist and you having a magazine, I might
be like, Hey, do me a favor. Give me fve ads on consignment and once I get
my deal, I got you. You know what I mean? Thats the street mentality not
having nothing, but putting yourself in a position to get something.
Is it true that you used to be a correctional offcer?
Of course not. I heard that rumor two or three times. But the shit I represent,
real niggas die by this. Real niggas kill by this. I couldnt represent the shit I
represent if that was the case. Thats entertainment. But niggas gotta bring
it better than that to really test the boss. This is how I affliate. This is how I
ride. This is how I rock.
What about the rumors that theres tension between you and Trick Daddy?
Ima tell you something: The reason why a lot of niggas sell records is be-
cause its the entertainment business and its going to be a lot of speculation
and rumors. Thats what they are. But you see niggas in the street every day.
You just saw me in the club with Trick the other day. Its always gonna be
speculation, and Im comfortable with that. Trick is my nigga. Hes on my new
album Trilla, so make sure yall go get that. Real niggas only, believe that.
Did the two of you come to an agreement to keep things civilized for the sake
of the greater Miami movement?
It wasnt even about having an agreement. Its about me getting my money
and him getting his money. Its gonna always be that way. Thats still my
nigga. Tricks my nigga. Im a real nigga. Trick could get mad with me, and I
could get mad with Trick. Trick might be mad at Ross this week, but as soon
as we see each other in the Rollexx, Ima buy him a bottle or he gon send
me four bottles and we gon smoke out. Im gonna send him two bitches over
there and he gon send me three. Thats how we do, man. Me and Trick, we
share Miami. Its our city. We ride in the dunks and toys all the way around
and do what we do. Those are our strips. Those are our restaurants. Those are
our cars. Thats our skyline. Those are our hoes. Thats our beach. Thats our
ocean. We own it. Its ours. Thats our South Beach. They built those things for
us. Their name is on the papers, but we own it. Its a difference.
Pitbull says everything in Miami is named after cocaine Brickell Ave., Key
Biscayne, the list goes on and on.
Yeah, I loved that when I read that Pit said that. It made a lot of sense. As
soon as a Democrat gets back in offce, we fnna get more yayo back. Believe
that. So Bush, get your ass out of the chair. You know youre too short. When
a Democrat gets back in offce, you know, youre gonna get more independent
label ads. Business is better for everyone. Tell em to open up the ports. God
loves us.
So the name of the new album is Trilla.
That means realer than fuck niggas. September 2th but its tentative to
change due to the timing of my records getting mixed. Im making sure the
album is prepared. Its an incredible album. Its going to be the album of the
year. I already know Im gonna win all the OZONE Awards because Im the
best. I look the best and the OZONE likes me.
Whats your prediction for the biggest record on the Trilla album?
You already know, Maybach Music. Shout out to my big homie Jay-Z. I
just got some big shit. Me and Pharrell just did some shit that may get the
Grammy. It wont be bad to be smoked out at the Grammys. Theyll say my
name for no reason and Ill go up there just to show off my jeans.
How are you doing on your OZONE New Years resolution to smoke only $,00
worth of weed every day instead of $,000?
Im doing bad. I just spent $,00 on these two ounces right here, so Im fail-
ing on that. Bad.
When youre an artist introduced to the world with a huge record like Hus-
tlin is it hard to top that this time around?
Nah. You just do your music, keep doing what youre doing and making big
records. Im pretty sure when Dr. Dre goes in the studio he just wants to cre-
ate timeless shit. Its hard to say hes gonna top California Love or In Da
Club. In Da Club was an incredible record the same way Hustlin was, but
you just wanna keep making that great music that the people in the streets
love.
Do you think the South is gonna continue being on top of the rap game for
years to come or is it just a phase in rap music?
Were making great music. It aint about a phase. The South has got the best
producers and now the best rappers, and thats what its all about. The East
coast has got great rappers, and the West coast too. Its just all about repre-
senting that shit, keeping that gumbo rolling. Thats why Im up in Atlanta. I
love this shit. I love the way the producers roll, all the niggas roll, all the art-
ists roll together. I love the way that shit works, and thats what Im cultivat-
ing in Miami. I could come up to Atlanta for a week and see twenty producers
versus going to another city, so it makes sense to come to Atlanta.
Whats the vibe in New York and the East coast in general to you? Do you feel
like theres more respect now for Southern artists than before?
Im just getting in the game so Im only seeing it from this side of the gate,
but real niggas get respect everywhere they go. Music-wise, the South is just
more commercially successful now. Scarface, the Geto Boys, Willie D, all them
niggas got that street respect and artist respect before, but now niggas like
T.I. and Rick Ross and Jeezy are selling millions of records so now were get-
ting commercial respect too.
Record labels are all claiming that digital downloads are hurting record sales.
Do you feel like its a legitimate concern?
I believe its legitimate, but if you cant do nothing about it, youve gotta
keep hustling. Every day a fuck nigga dies, a real nigga is born. So whenever
they start bootlegging, you start getting money with ringtones. When they
start downloading your music, youve gotta do other things to get money. If
yall niggas bootleg my album, cool. The shows are going up to $0,000. Well
make that shit work some kinda way. //
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Eva Longoria
I like her short black hair, and it turns me on that shes dating
someone. I like that. Oh, shes married now? Thats even better. I
like her more. Eva, holla at your boy. Ive gotten a few of those
calls in the middle of the night: Are you fucking my girl? and Ill
say, fuck it, I aint gon fuck her no more. If you call me, Ima keep
it real. I aint gon hit your hoe no more. But if you dont call me,
you dont care. I mean, I got more hoes. So if you actually call me
saying you dont want me to hit your bitch no more, Im not gonna
hit her no more. I feel you. Real talk.
Julia Beverly
Im really turned on by you. Im attracted to you. Yall might not
know who she is, but Julia Beverly is big time. Were all looking at
you. You fne. I like how the jeans ft right and the rack is immacu-
late. And were not even gonna talk about your infuence.
Fantasia
Thats my friend. My girl. Shes ghetto. Shes like me. Hi, Fantasia!
Were thinking about making a great couple. But I cant be her
baby daddy. No more kids. Ive got two already, my son William
Mafa and my daughter. Yeah, my sons middle name is really
Mafa. Its on his birth certifcate.
Gabrielle Union
Put her on the list just for no reason. Shes beautiful.
Trina
Shes my friend and shes beautiful. I watched her grow up. Shes
always been a hood diva, the baddest bitch. She reps that to the
fullest.
Robin Thickes Wife
I forgot her name but Robin Thicke got a dimepiece. Shes a movie.
But theyre married, so hes good. He knows what hes got.
** Rick gets stuck at this point: I gotta touch into my white, older
audience. He then moves on to video vixens: Vida Guerra cant
be on the list because Game had her already. I dont wanna be in
Superheads book. Superhead is washed up. I wanna be in these
new hoes books. Superhead is fnished. She cant sell no more
books. She cant even sell magazines. But the new ones thats gon
be coming out, Ill be in their books. The book will say, He was a
boss. He made me roll his blunts and lick his feet and entertain
him. Entertaining me consists of a lot of different things.
Mary J Blige
I love her for one reason: the Whats The ? album. Shes on my
top 0 list forever. Kendu better do right by Mary J, or Ill have her
walkin around the house singin, I will love you anyway, even.
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CELEBRITY WOMEN I WANNA FUCK
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Rosario Dawson
She could get it. Shes defnitely one of my top three. Remember
in the movie KIDS, when she was talking real sluttish? I think shes
real freaky. I could sense it, shes a freak. I like that.
Halle Berry
I heard shes got a dry problem downstairs, so that means her
upstairs has gotta be right. Thats what I read wasnt that a ru-
mor or something? The sprinklers dont come on down there in the
basement? She was crushed by what Eric Benet did to her, right?
So I fgure Ill smoke some kush with her, get her mind right, talk
to her, and just dont be all sexual with it. Ill just talk to her.
Shell be my kush buddy. Ill get her a little Porsche for Christmas.
Paris Hilton and My Weed Lady (tie)
I dont know if I should just give one broad
that much credit to be my number one. I
might let these bitches co-exist. I might
have to split it. I dont wanna give off the
wrong impression and make her think she
should move into one of my territories. I
have feelings, but that dont mean, Live
with me. Im a make it a tie between Paris
Hilton and a ghetto chick. Its a split deci-
sion. I think Paris could satisfy me fnan-
cially with what Im looking for in a woman.
And for my ghetto chick, it could be my
kush girl, the lady I buy my weed from in
Miami. Hopefully shell read this and give
me a discount. So Ima split that num-
ber one spot with my weed lady and Paris
Hilton. My weed lady cultivates and always
has the true passion of my life, which is
mary jane. And Paris Hilton satisfes what
Im looking for fnancially in a woman. Shes
just gotta believe in me and my dreams and
invest in what I believe in, thats all I would
ask from her. Id let her know, Its nothing
sexual, baby. Please. If you want, we could
wait til we get married. But we cant wait
for you to write the frst check. She just has
to believe in my dreams. But really, my true
number one lady is out there. Its one of
you lucky ladies, and if you buy my album
Trilla, Im gonna have something special on
the inside for you. Its gonna be a special
phone number, and I want you to call me.
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// OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 7
DJ Uncle Al
Rest in Peace. He was the frst nigga to introduce pirate radio to
Miami. He kinda cultivated the whole music scene. He was before
his time and he was slain at an early age. He really infuenced
me, and he was a nigga that I heard so much about as far as get-
ting money and hustling and reppin that music shit.
Mr. Wonderful
The legendary Mr. Wonderful of the notorious th Avenue in
Liberty City in Florida. Hes legendary. th Avenue is one of the
most legendary trap spots in the history of Miami. I mean, his
name speaks for itself Mr. Wonderful. May he rest in peace too.
Yahweh bin Yahweh
Do yall homework on him. Out of Miami. Go back to the 0s and
do yall homework, thats all Im gonna say.
Rick Brownlee
He was out of Opalocka, and he created the ball . grams of
cocaine. On 2 Jump Street. Believe that.
E-Class
He pioneered Rick Ross and Poe Boy Entertainment. He invented
the stand-up billboards that are industry standard now. He owns
a printing company and he does whatever I need him to do, so
hes a great hustler. Hes the best.
Kenneth Boobie Williams
He made millions in the game and he gave niggas that pride, that
hood pride, that willingness to ride and lead by example.
Convertible Burt
He was the frst Miami nigga to come up to Atlanta and show
them what a kilo could do.
Luke Skywalker
He made Lifestyles of the Rich & Ramous when I was in school off
rap, tellin hoes to suck dick and eat pussy. He went on tour and
got rich off bulldaggers and strippers. I love it. Its beautiful.
Jay-Z
He runs New York rap. Hes the greatest, the best at what he does,
and he was the smart man that signed Rick Ross, so you have to
move him to the top of the list.
DJ Khaled
He showed up from nowhere, put in work
for ten years, and now hes everywhere.
I salute him. Were here at our second
OZONE Awards and were representing the
movement, the hood. Were well respected
worldwide. We dont have no problems.
Were good.
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Im Rich
I started with nothing and now Im rich. I own ten homes. My
net worth is an estimated $. million and moving fast. By
the time you read this I may be at the $20 million mark. Every
month it gets better. But the thing is, you know, Ive got a fam-
ily. I got a family of riders; my niggas. So my total combined
family net worth is at an estimated $0 million, feel me?
E-Class is my brother.
My Family Is Good
When I say my family, I mean, the niggas I came in this with.
Were still together. Triple Cs, E-Class, Poe Boy, DJ Khaled,
everybody involved in the movement.
The Hood Promoted Me To Boss
Youve gotta go through rank, and I did that. I did my ffteen
years getting dirty.
I Survived
Im still here. And when I say that, I salute all my niggas who
put me on Kenneth Boobie Williams, I love you. Thats my
brother, feel me? But Im still here, so thats an important
reason why Im a boss today.
I Run The Streets
I really do. Niggas see that white on white, and niggas knew
what that represented before the video. Before my career,
before the entertainment was involved, when I pulled up in
that white on white with a smile on my face niggas knew I was
fnna make it rain.
Im Fly
Im a boss because Im fy. I mean, look at me. Im the fyest of
the fy. Im fy when Im riding. Im fy right now. The defnition
of fy is me, Rick Ross. I got diamonds to match my sneakers.
Ive got too much jewelry. Niggas dont want to talk about my
jewelry. But being fy is not just about jewelry. Being fy is re-
ally a mindstate. My mindstate is a movie.
My Business Savvy
I did the biggest solo deal in the history of Southern rap. Im
negotiating my label deal right now. I just closed my distribu-
tion deal on my documentary M-I-Yayo. I was the executive
producer, and thatll be in stores real soon. I just opened my
upscale beauty salon and barbershop off Old National [in
Atlanta]. Ive got the clothing line, and I just opened a clothing
store in Miami.
The Ladies Love Me
Im a boss because the ladies love me. I have a celebrity friend
now. I cant say her name because she loves me. Once we go
through whatever we go through, we can talk about that in
another issue.
Im Not Going Nowhere
Im gonna be here forever and were gonna get money forever,
and thats what a boss does. A boss structures the family to get
money forever. When you see Triple C, Brisco, Cash Money, Flo-
Rida, Poe Boy/Atlantic, its family. Its longevity. We the best!
Im Rich
Last but not fuckin least, do you really
want to know why Rick Ross is a boss?
Drumroll, ladies and gentlemen. Do you
remember what number one was? Im rich.
Exactly. By the time you get to the last
answer, if theres any questions or prob-
lems, you refer back to the frst answer.
And that makes a ten answer cycle. It
makes sense for me to end it where I
began.
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REASONS IM A BOSS
NOMINATED FOR
TJS DJS TASTEMAKERS AWARD
BEST RAP ALBUM
BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)
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L
udacris and his Disturbing Tha Peace labels forthcoming compila-
tion, Strength In Numbers, has a ftting title. With label incumbents
(Bobby Valentino, Field Mob, I-20, Lil Fate and Shareefa) along with
with newcomers (Serius Jones, Small World, Brolic D, Willy Northpole,
Block Xchange and Steph Jones) the house that Luda and Chaku Zulu
built boasts one of the deeper rosters in Southern Hip Hop. Even the de-
parture of DTPs frst lady, Shawnna, seems minuscule with the labels most
successful solo artist, the once disgruntled Chingy, returning to the fold.
But the buzz in the streets for DTPs third compilation doesnt stem from a
single featuring the STL hoodstar nor their R&B crooners or their Grammy
award-winning superstar. Instead, Tauheed Tity Boi Epps and Earl Dolla
Boy Conyers, collectively known as the Atlanta duo Playaz Circle, have
streets ablaze with their breakthrough single Duffe Bag Boy (assisted
on the hook by the omnipresent Lil Wayne). The duo frst appeared on
DTPs 2002 debut album Golden Grain, and when Field Mob leapfrogged the
tandem as DTPs frst group project, PC patiently waited for their chance to
formally introduce the world to their duffe bag boy M.O.
These childhood friends turned rap group from College Park have made it
through the street life (Tity Boi survived a shooting and Dolla served two
years in prison) and are prepared to tell their story on Playaz Circles debut
album Supply and Demand.
Today, PC is situated at one of their favorite College Park hangout spots,
the Frozen Palace. Over a couple plates of crab legs, PC is ready to discuss
their deal with DTP, why the industrys been jacking their slang and what it
really means to be a Duffe Bag Boy.
Were at one of your favorite hang out spots, the Frozen Palace. So what part
of Atlanta is this?
Dolla Boy: Basically, this is College Park. Southside of Atlanta, right by the
airport. Its kinda hood but at the same time a lot of wealthy people come
out here to stay. Not too far down the street is Fayette County, where all the
mansions are. Evander Holyfeld and Jermaine Dupri stay out there. When we
were in high school, we were in an environment where we didnt have that
much. So being right down the street from an environment that had a lot, it
just made us wanna strive and go harder.
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Tity Boi: Were trying to get to the other side of Old National [Road]. Its seg-
regated. Were learning as we get older. When we were coming up, we stayed
in some apartments called Perimeter Creek. Wed always go to PC to play ball,
get a sack to smoke, everything happened in PC.
Is that where you got the name Playaz Circle?
Tity Boi: Thats where the initials frst started from. Weve been going by
Playaz Circle for years.
Dolla Boy: We had a really thick clique, a lot of emcees, and Playaz Circle was
gonna be the label. You know, shit started happening. Niggas started going
this way and that way. Me and Tit stayed true to the Playaz Circle shit. And we
got an opportunity through the record deal with DTP, so we were like, well
continue to put Playaz Circle on the map.
How did you come up with the name?
Tity Boi: Playaz Circle was an acronym. Preparing Legal Assets for Years from
A to Z. We all did the hustle thing. The normal youth mistake but our whole
goal was to prepare our assets, make them legal. Clean up our money some
kind of way. Playaz Circle was gonna be more than just music, it was gonna
be everything. Whatever we used our money for, preparing our legal assets.
And the circle just symbolizes 0.
Dolla Boy: We wanted to cover the game all around.
Tity Boy: And you know, the Duffe Bag Boys have been our street side, our
gutter side, our independent side. With Playaz Circle being backed by a major
label, Duffe Bag does everything on [our] own. Dolla and myself, thats our
label. We got a whole movement. We got a group, we got a click, everything
that the people can imagine. So Duffe Bag Boy aint just a new hot word,
its a clique, we live this. Weve been doing Duffe Bag. Weve been carrying
ourselves like that. We been thought it was cool. A street nigga, if he got a
duffe bag full of money, thats like a hustlers trophy, youre successful. You
look at women with their purses and you look at niggas with their wallets. If
you can imagine putting money in that, then you can put money in a duffe
bag, then youre a Duffe Bag Boy.
At what point did you all go from a clique to being a rap group?
Dolla Boy: Our frst shit together was . We came with United We Stand,
United We Fall. That was the frst release from Playaz Circle.
Tity Boy: The feedback that we got was so tremendous. Niggas was fucking
wit it. Thats how I meet Luda. Lil Fate, he was fucking with us, he was like,
Luda likes yall shit. Thats how we frst started getting wit Luda for that
frst [DTP] compilation. I was doing the rapping thing, and Dolla got into a
little trouble.
Dolla Boy: Yeah, I went to the chain gang for a little bit. Im seeing this nigga
on TV with Luda and all them. So Im like, This shits gon work when I get
out. I got on my writing game and when I came out, the situation opened
with DTP.
Tity Boy: I was already with them. I was doing solo acts. My frst budget was
a solo budget. I was supposed to be working on solo project. Id go in the
studio, Id do one solo song and Id do one with Dolla. [DTP] started getting
invoices like, Dolla! Youre trying to be slick. Youre trying to do two albums
at once. But Cris got ears; the rest of them were really thinking corporate.
He was like, Yall sound good together. At this time [DTP] didnt have a Field
Mob, they didnt have a group. So I was thinking we could be the frst group
off the label.
Playaz Circle was on DTP before Field Mob was signed to the label. How did
you feel about Field Mob coming on and putting out an album before you did?
Tity Boi: God does everything for a reason but you couldnt tell me that
back then. I felt like wed been waiting long enough. Of course they looked
at it differently, like a business. They looked at it like, Field Mobs been out
already, and theyve got fans.
Dolla Boy: It wasnt really no crazy shit because Field Mob, theyre some cool
niggas. They had to get their record hot and we had to get our record hot.
They had a record wit Luda. We were a new act, out there on our own. They
were the ones that popped but we aint trippin off that situation.
Youve been signed to DTP for a while now, so whats been the hold up on
your project?
Tity Boi: Weve been around but we havent been around. Weve been staying
consistent in the studio. Weve been trying to cook up something that we
thought people can relate to. Our album has been done. Everybody was look-
ing for that one song that everybody [liked]. We had songs that nine people
like and one person didnt. Now we got ten people that all like the same
song, [Duffe Bag Boy].
Whose idea was it to put Lil Wayne on the Duffe Bag Boy hook?
Dolla Boy: The track was so hot, we were just sitting there listening to it like,
What we gonna do with it? Tit was like, Imma send this to Wayne. Ima let
him come up with a hook and were just gonna rap.
Tity Boi: I gave [Wayne] the track, he did the hook and I guess the rest is the
reason why were right here with you. The hook was so good, all we had to
do was rap our ass off.
You had a song with Ludacris last year, U Cant Believe It, that received a
lot of radio play. Why do you think that track didnt break for you like Duffe
Bag Boy?
Dolla Boy: With us being a new act, its extra hard to break a record.
Tity Boi: Everybody thought it was a hit but people werent familiar with us.
I think [Universal] was trying to see what DTP was gonna do. I think DTP
was like, What yall gonna do. I think me and Dolla just got caught up in the
middle by it being our frst go around, inexperienced, we were just eager to
be grindin.
Dolla Boy: We realized our mistakes. We parted ways with Universal, and right
now were with Def Jam. I think itll be a better situation cause thats where
DTP has their label deal at.
Whats the situation now over at DTP? Its seems like a lot is going on. Chingy
came back. Shawnna left. Rumors say Field Mob is breaking up.
Tity Boi: Good thing we dont worry them or ask them for nothing cause I can
see how they could get stressed out with all those artists. They pick up our
calls. We can call them right now and they know we aint about to ask them
for a damn thing.
Dolla Boy: Were one big family. Were all just trying to win.
Do you think the industry is more suited for your style of music now com-
pared to earlier in your careers?
Tity Boi: Times and everything turn. Back when me and Dolla were doing what
we were doing, we were talking street shit and trap shit. They werent putting
that type of stuff out.
Dolla Boy: Now, you cant turn on the radio without a nigga talking about
selling dope and he a trapper. Weve been doing that shit since it wasnt cool.
Tity Boy: We could put out old songs. Our frst song ever on the DTP compila-
tion was a straight D-boy track and it stood out on there.
Dolla Boy: The streets know, you aint really gotta worry about us changing
who we are, trying to adapt to the industry. Cause we think that industry shit
is really just some bitch shit. We understand you need radio, but radio plays
stuff washed down. That aint what you get when you mess with us. I think
the industry knows were coming. And you can even hear it through their
music. You know, the slang and styles you make up, then they start using it.
Tity Boi: Aw, man, slang? This is the slang capital right here, jack. I dont
know whos coming over here and taking it other places, jack. This is where
the slang starts and Im fattered. People that say they started something,
nine times outta ten, they didnt start it. They got it from [someone] else but
theyre in the eyes of what people can see. You wanna make up a word right
now for them?
Dolla Boy: Situated.
Tity Boi: Situated is our new word. Im trying to get situated, jack. I have a
little situation going on. I got a little situation to get at. I left the club last
night with a situation.
Dolla Boy: Did you get situated.
Tity Boi: I got situated! [Both laugh]
Dolla Boy: Tell them they can have that.

Can you explain the differences in Playaz Circle and Duffe Bag Boys and your
music?
Tity Boi: We tried to distinguish the difference one day. Playaz Circle is more
coveted. Its like players, thats how we frst started. So a lot of the music has
that feel to it. You might lay back, hear some guitars, smoke a blunt to it, you
can feel it. Then you got some other songs on [our album] that are on the D-
boy side. It might have a little more 0 to it. It might get you a ticket.
Dolla Boy: When it comes to Duffe Bag Boys, were straight getting to the
money and doing something right with it. Were trying to show that you can
go get it. We aint saying you gotta go sell dope.
Tity Boi: Theres so many ways out there to get money. Its about getting off
your ass. You gotta go get your money. People think that when the trees start
shedding, these damn leaves are gonna be money and fall right here. You
better go get that check!
Dolla Boy: And thats basically what Duffe Bag is versus Playaz Circle. Playaz
Circles laid back, trying to cool, mack a broad, chillin wit your partners.
Duffe Bag Boys, were showing you how to get to the money to get your situ-
ation situated, you feel me. [Both laugh] Situate that, jack! //
2 // OZONE MAG
High Top Pradas
Tity Boi: High top Prada is the certifed Duffe Bag Boy shoe. You know
how in the army you wear boots? Our soldiers wear high top Pradas.
Duffe Bag Boys T-shirt
Tity Boi: You might need to leave town and when you get where youre
going, youre gonna need to change shirts.
Laptop
Dolla Boy: You need a laptop so you can go online and checkout
Playaz Circles Myspace page. www.myspace.com/playazcircle
iPod
Dolla Boy: You need your iPod to fll it up with Duffe Bag Boy music.
A Pack of Cigarillos
Tity Boi: You need some cigars, and dont forget your lighter.
Paris Hilton Cologne for Men
Tity Boi: Cause youre gonna need something to spray on yourself
after you smoke.
Work
Dolla Boy: I dont know what type of work you do. It might be com-
puters.
Tity Boi: Whatever it is, youre gonna need some work in that bag.
Pistol
Dolla Boy: Youre gonna need a pistol. Cause when they see you walk-
ing around wit that big ole bag, youre gonna get tried. You cant be a
Duffe Bag Boy gettin punked.
$20,000 (All Big Face Hundreds)
Tity Boi: $20,000 big faces is a lot of money but less to carry. With
$20,000 and a passport, you should be able to start fresh anywhere.
Passport
Dolla Boy: You might have to leave the coun-
try. Depending on the contents of the bag, you
might have to get outta here.
10
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THINGS TO KEEP IN
YOUR DUFFLE BAG
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Playaz
ciRcle
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
2 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG //
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
// OZONE MAG
10
Pop Pistols
I got woods in the back of my house, but we actu-
ally went to the range today. We was out there
bustin. Sometimes we just go into the backyard
and put it up in the trees. Target practice. Thats
the least important thing to do on your day off.
Smoke A Lil Reefer
I aint no weed head, but I do smoke on occasion.
Go To The Studio
Im in the studio right now. I still work on my day
off. I have a studio at my DJs house; I record at
his spot. Ive got equipment over here so we just
kept it at his crib, and it aint far from my spot.
Go To The Recreation Department
I just went by there and took the kids like 00
packs of popsicles. I go to the Petersburg Depart-
ment of Recreation because I used to be enrolled
in their program when I was younger.
Play With My Dogs
Ive got two pitbulls.
Fuck With My Cars
Ive got old school cars, so my brother and my
peoples start em up while Im gone. But if I
havent driven them for a while, Ill take em out
and hit the highways. I ride out about minutes
one way and just come back.
top
THINGS TO DO
ON MY DAY OFF
As told to Julia Beverly
Photo by Ray Tamarra
Get Some Time In With My Little Brother
My brother is 2, but hes gone on summer vaca-
tion right now. We might play X-Box, go go-cart
racing, hit the movies, or just kick it. I just left the
movies with my lil cousins. My mamas youngest
daughter has three kids, so I took them to see
Transformers.
Get Some Time In With My Mama and Grandmama
Gotta put some time in with my women, you know?
My grandmamma, shes got this newfound love for
gardening. She was telling me how the vegetables
touch the ground and it stops them from growing,
so I stopped by there earlier and helped bind em
so theyll grow upwards. She was happy as hell
when I went over there. I used to live with my
grandmamma but she dont see much as much
now. I took my mama out to lunch today, too.
Work Out
I got weights downstairs at my house. On the road
I try to work out too, but some of the hotels dont
have good equipment so I gotta get my workout
in at home.
Sleep
When I come home, I go
straight to sleep. Thats got-
ta be number one, cause as
soon as I get off the plane, I
sleep til my body gets up.
Trey
Songz
NOMINATED FOR BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE)
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OZONE MAG //
// OZONE MAG
MoNique
Shell talk so bad about you, youll wanna kick your own ass.
Layla Ali
She will kick your ass for real and might even knock you out.
Queen Latifah
You dont want Dana to ask you, Who you calling a bitch?
Serena Williams
Shell bitch-slap you with a tennis racket, and I know youve seen
her arms.
Mike Tyson
Just dont do it.
Steven Jackson
Youll get an instantaneous NBA bad guy with a bad temper ass
whoopin.
Pam Grier
She might have a fashback and turn into one of her movie char-
acters and fuck you the fuck up.
Lorena Bobbitt
Shell cut your dick off.
Julia Beverly
Shell write a sarcastic editorial about you, and your picture will
never be in OZONE again.
My Mama
First, Ill talk about your mama and your
grandmamma, your aunts, sisters, and all your
female cousins on a nasty-ass Too $hort rap.
Then my brother Wayne Loc is gonna Hannibal
Lecter you. So, Don Imus and all the rest of you
non-certifed wannabe pimps, watch who you
call a bitch. Might be your ass!
10
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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD NEVER CALL A BITCH
Photo by D-Ray
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// OZONE MAG
We Just Had A Bad Name For Some Reason
I dont what it came from, but we just had a bad name. I dont
know if it was because of slavery, or the image people had of Ala-
bama and racism, or what, but we just had a bad name for a long
time. But hopefully I helped change that image a little bit.
Our Timing Wasnt Right
No rapper from Alabama had ever been in the right place at the
right time, until me, I guess. I feel like I was blessed to fnd my
situation. I feel like God is a big reason behind my success. God
has thrown me a lot of positives that helped me, and Alabama get
recognized.
The Game Was Already Oversaturated With Rappers
You can walk into any restaurant or any store and somebody in
there raps; thats why people dont take albums seriously and
dont purchase them anymore.
They Didnt Know About Our Big Events Like Mardi Gras
Our Mardi Gras is just like the one in New Orleans, but its more
widespread. We have 0,000 more people at our Mardi Gras than
New Orleans has at their Mardi Gras. But I guess they dont adver-
tise it that much because, frst of all, its in Alabama, and second
of all, its real ghetto. Its a lot more black-oriented than New
Orleanss Mardi Gras, but its a great event. I think if more people
knew about some of the events we have in Alabama, they would
be more likely to listen to an Alabama artist. It would help them
relate more.
We Kept Ourselves Down
You know, the whole crabs-in-a-barrel syndrome. People in
Alabama can sometimes hate on each other, and that prevented us
from really blowing up. But thats something Ive been trained not
to pay attention to. I feel like I got the state on my
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back now. I gotta be responsible. My state most defnitely
looks at me as a role model and an image to follow, so I
gotta stay positive.
People Underestimated Us
If you were a rapper and even said you were from Alabama,
they would count you out before they even heard your
music, like, This just some Alabama bullshit.
The Major Networks Like BET and MTV Never Focused On
Alabama
But I cant blame them because we never really gave them
nothing. We never gave them a reason to come and fuck with
us, until Rich Boy came along. [laughs]
People Thought Alabama Was Too Country
They thought it was all trailer parks and cows, pigs, and
stuff like that. They didnt know we had real music, or at
least they didnt respect it.
History Wasnt On Our Side
Every other state in the South had some artist that made it,
but no artist ever blew up from Alabama before, so people
werent really paying us no attention.
People Just Thought Alabama
Was A Slow State, Period
They thought everything about us
slow. They thought our whole way
of life was slow, they way we talk,
our conversations, they we rap.
10
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REASONS ALABAMA WAS SLEPT ON
As told to Eric Perrin // Photo by Julia Beverly
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OZONE MAG //
50 // OZONE MAG
He Gave Me OZONE Magazine and the OZONE Awards
At last years show he gave me some awards, and this year he gave
me some new nominations for the OZONE Awards. And Im on the
cover of the magazine two months in a row. Put this is bold letters: I
AM OZONE MAGAZINE. Im the logo. We the best!
He Gave Me The Number One Rated Radio Show In Miami
The Takeover, alongside K Foxx, is the number one rated night show
in Miami on 99 Jamz, WEDR. Liiiissten!
He Gave Me A Chance To Meet Great Producers Like The Runners
He gave me a chance to manage The Runners alongside DJ Nasty, and
thats a big accomplishment for me, man. Theyre some of the biggest
producers in the game.
He Blessed Me To Be A Part Of A Great Family Like The Terror Squad
Thats a real family, and it has absolutely enabled me to be in the
position to do some of the great things Ive done.
He Gave Me My Drive
When somebody says that you cant do something, I love to do it and
show them that anything is possible.
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He Gave Me My Musical Talent
It was a gift to not only be able to produce beats, but to make hot
beats, and to be the Beat Novocaine.
He Gave Me the Skills To Be The #1 DJ In The World
No ifs, ands, or buts about it. We the best!
He Gave Me The Energy To Make Music And Great Albums Like
We The Best
My album is in stores right now. It debuted as the #1 independent
album in the country. We the best!
He Gave Me My Family
He gave me a great mother and father, and a great brother and
sister.
He Gave Me Life
He gave me life. He gave me the opportunity
to live. He created me, and thats the
ultimate reason he loves me.
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REASONS GOD LOvES ME
top
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Dj Khaled
NOMINATED FOR TJS DJS HUSTLER AWARD, BEST vIDEO, & BEST RADIO DJ
As told to Randy Roper
Photo by Julia Beverly
OZONE MAG // 51
REASONS GOD LOvES ME
NOMINATED FOR TJS DJS HUSTLER AWARD, BEST vIDEO, & BEST RADIO DJ
52 // OZONE MAG
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GROUPS I WISH WOULD PUT
OUT ANOTHER ALBUM
As told to Eric Perrin
Outkast
Theyre my favorite group of all time. I would love to
see them put something new out, because Ive had the
chance to work with both of them and they really are
legends.
The Fugees
They put out one of the most classic Hip Hop albums of
all time. Lauryn, Pras, and Wyclef had a great sound. They
were the greatest.
No Doubt
Theyre way too young to have a Greatest Hits album.
They have too much potential. Gwen Stefani rocks solo,
but with a band behind her its just crazy.
UGK
I know theyre supposed to be coming with one, but man,
its taking too long. Pimp C and Bun B are good friends
of mine, and Ive learned a lot just by listening to their
music. Theyre pioneers of southern sound.
Destinys Child
Theyre the biggest selling female group of all time,
and everybody cant like Beyonce, so together they got
something for everybody.
The Firm
With Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Nature, everybody just
brought something to the table that was crazy. And they
all had successful solo projects, so as group it would be
incredible for them to put out another album.
New Edition
I think New Edition paved the way for a lot of the newer
bands like The Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, and even New
Kids on the Block. So if they all came back together, with
Bobby Brown, it would be great.
The Jackson 5
They paved the way for New Edition to be here, so how
bout that? Theyre the real originators of this thing.
The Hot Boys
They were dope! Man, Weezy, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk I
dont have to say anything else. They are all legends,
they are all dope.
Jodeci
They supplied R&B for the
streets. If they came back out it
would be Street Love times fve!
Thats how dope they are.
lloyd
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
NOMINATED FOR BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE) & BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION
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54 // OZONE MAG
I Keep Two 40 Glocks & I Love To Go To The Club
I done seen too many niggas leave, so I aint tryin to get crept
up on like that. Then I got a lot to protect, so a gun is part of my
outft. And I like to go out. When I was little I always wanted to
be the one to go out and shine. I aint never had shit though. Now
that Im the one, I gotta let people see what Im doing.
My Haircut
I got the Bad Azz haircut, the Boosie Fade. Its legendary.
I Dont Follow Rules
Im hardheaded; I dont follow a lot of rules.
My Rap Legacy
Im a muthafuckin preacher. My raps can change a lot of bad ass
children. Cause I rap bout that straight shit. I done been through
it and that attracts bad kids.
The Way I Carry Myself
Im different from eveybody. When I go somewhere theyre like,
Whos that little nigga? Because of my character.
My Lifestyle
I want the better things in life. I like the expensive cars, the fancy
clothes, the big houses. Thats part of my lifestyle.
A.D.D.
When I was little I had Attention Defcient Disorder, so I like atten-
tion. Thats probably why Im a rapper, cause I like attention.
Money & Power Is My Motivator
You get money and power, and everything else falls into place.
My Surroundings
My community. Going outside everyday, if all your friends and fam-
ily are involved in the streets, you tend to pick up the street life.
Mama Raised Me
Daddy wasnt home, so mama raised
me. Growing up without a father, you
feel like youre grown yourself. With-
out a daddy, you tend to take stuff
into your own hands.
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REASONS IM A BAD AZZ
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Julia Beverly
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NOMINATED FOR
BEST RAP ALBUM
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
MIXTAPE MONSTER
& MOST SLEPT ON ARTIST
OZONE MAG // 55
56 // OZONE MAG
Michael Jackson Thriller
Michael Jackson. What else needs to be said?
Run-DMC - Raising Hell
Run-DMC was the biggest thing ever in Hip Hop at the time. It was
a three man band that pretty much changed the game forever
[and] it was my frst real introduction to a DJ.
Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction
Party like a rock star.
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
During my high school days, there was a lot of weed smoking. A
lot of riding around, picking up girls, rocking out to that [album].

The Roots - Do You Want More?!!!??!
That was the frst time I had seen niggas really do it right in front
of my eyes. I knew The Roots before they got their deal, so to see
them come out with a major label album right in front of me was
quite an accomplishment. From the inside looking out and from
the outside looking in, I was real proud of those niggas.
Outkast Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Me and my dad drove to Atlanta for the frst time in 94, when it
came out, on some business trip he had to do. I rode to that album
and that was really my frst introduction to Atlanta, and one of the
reasons I chose to come down there and live.
Wu-Tang Clan - Wu-Tang Forever
I was listening to Wu-Tang Forever in 97 when it came out, after
my frst year in college. And I made a decision just listening to
that album that I was gonna move back to Philly. And I packed my
bags that weekend and went home for the summer. And that was
the last time I lived in Philly.
T.I. - Down With The King (Gangsta Grillz)
Down With the King was important because that was a coming out
party for Tip. Up to that point, it was my biggest Gangsta Grillz.
And it represents Hip Hop history because its the ultimate Hip
Hop battle, where one mans career took off and anothers was
crushed.
Young Jeezy - Trap Or Die (Gangsta Grillz)
If you know anything about Hip Hop, its one of the holy grails in
the mixtape game.
DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz: The Album
Long time in the making. I put a lot
of hard work into it. I put my recent
life into it. Im just real excited and I
cant wait for the world to see what I
cooked up.
10
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ALBUMS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Blake Ribbey
dj drama
NOMINATED FOR
TJS DJS TASTEMAKER, BEST MIXTAPE DJ, & BEST MIXTAPE/STREET ALBUM
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58 // OZONE MAG
Im The Only Female Artist Who Performs Every Year At The Temple
for DJ Khaleds Birthday Bash
We the best!!!
I Host Some Of The Biggest Events And Parties In My City
I run my city! When you come to Miami you think of the beach,
booty and of course, Trina! (laughing)
I Participated In A Candlelight Ceremony For The AIDS Walkathon
I was there along with the mayor of Miami, Manny Diaz, and I was
awarded the key to the city of Miami.
I Hosted The First Annual OZONE Awards
Im the frst female artist to host the 2006 OZONE Awards, with
David Banner.
Im The First Female Artist From Miami To Have MTv, BET, and
OZONE Award Nominations
I also performed at the MTv Awards.
I Had The Most Fabulous Birthday Bash With Deco Drive On Palm
Island In South Beach
It was flled with celebrity A-listers, exotic animals, white tigers,
giraffes, panthers and Cirque du Soleil body painted dancers.
Thats hot.
I Have Graced The Covers Of More Than 20 Magazines
Ive even been on the cover of Miamis most extravagant maga-
zine, Ocean Drive.
Ive Worked With Some Of The Best Artists In The Business
Ive worked with everybody! Kelly Rowland, Lil Wayne, Fergie, Eve,
Missy Elliott, Trick Daddy, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Tweet, Lil Jon, Lil
Mo, Total, Jagged Edge, Rick Ross, Da Brat, Paul Wall, Remy Ma,
Rob Zombie, Lionel Richie, Twista, Silkk Da Shocker and the list
goes on and on.
I Hosted The 2004 Source Awards In Miami Along With Big Tigger
From BET
I changed into six different outfts and also took home the Best
Collaboration Award for Right Thurr (remix) featuring Chingy,
Jermaine Dupri and myself.
Im The First Female Rap Artist To Put
Miami On The Map
I turned my name into a brand. My
debut was Da Baddest Bitch and now
women all over the world consider
themselves as the baddest bitch.
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REASONS IM THE QUEEN OF MIAMI
As told to Randy Roper
trina
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)
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OZONE MAG // 59
As told to Randy Roper
60 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 61 OZONE MAG // 61 OZONE MAG // 61
62 // OZONE MAG
Everybody Come Together
I want to see everybody just come together and support each
other. Theres different movements, but I would want to see all the
artists from Miami come together. We should do a tour. Were big
enough to do it together.
Miami Radio Playing Miami Music
I wanna see Miami radio stations playing Miami music instead of
playing music from everywhere else. When you go to Atlanta, its
all Atlanta music getting played. All their artists break records
down here. The radio stations have been doing alright but its only
a chosen few artists that get played and its so much talent down
here. I aint gonna say no names, but you know, they only play
certain shit from a certain circle.
People From Miami Getting Love In The Club
I see people get a little bigheaded. When I go in the club they
dont shout me out, but theyll shout out whoever else is in town.
They act like this aint our home, like we aint from here. Its crazy,
they forget whos from here. I dont understand. Its crazy that
we can go somewhere else and get more love there than we do at
home.
Show Respect For One Another
Id like to see people in Miami showing more respect for one
another and recognizing one another. Theres a lot of disrespectful
shit going on.
The Dolphins Make It To The Championship
I wanna live to see the Dolphins make it to the championship, so if
there are any Dolphins players out there reading, just try to make
that happen for me.
Fix Them Damn Potholes
Man, I done ran into a big one last night and it fucked my rims up.
Rick Ross and Trick Daddy Not Beefn
Are they beefn or they good? Were all from the same place and if
everybody opens their eyes we can all get a lot of money together.
Stop The violence
Period, in every party of Miami. Theres a lot of kids getting killed.
Recognize The Difference Between The Other Side Of The Bridge
I wanna see people start recognizing the difference between the
other side of the bridge from South Beach to the hood. One side
is gutta, where the poor people stay. One side is where the poor
people stay and one side is where the rich people stay. Tourists
mistake the rich part for the whole Miami, but thats not the case.
Show Pretty Ricky The Respect We Deserve
Were platinum on our frst album. We sold
three million ringtones worldwide and our
second album is already gold. Were on BET
a whole lot, we were nominated for the BET
Awards and the American Music Awards.
Weve won BMI Awards. We write and pro-
duce our own records. Check Soundscan all
the radio spins and all that just shows that
weve got respect. Weve got girls that faint
over us and pass out, and we love each and
every one of them girls. Theyre our super-
stars for life. Just recognize. A lot of people
dont recognize what weve got and they
try to tell me I should go solo or tell Baby
Blue he should go solo or put bad thoughts
in our heads. But the power is what weve
got together, and thats what people fail
to realize. Just respect that and stop trying
to put bad thoughts in our heads. Respect
what weve got going.
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THINGS I WANT TO SEE
HAPPEN IN MIAMI
By Pleasure of Pretty Ricky
As told to Julia Beverly
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OZONE MAG // 63
64 // OZONE MAG
Make Sure You Got A Driver
Shit, if youre a baller, most likely you should be in the
back gettin high and enjoying the sights while hes driv-
ing you around.
Make Sure Your Bills Are Paid
You cant be runnin around with eviction notices talkin
about Ballin! Thats not a good look. You cant have
that car note and get repoed, thats not a good look. So
make sure your bills are paid, for starters.
Make Sure They Close The Store When You Go In
They know youre about to spend that gwop if they close
the store. And every time youre in Foot Locker, get about
10 pairs of all-white Airs. You cant just keep one pair of
them Nike Airs; get about a dozen so you aint gotta come
back for a couple months.
Have The Car Dealer on Speed Dial
Thats just in case you gotta hop in something new and
pretty, you know what Im talkin about? Me, I just bought
what they call a S 63, a McLaren, probably the most
expensive Benz they got - $175,000. Then, Im gonna get
this Aston Martin. I wanted to get it for my birthday but I
didnt have a chance to go look at it.
The Bank Manager Has Gotta Know You By Your First Name
You know, you shouldve been in there to withdraw
$90,000 at a time, buck ffty at a time. No bank tellers,
bank managers only. We dont stop and talk to the tellers.
No disrespect to nobody, but Im in a different lane.
Get Them Good Rates On Them Jets
A true baller loves a good rate. Unless youre power
ballin. Theres ballin, super ballin, super dooper ballin,
and then theres power ballin. Super dooper ballin is
extravagant. Super ballin means youre off the Richter
scale. Power ballin means you dont even know what to
do with yourself cause youve got so much fuckin money.
Me, Im on super ballin right now. Im two levels down
from power ballin. I stepped up to super and Im tryin
to get to dooper. Ima keep it funky, I cant lie. Im not a
power baller.
Know How To Pick Out A Good Bag and Good Shoes For
Your Lady
If youve got fy ladies, theyre gonna put you on to
whats poppin anyway.
Your Watch Game Gotta Be Spectacular
Youve gotta get shit from Switzerland and all that. And
you aint never supposed to have the right time on your
watch if youre gettin money. Thats why I buy so much
ice. I know [the watch hands] aint moving. They frozen.
We stuck in time, baby.
Utilities
Wallet, credit cards, and at least $20,000 in cash on a
daily basis.
Say Your Prayers
Cause everything could be over
tomorrow.
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WAYS TO BE BALLIN!!!!!
As told to Julia Beverly // Photo by Rico da Crook
jones
NOMINATED FOR CLUB BANGER OF THE YEAR &
TJS DJS TASTEMAKER AWARD
jim
64 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 65
66 // OZONE MAG
Babyface Baby Mama (Face2Face)
This was at the time Babyface really needed a hit
record or his wife was going to leave him. So he
looked to the big homie Snoop for help. Needless to
say, that line of thinking didnt help and his wife still
ended up leaving.
LL Cool J U Cant Fuck With Me (G.O.A.T.)
LL named his album the greatest of all time and
Snoop is still rapping all the time. Isnt that great.
Wu-Tang Clan Conditioner (The W)
Back in the 90s when Wu dropped their debut 36
Chambers, Snoop Dogg would have never worked with
16 or however many of them grimy niggas could ft
on a track. By 2000 though, the ice cream had melted
and The W stood for the West.

Freeway We Get Around (Philadelphia Freeway)
Beanie Sigels protg was met with skepticism with
the loud nasal-fow that bordered annoying. Even
with the Roc behind him and a Snoop track on deck,
that free ride got him nowhere. Matter of fact, he got
lost and ended up back where he started - home.
Trina Sexy Gurl (The Glamourest Life)
Trina is a pimp in her own right so it was only natural
that Snoop would hook up with the Diamond Princess.
But isnt she better at making money doing personal
appearances than rapping? Theres no glamour in
poor record sales.
Lil Kim Kronik (The Naked Truth)
Snoop wanted to be part of the Lil Kim movement
since shes been heralded for not snitching on her
people. But the truth is Kim needs to go back to get-
ting naked, which is what got everyone excited about
her in the frst place. Put your light-uhs up!
Daddy Yankee Gangsta Zone (Barrio Fino En Directo)
Snoop laid it down with Reggaetons favorite son.
Although Snoop always reps for the lighter shade of
brown, is it safe to assume that hes the only one of
the two?
Mac Dre Executives (The Appearances)
Cant really say anything bad about this collabo. Two
Boss Tycoons puttinit down from the Bay to L.A.
This is one of those moments where Dres not here
to defend himself so just get you some candy and do
the Thizzle dance.
Kid Rock WCRS (Cocky)
Rap meets rock as Snoop lays it down with this ram-
bunctious white boy. The album was a representation
of Kid Rocks new found attitude thus the title, and
now this cowboy is missing without a cause. Self-
confdent or just an ass?

Will Smith Pump Ya Breaks
(Lost & Found)
WHOA! The Prince of No-Curse Words
and the Prince of the Crips joined
together hoping all of us would
believe Willard was on some thug
shit. News fash: Bel-Air is a long
way from Long Beach, and the
only thing hard about this rapper-
turned-actor-turned Tv producer is
his wife. What up, Jada?
Snoop has managed a successful rap
career and track record of hit after hit
so when he blesses a track for another
artist with his vocals its supposed to
guarantee a hit. Here are 10 songs that
didnt pan out that way.
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SNOOP DOGG TRACKS THAT NO
ONE KNEW ABOUT EXCEPT HIM
Words by Kay Newell
snoop
DOGG
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST)
OZONE MAG // 67
68 // OZONE MAG
5 REASONS ATLANTA IS HOME TO THE BEST
R&B TALENTS
5 REASONS R&B MUSIC ISNT THE
SAME AS IT USED TO BE
Weve Got Our Own Culture
Atlanta has a lot of culture in the music scene.
Timing Is Everything
New York had their time, the West Coast had their time and now its
Atlantas time. Atlanta is a melting pot with so many people from
different cities here. Its not many people you fnd born and raised
from here. You got people from Mississippi, people from out of the
country, all over, and it makes Atlanta the Motown of the South.
Atlanta Has The Best Women
Atlanta has the best selection of Black women in America. For R&B,
women are my motivation, so when Im in the A Im always moti-
vated. I can always fnd motivation somewhere. Weve got the most
beautiful black women in the world. I can ride anywhere in Atlanta
and just see beautiful women. Its inspiring.
Theres Something In The Food
There must be something in the chicken. Atlanta is known for good
soul food, so that must help grow a lot of talented people.
Everybody Knows Each Other
Its a small circle in Atlanta where everybody helps each other out.
Its not like everyone is hating on each other. Everybody helps each
other out. Some people might collaborate and push each others
music and thats the reason why Atlanta music is so big right now,
just because that bond is there.
Its All About Hit Singles
People nowadays just focus on one song. Everybody
isnt into the way an album is constructed, theyre
just into making one hit record. Nowadays you can go
on iTunes and buy one song so people arent really
interested in hearing what the album has to say. Its
all about visual sales and ringtones. In 20 or 30 years
I dont know whats going to happen, and thats the
difference between R&B now and back in the day. Today
they make music just for today and today only, but in
the past they made classic songs. You can still pop in
a Jodeci or Babyface album and ride out to it and the
music still sounds new and classic. Now, snap and crunk
music is whats hot and R&B cats are trying to make
music that is snap or crunk just to be current, but what
happens when that style of music fades away? Then you
cant even bump the song anymore.
Theres No Substance
The content is different. A lot of the R&B songs now
arent talking about real love or relationships. Theyre
just taking about meeting a girl and trying to take jer
home. The songs that are popping right now are about
going to the club, poppin some bottles and taking
girls home its basically like a rap song but as an R&B
song. The R&B songs are saying the same thing the rap-
pers are saying. I like Flirt, great song, but it sounds
like a rap song.
R&B Artists Are Forced To Conform
An R&B artist cant really drop an R&B song anymore
because it needs to bang in the club. People just wanna
party, so for an R&B artist to make it big you gotta have
a record that bumps in the club its gotta be rap-
oriented. Its hard for an R&B artist to put out a quality
ballad or a quality R&B song and have it work because
radio gets scared to play it fearing it slows up the
tempo. Even if its a hot R&B song, if radios not play-
ing it then you cant get a music video for it and then
youre stuck. Youve gotta kinda change your stuff just
so you can get radio play and have presence in the club
and presence in the street. When I go into the studio I
want to make some baby-making music, that real R&B,
but its kinda hard because you have to aim to get radio
play so you have to cut back on what you can really do.
People Dont Care If You Can Sing
Back in the day you had to know how to sing. Luther
vandross is known because his voice sold the music.
Now, people are more interested in dance moves.
Its cool to dance- Michael Jackson was known for
his dancing - but I dont think that the people really
respect good singing anymore. Its a sad thing when I
see people performing and theyre lip syncing! And the
kids dont even catch on I mean, do what you do, but
I feel we need to get back to real singing.
The Music Is Gone
There arent really any more real R&B acts like the
Jodecis, the Isley Brothers, the Marvin Gayes. Singers
wanna be like rappers now. What is R&B right now? Its
gotten to the point where people dont know what R&B
is. Back in the day when a rap album came out and an
R&B album came out they were different albums, but
right now they sound the same. Its like R&B is lost
right now.
bobby
valentino
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As told to Randy Roper
OZONE MAG // 69
As told to Randy Roper
70 // OZONE MAG
Princess: We Both Have Our Own Businesses
Diamond is the CEO of Dimepiece Collection which consists of
aspiring actress, rappers, and models, and I am the CEO of Royal
Throne Entertainment and a partner in Lewis Management.
Diamond: Im An Aspiring Actress
Im interested in doing a movie based on my life, and I also
want to be in a sci-f movie. Ive always been in plays and wrote
plays. I wanted to go to school for it, but of course rapping took
over my life.
Princess: Im Writing A Book About My Life
I think a book would be a good way to start off, just so people
can know venetia not just Princess, but the real me. Itll let
the fans know me better and hopefully it will be picked up by
somebody and made into a movie.
Diamond: I Have 15 Tattoos
Im infatuated with them.
Princess: I Love The Smell of Febreze Clean Linen and Gain
Clothing Detergent
When I was growing up I used to always love Gain; no other
detergent but Gain. I would pour Gain all over the foor and then
vacuum it up so the whole house would smell like Gain, but I
would always get into trouble because there would be so much
powder all over the foor and the vacuum cleaner would always
mess up. I would always get in trouble for that. But now I got
my own house and my found the Febreze Clean Linen spray, so
the whole place smells wonderful. Diamond always wants me to
come to her house and clean. Shes the messy one.

Diamond: Princess Has To Have Her Thongs And Bras Match Her
Shirts
We both shop at victorias Secret, but Princess has to get match-
ing everything. She kind of overdoes it.
Princess: Diamond Loves Low Cut Jeans And Hates Niggas Who
Wear Reebok Classics
For some reason she thinks she got a butt. But I guess to make
up for the lack thereof she likes to wear low rise jeans always,
always, always, always. And she will not even pay any attention
to anybody who wears Reebok Classics. She wont even say
Hey, to any guy wearing Reebok Classics, not at all. They could
be brand spanking new, fresh out the box. Thats like her pet
peeve - dudes with Reeboks.

Diamond: When I Get With A Guy, Im Afraid Of Betrayal
Princess: Im Hesistant To Let People In Because Im Afraid Of
Getting Hurt
Im real picky, and I stay to myself a lot. Diamond is more of the
serial dater, and Im the real picky one. I have a very small circle
of people I choose to be around, because I dont like negativity
and I hate drama. But when it comes to guys Im picky because
I really dont like people to waste my time.

WE WRITE OUR OWN SHIT!!!
Weve always written our own lyrics. Look
at the credits on both [Crime Mob] albums
and youll see venetia Lewis and Brittany
Carpentero on almost all of the songs. Not
to sound arrogant or cocky in any way,
but we get all our publishing, we write all
our own music, and were young. Were not
even 21 yet. We showed the world that you
can be a hardcore female rapper and still
be cute. You dont have to be sagging your
pants like a nigga or anything like that to
get respect. You can be in stilettos and still
say, Ill beat yo ass.
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THINGS YOU DONT KNOW
ABOUT DIAMOND & PRINCESS
As told to Eric Perrin // Photo by Julia Beverly
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
&
diamond
princess
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70 // OZONE MAG
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)
& BEST GROUP (CRIME MOB)
OZONE MAG // 71
72 // OZONE MAG
10
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HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE BOUTIQUE SHOP
As told to N. Ali Early // Photo by D-Ray
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BOUTIQUE SHOPS
Exclusivity
Theyre always going to have something that nobody else has. I go
in there for the glasses and the shoes.
Customer Service
When you walk in they give you champagne, especially if they
know you. They treat you like a king!
The Element Of Surprise
You never know who youre going to run into. You may run into a
superbad breezy!! Especially when you in pimp mode. You like a
gold diggin female. She pricin you up and soon as she walk in,
Im pricin her up.
They Got The Offcial Stunna Shades
Theyre what the streets be thinkin they be havin on, like when
they be havin the G or the big D on the side. You be like, Come on
bruh. Them is the stupid booleg version. And you dont be knowin
until you hit one of them Louis or Gucci or Prada stores. Then you
see where they done knocked off them glasses from.
The Shoes
Whats so good about the shoes is niggas
in the streets dont bootleg them. Like the
special design Louis shoes, I aint seen them
bootlegged. But them brand new Jordans?
Them wet ass Jordans? They be in the street.
Shoes is like a niggas CD now. Nigga, you
know them Jordans fnna come out next
month?, Nigga I already got em! Dumb
ass bootlegs. You aint fnna fnd no Gucci
shoes bootleg.
WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT BOUTIQUE SHOPS
Judgemental Employees
They might look at you all cross when you walk in there dressed
down, but when they type in that name and see stupid ass
receipts, they switch up. Why I got to be somebody before you
respect me? Im still the same person as when I walked in.
They Dont Always Have A Niggas Size
That European shit be waaay smaller mayne! They clothes be hella
tight. Youll fnd some wet ass shoes, but try and fnd something to
go with it. It aint happenin.
They Think Niggas Aint Comin In To Shop
Stop askin me if I need help hella times. I know you chasin com-
mission, but damn! Can I help you? Is there anything you need?
Leave me alone. I know what I want. Them be the rookie ones,
though. The O.G. ones, they respect your mind.
When They Read You The Price
I hate that. Sometime Ill go in there without no jewelry on and
theyll be like, You know these shoes are like $800.00? Ill be like,
Aaaannnd?! Then Ill pay em in all $5s just to fuck with them,
even though I got a credit card, just to make em mad. This dice
game money, beeyaatch!!
All The Males That Work In The
Department Stores Are Gay
I dont wanna get Tim Hardawayd, but that
shit gets a little outrageous. They think just
cause you in Gucci you gay or somethin.
Aint nuthin worse than a gay Asian. I aint
got nothin against em, but if you gay dont
be tryna press up on another nigga just
cause he shoppin witchu.
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NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING CALIFORNIA
mistah
fab
OZONE MAG // 73
I Make Rappers Strengths Their Weaknesses
If Muhammad Ali was a rapper he would have been me. I aint
afraid of nobody.
I Brought The West Back
Yeah, I had to start from scratch, but I still managed to put out
arguably the best album on the Coast this year without Dr. Dre and
the machine to back me.
I Can Make A Whole Mixtape About A Rapper
I rap until my voice starts makin that cracklin sound. Im really
not as hoarse as I be soundin. I just fow til I cant go no more.
Ask them G-Unit niggas.
I Destroy Careers
Suge Knight buried Death Row. Ja Who? Joe Budden cant get an
album off and vida Guerra never had a career one to begin with.
I Make Rappers Change Their Style
You heard Bluetiful World? All that sparring back and forth with
me forced dude to step his Game up.
Most Rappers Talk It, But I Live It
Aint no need in repeating my life story and what I came from. Its
common knowledge. Google Game, Ras Kass beef if you aint
knowin.
I Gave My People Their Own Wall Street
Its only a matter of time before we take over. No one is too big
for the movement. We will continue to prosper no matter what
happens.
A Lot Of Rappers Remember 300 Bars
And they dont want it like that. Can you imagine catchin it for
that long with no chorus or break? The energizer bunny aint got
shit on me.
What Good Is The Game Without The Game?
I am The Gangsta All Muthafuckas Envy. If I left there would be no
one to hate. Again I ask, what good would that be?
Im The Hottest Rapper In The Game
Havent you heard the remix to One
Blood? I set a record or something
with all them damn people on it!
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REASONS WHY NO RAPPER
WANTS TO BEEF WITH ME
As told to N. Ali Early // Photo by Jonathan Mannion
t
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)
74 // OZONE MAG
10
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WAYS TO NOT GET LOCKED DOWN
treal
OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING FLORIDA
As told to Noel Malcolm
Wrap It Up!
Always use a rubber. Keep condoms in your car and house for them to accidentally fnd.
Be A Homewrecker
Date someone whos already in a current relationship.
Be Clear
After you smash or get smashed, dont answer their call or text until you are ready to smash or get smashed again.
Be Busy
Stay out of town on business. If youre not on the road, lie and say you are. Tell them you are tired, and resting up for the next business trip.
Be Honest
Be upfront and tell em that you aint trying to be in a relationship.
No Questions
Never answer a yes or no question, or answer their question with a question.
Be Obvious
Make sure they see you being very social with other friends.
Dont Meet The Family!
Never meet their family, and never let them meet yours, especially if they could be considered marriage material. If they become friends with the family, its a wrap!
Make Use of Technology
Call or text their phone and ask or mention the wrong name.
Tell Em Youre A Treal Fan
Let em know that your favorite song is Im Not Lock Down by Treal,
and hopefully theyll get the picture.
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OZONE MAG // 75
76 // OZONE MAG
Grind 24/7
I never get home and feel like Ive done enough that day. Ya
smell me? Oh yeah, Eat Rudys Chicken on Lancaster Rd.
Hit The Road
Lots of people are hot in their cities, but dont ever make a trip
out. Instead of buying a new pair of Js, fll up your van and go!
Make sure you have your ingredients for your crack: posters, CD
singles and videos.
Learn The Business
Took me a while to learn it. Now you will see it on the next go
around. Learn about budgets, effcient marketing, promo and
dont forget to buy an ad in OZONE!
Stay True To Yourself; Dont Be Something Youre Not
Remember what got you here. Once the pop crowd gets tired of
you, the streets dont want you back! Make sure your niggas are
thorough.
Get Money
Dont depend on album sales! Not for cash fow at
least. Invest in other business ventures: mixtape,
clothes, sneakers and models.
Dont Think Your Label Is Going To Work For You
Do it your damn self!
Dont Spend It If You Dont Got It
Keep yourself hot within your means. Were in the space age now,
so there are a lot of ways to stay hot without breaking the bank,
like YouTube and MySpace.
Dont Think With Your Emotions
Think with your head, not the one down there, you dig?! Watch
these trifing ass bitches, these snake ass niggas and these homo
thugs.
Lose All The Dead Weight
I only run with helpers, not hurters. Everybody in your camp
should always be doing something. If theyre not, theyre hurting
you.
Keep The Yes Men Away
You will get nowhere if you keep them around. Your
camp needs to be solid. If everybody gets paid, you
have crutches to fall back on.
WAYS TO EAT AND AvOID GETTING ATE
As told to Randy Roper
Photo by Edward Hall
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NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING TEXAS
tum tum
WAYS TO EAT
WAYS TO AvOID GETTING ATE
76 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 77
Papoose
Let me put it out there even though hes been doin it for a second,
Im really impressed wit Papoose. Hes a good lyricist on delivery.
I think its been a little over people ears, thats why people havent
caught on to him. I feel like hes one hit away.
Don P (from Trillville)
Rapper/producer, hes doin his own tracks. Hes doin it all. Thats
defnitely a cat to watch. Hes already got hits under his belt.
Never Ever, Some Cut and everything on BME. But hes doin his
solo thing, I heard a lot of his music and its pretty impressive.
Montana the Mack
Hes got a big hit single, Rock On. He just got signed to Koch.
Hes from the hood so even outside of Rock On, he aint nothing
new to the scene. Hes been doin his thing for sure, for sure.
Hot Dollar
He recently just signed to So So Def. Also, hes got a real good
work ethic. Hes a good lyricist, good songwriter, and a hard
worker. Hes defnitely somebody to watch on the West Coast.
Green City
Theyve been grindin. Theyve got a movement out there in Killeen,
Texas. Its crazy. They pack out shows and everything.
Remo Da Rapstar
He built a solid reputation on the mixtape circuit. Hes got a good
work ethic, swagger, and a crazy buzz in New York. Hes a real
talented guy. I think hes somebody to defnitely watch out for.
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ARTISTS NEXT TO BLOW
As told to Randy Roper
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Trae
Hes got a strong street reputation. Were workin on this tape
together and his work ethic is like no other. He might be one of
the only other artists who has a stronger work ethic than myself. I
think hes one hit away from really getting his just due.
Al Gator
Real sharp delivery. Real lyricist. Hes really been beatin up the
mixtape scene and had a nice buzz goin on.
Big Kuntry
Hes defnitely somebody thats under the radar. I think hes like
one of the most slept on artists over there at Grand Hustle. I mean,
a lot of them are slept on, but hes really doin his thing. His songs
got the clubs goin nuts in Atlanta.
Shawty Low (of D4L)
Everybody knows him from Im Da
Man. We did a mixtape and pretty
much made history wit it. Hes real
crazy in Atlanta. Hes the total pack-
age: songwriter, lyricist, hes got the
swag, the image, everything. Hes also
got a real strong street reputation.
Hes a sure shot.
DJ Scream
NOMINATED FOR BEST MIXTAPE DJ
WAYS TO AvOID GETTING ATE
78 // OZONE MAG
Stat Quo
Dr. Dre and Eminems frst Southern artist has
been on deck for the past couple years and they are
ready to unleash him in 2007. He has a smash on his hands from
Dre that will have the clubs going crazy with Here We Go. His
debut album has been highly anticipated for years, and I dont
think the streets will be disappointed.
Sean Kingston
This 16-year-old phenom representing the Jamaican culture within
his Miami roots is unbelievable and with platinum producer J.R.
Rotem controlling the boards on his debut project, SK will have
hits for days. Hes very versatile, killing the streets with Rick Ross
& The Game on Colors to his new hit for the ladies Beautiful
Girl.
Hurricane Chris
Louisiana has a new weather problem on their hands and he goes
by the name Hurricane Chris. A Bay Bay is quickly murdering the
charts, and with Mr. Collipark executive producing his project, hits
should come endlessly. Polo Grounds went hard with Chris as their
frst artist out of the box, and its paying off.
Gorilla Zoe
The newest addition to Boyz N Da Hood is Georgias next artist to
blow. His Hood Nigga smash has already been blessed by Young
Jeezy and Big Boi, and Zoe is extremely versatile not only with
his clever raps, but his tremendous production game as well. With
Block & Bad Boy South behind him, hes a grand slam.
Gucci Mane
The streets have been fending his
music for the longest, since his Trap
House album. He has a huge presence
in the surrounding states outside of
Georgia and he will blow easily with
the trap behind him. They will have
the Bird Flu by the time he blows
across the entire South.
Allstar
Already murdering the streets of Tennessee with a swagger like no
other, Yo Gottis protg is ready to unleash his debut album with
one of the souths top labels - Cash Money Records. Get Money
featuring CEO Baby The Birdman is infectious, and has the ingredi-
ents to take Allstar to the top.
B.O.B.
Atlanta aint been the same since B.O.B. entered the picture. The
streets were on Cloud 9 a few months ago, and the new record
Haterz is a taste of what you can expect from his debut album
on hitmaker Jim Jonsins label Rebel Rock. He reminds many of
Outkast with his quick tongue and lyrical thrashing. Hes this
generations future superstar.
Miss B
Signed as Yung Jocs frst artist on his Hustlenomics imprint, Miss
B will make sure the streets know they see it. Her witty lyrics and
street swagger will have the jaws droppin and clubs hopping with
her hit records, including her new smash Ringtone with Joc.
Curren$y
Co-signed by Lil Wayne, representing his new label Young Money,
Currencys unique swagger and clever lyrics make him one of the
next artists to blow out of Louisiana. Where Da Cash At featuring
Lil Wayne & Remy Ma was just a taste of what you can expect from
this New Orleans saint.
BloodRaw
Mr. Florida has been representing Young Jeezys USDA movement
from the very beginning. After touring with Young Jeezy and Slick
Pulla, polishing his skills and giving the streets a taste on the
USDA album, Blood Raw is ready to go solo with his frst single
26s featuring G-Units Young Buck. I know the streets will be
bumping this smash record in their trunks.
10
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NEXT ARTISTS TO BLOW
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Luis Santana
DJ
smallz
NOMINATED FOR BEST MIXTAPE DJ
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OZONE MAG // 79
Suga Suga Do It Wit No Hands
Do It Wit No Hands was my attempt to put out something fresh out
of my lab. A lot of times when I produce records, I may do something
with an artist and it maybe fve, six months before it comes out. But
this time it was my NZone Entertainment. I was like, Let me see what
would be the reaction of a song straight out the studio that hit the
streets the next day. And it did pretty good. It was more of a test,
but the song ended up catching and its still an anthem to this day.
MC Shy-D Shake It
I started DJing for MC Shy-D and later on he found out that I could
produce. We were working on the Comin Correct album. Thats when
I frst got down with Luke and them. But we were basically done
with the album. We were over Shy-Ds house and I said, The album
is done but I think we still need that one more song. And the hook
needs to be real repetitive. I said a few different hooks and fnally
we came up with Shake It. We sampled Shy-Ds voice and put it in
the drum machine. And we started to build the beat around it. It was
the last song on the album, but it ended up being the biggest song
on the album.
2 Live Crew Dick In The Dust
2 Live Crew was known for the up-tempo booty shake music. So
when it came down to the New Jack City soundtrack they wanted
something that could blend in with the New York artists on [the
soundtrack]. Its a beat that I came up with. I sampled it from a
group called the Never Brothers and it ended up being a good song.
That was one of the frst records I did with 2 Live Crew. So it was a
real special time for me in my life, especially with it being on the
New Jack City soundtrack.
T.I. U Dont Know Me
U Dont Know Me was a beast. I was moving that track around
cause I felt strongly about it. There were a few people that I gave
that track to and they just didnt hear it the right way. And fnally T.I.
hit me one day and was, Man, I got something for that track. He
started saying the hook and then the verses, it was a blazer.
Young Jeezy I Luv It
That particular song was never in my line up [of beats] that I play
when artists come through. [Jeezy] specifcally asked me for some-
thing different that I dont usually play for everybody. And when I
made that track for I Luv It, I immediately put it in the computer
and never went back to it. He heard the frst fve bars and was like, I
think thats it. This the single right here.
Rick Ross White House
Rick Ross got real lucky cause that track was only about a week old
when he got it. They mp3ed [the song] to me and I was blown away.
He put a concept like that to the song without me being there and
it was so hot. A lot of times Im in the studio working with an artist.
Even though it wasnt a single, it was still a street anthem.
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SONGS IvE PRODUCED
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Ray Tamarra
DJ toomp
NOMINATED FOR BEST PRODUCER
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Ludacris Two Miles An Hour
I gave Luda a beat CD about a year [before]. I put a whole lot of stuff
on the disc that I thought would be right up his lane. That ended up
being the last song I put on that CD. He called me like, I got some-
thing on one of these CDs you gave me. I went over to his house and
he played it for me. And I was like, Yeah, bruh, thats beautiful. It
came out to be a great song. They used it on the Pontiac commercial.
It was a big song.
Kanye West Cant Tell Me Nothing
We were working on stuff in New York and I laid a few tracks down.
Kanye took the beat and put a few things to it, and I took it and
added more stuff to it. After he put the hook to it, it was like a
masterpiece all over again. And then its very interesting producing
something with another producer/artist. Everybody knows Kanye for
doing his own production. So it was defnitely a privilege for him to
say that outta all the producers out the South, I want Toomp.
Pastor Troy Ridin Big
Thats one of my favorite songs. I love what he did to it. That song
is one of the hood anthems too.
T.I. What U Know
When I took [the beat] to Tip, he heard
it. He started walking around the room
and he said, What you think about
this hook? He was saying some other
joints, How you know about that, what
you know about that. I said, Keep
it, what you know about that. Dont
change it cause youve got to keep
it repetitive. After he put the verses
down on it the magic was there. Then
I was excited with that being the lead
single for the movie soundtrack. So
there was a lot of excitement around
that record as well.
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The Alliance f/ Fabo Tattoo
Fuck all haters of snap music, this song is gonna stand the test of
time. Even if you only play the last 30 seconds when Fabo start
singin aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, the crowd loves that shit, especially if
you geekin.
Lil Ru Look Good
Lil Ru is from Columbia, SC but you can drop this shit in Myrtle Beach,
Florence, Sumter, wherever and muthafuckas fuck wit it. Its a hit!
Somebody give Lil Ru a fuckin deal already!
Gorilla Zoe Hood Nigga
Even though this shit is relatively new compared to my other picks,
trust me, this record has got staying power!
Pachino Dino Dummin Out
If you in or anywhere near Charleston, SC and drop this shit, youre
gonna see the defnition of Dummin Out. This is a South Cack clas-
sic!
Lil Jon f/ Pastor Troy Throw It Up
Go anywhere in South Carolina and throw this shit on when youre
ready to leave early (laughing). This is crunk music at its fnest. Back
up bitch, get the fuck out my face!
Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz Who You Wit
This that early (2000) Lil Jon. I seen him do this at a lil hole in the
wall in SC back then and I been playin it every weekend ever since!
Big Tymers Still Fly
As soon as the bass drop and the horns come in, its like an instant
fuckin fashback. Its like a time machine back to 2001 when this shit
comes on.
Three 6 Mafa Slob On My Knob
Instant singalong in the spot, even chickens be singing this shit.
Slob on my knob, like corn on the cob....
C-Murder Down For My Niggaz
It could be 300 or 3000 muthafuckers in the club but when you throw
this shit on everybody reps their hood. Even the club owner gets
crunk on this.
Mystikal Here I Go
Even though this song over 10 years
old, every single time I drop this joint
in the club, they go craaazy!! FREE Mys-
tikal!!
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dj b lord
NOMINATED FOR BEST CLUB DJ
CLUB SONGS As told to Randy Roper
The Shop Boyz Party Like a Rockstar
Ive seen the song grow from the beginning to where it is now.
The whole club goes wild on that song.
Foxx f/ Lil Boosie & Webbie Wipe Me Down
Its a fun, upbeat song and every time that song comes on,
everybody in the club stops what theyre doing and just starts
partying. It really brings the energy up in the club.
T.I. Big Things Poppin
I like that song because T.I.s always been a legend in the music
business. He put out several good CDs in the past but this par-
ticular CD and this particular song, he brings a certain amount
of energy.
Plies f/ T-Pain Shawty
I like that song because its very raw. Plies verses are very raw.
And the ladies and the fellas love this song right here. It makes
everybody feel good. Its sorta like one of those songs where
its an up-to-date song but it makes a person reminisce at the
same time.
Playaz Circle f/ Lil Wayne Duffe Bag Boy
Its jumpin off real tough. Every time I play that song in the
club the whole energy just changes. Its like its coming from
their heart, coming from within when theyre singing the lyrics
to the song. I havent seen that since Jeezy.
Fabolous f/ Ne-Yo Make Me Better
That Fabolous and Ne-Yo is one of the best collaborations that
Ive heard in a long time. That song, you can play in any club,
upscale to hood club, its working. Its a great collaboration.
Young Ralph Look Like Money
Hes a newcomer out of Atlanta but hes hittin real hard. And
that thing is a real good street song. Its not one of those songs
that sounds like a one hit wonder, it sounds like an introduction
to a great album. And the crowd loves that one every time it
comes one.
Soulja Boy Supaman (Crank Dat Soulja Boy)
Soulja Boy reinvented the snap sound and came up with a whole
new dance. And it dont seem like its an easy dance but theyre
doing the dance.
Montana Rock On
Its another hood rock song. Its kinda hard to come after a
group like the Shop Boyz that came with hood rock but he did
and did well. The song is just crazy. Its another hood rock song
that gets the crowd pumped up.
Tight Dump That
Its very underground, its a straight
club song. It hasnt hit big yet but
itll hit big once he gets the right
people to listen to it.
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CLUB RECORDS OF THE YEAR
Dj T roc
NOMINATED FOR BEST CLUB DJ
As told to Randy Roper
OZONE MAG // 81
Shady Promoters
When youre a big time DJ, everybodys trying to make a buck off
of you.
Clubs With Bullshit Equipment
Clubs should have up-to-date equipment. Most of them dont
understand the DJ is the most important part of the muthafuckin
club, not the bar. Cause if the DJ aint good, no ones gonna come
in that muthafucker and drink from the bar. And some clubs dont
have speakers with enough bass, some clubs dont have enough
highs and mids. And some clubs dont even have turntables, only
CD players.
DJing For a Club That Doesnt Really Fuck With Black Clients
They need us cause they need to make money to save their mutha-
fuckin club. The black dollar goes a long way. And these white
clubs need that black dollar to keep their business afoat. White
folks dont drink like black people do. White folks drink $5 drinks.
A nigga will come in that bitch and spend $30 on one drink. White
folks dont do that unless theyre buying champagne or something.
Groupie Bitches That Wanna Get In the Club For Free
I hate groupie bitches that you fuck and they think you owe them
something.
Artists That Think You Are Their DJ
Some artists come to a show and dont have a DJ and expect you
to be their DJ. Some artists come to do a show and expect the DJ
there to have all their records for their show. Im not your mutha-
fuckin DJ.
DJs That Cant Spin vinyl
Real DJs know how to spin vinyl. Thats how DJing started. Now, a
muthafucker puts in a CD, presses play and the song plays. What
about a DJ that knows how to play records and actually mix two
records together? What happens if someone spills water on the CD
player and the screen goes out? Then what? The party cant go on.
Undercutting DJs
Know your worth. Dont let these clubs make you think you need
them. They need us.
Warm-Up DJs That Think Theyre the Headliner DJ
When you go to the club and you hear the biggest song at 11:00
and its supposed to be played at 12, the warm-up DJ is trying to
get shine the wrong way. The warm-up DJ is the most important
part of the night if they warm the crowd up and get them ready
for all the big records. If you have a good warm-up DJ that knows
when to play a record and how to warm the crowd, parties go a lot
better. Its fucked up when you go to the club and theyre playing
the biggest record at 11:00. The customers are wondering, I hope
theyre gonna play that again, because there aint nobody in this
muthafucker yet.
Overrated Big Name DJs
If you read that and got mad, youre one of those overrated big
name DJs.
Artists Thinking Their Records Broke
Themselves
These artists dont respect the DJs.
Without us there is no you. I dont
give a fuck if your record is the bad-
dest shit on the planet. If no DJ plays
it, no ones ever gonna know.
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THINGS REAL DJs HATE
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Julia Beverly
Dj q45
NOMINATED FOR BEST CLUB DJ
82 // OZONE MAG
Rob G f/ Lil Keke & Slim Thug Reppin My Block
The next Latin legend gots the street goin crazy in the clubs with
this one! How You Like Me Now featuring Trae is up next!
Lil Keke f/ Baby Im A G
Real shit the streets been needin. Tha Don and Birdman, you gotta
feel it!
Gorilla Zoe f/ Trae & Young Jeezy Hood Nigga (remix)
Boyz N Tha Hoods newest member delivers another record for the
streets from tha A to tha H. With Jeezy and Trae on the Houston
remix, its offcially been hood certifed.
K.B. feat. Lil O & Wonderus
Put It In Tha Air
One of the youngest rappers comin
out tha H, K.B. features S.U.C.s Lil O
and Edgebrooks Wonderus on this
strip club turned nightclub banger!
Cupid f/ Unk & Fabo Cupid Shuffe (remix)
The biggest line dance song to hit since Tha Bunny Hop out this
way! This records an undeniable foor fller.
Foxx f/ Lil Boosie & Webbie Wipe Me Down
This is the Im fresh, creased up and fy anthem in the club right
now!
Shop Boyz f/ Lil Wayne, Chamillionaire, & Trae Party Like a Rock-
star (remix)
Just when you thought the original version ran its course, here
comes tha, tha, tha remix!
Trae f/ Lil Wayne Screwed Up
The streets of tha N.O. and tha H team up for a hood and club
favorite. You aint shit if you aint never been screwed up!
Trackstarz Get It Big
Theyre outta Dallas but making noise in the H! Ladies & fellas
know what time it is when this record drops!
T.I. Big Shit Poppin
Big shit poppin, little things stoppin... Period.
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2007 HOUSTON CLUB RECORDS As told to Randy Roper
NOMINATED FOR BEST RADIO DJ
OZONE MAG // 83
T
ell me a little about yourselves.
J. Cash: Weve been music for 11 years now, ever since we met in 9th
grade. We didnt really get a lot of exposure until Myspace came along,
but weve had songs on pirate radio a little bit, back when Dawgman and
them were doing their thing.
Jon Young: We kinda just kept working on the songs and getting better and
learning from each song so we could make the next song better.
Speaking of Myspace, that outlet has been huge for you guys. I was on your
site earlier today and you guys had over 10,000 plays this morning alone.
Jon Young: Yeah, we average around 30,000 to 40,000 per day, and we got
almost 15 million total plays. Weve only been on there maybe a year and a
half.
J. Cash: And thats all from word of mouth and people just coming through
the page and telling their friends. We dont do any spamming on peoples
page or anything like that; its all from word of mouth and people putting our
songs on their profles. We have people in Indiana adding our songs to their
profle. Its growing all across the country.
Yeah, but you have a bigger Myspace buzz than artists with a top ten single.
I know you said its from word of mouth, but there has to be an element that
attracted the word of mouth?
Jon Young: When I frst signed up on Myspace, I added like the frst 500 peo-
ple, and they just started spreading. I just think it has to do with the music.
J. Cash: People can easily relate to it. Its universal music.
Jon Young: And also we made our page look really professional, even though
we werent major artists. People thought we were signed already.
J. Cash: Its a lot in the presentation, with Jon Young doing all of the graphic
work that made it look a lot more offcial before it even got to that point. A
lot of people dont realize the importance of the presentation. Its not just the
music, the marketing is almost equally important.
Orlando is a pretty diverse city. How has that affected your music?
J. Cash: I was born and raised in Orlando born in Florida Hospital. And
growing up in the Pine Hills, Lockhart area its a good mix of different kind of
people and different lifestyles and everything. You kinda just absorb that, and
take that it, from the cars to the streets, to everything. It all just plays in to
the sound of the music
Jon Young: Its a mixture of people from up North living here, from Cali, and
a whole variety of people, but its still mainly a Southern infuence living in
Orlando, but you get a little bit of everything.
It seems like you get a lot of hometown love in Orlando. Do you think the fact
that you are minorities in a black-dominated industry has hindered you or
worked to your advantage?
Jon Young: Id say in the beginning when we frst started recording it was a
problem, but in the past few years its gotten more accepted. Its more about
the actual music. If you make a hot track people dont care what race you are.
J Cash: Thats another thing about the internet: People were hearing our
songs on downloaded mix CDs and not even knowing that we were white, so
to add to what Jon said, it really is about the music.
You just did a song with Lil Boosie, right? What else are you guys working on
right now?
J. Cash: We just signed with Defent Entertainment under Warner Music, and
were trying to make big things pop with that. We put out a couple of under-
ground CDs, a few on our own, and were gonna be putting together a major
project pretty soon that will be in stores and all that. Its gonna be kind of
a combination of some of the songs from the albums along with some new
songs, too.
Jon Young: Weve been hitting all the DJ crews and everything, like the CORE
DJs and all that. Were trying to get some more exposure in the industry.
John Young Parkway is a major street in Orlando. Is that where your name
came from?
Jon Young: Yeah, me and Wes Fif used to work together and we kinda came up
with our names at the same time. His name is based on Colonial and West 50.
We thought it would be a good way to put the city on the map.
Speaking of Wes Fif, how is your current relationship with him, are you guys
still cool?
Jon Young: Yeah, were cool. Hes just kinda going in a different direction
musically. But we still talk everyday, so were cool.
What are you most looking forward to in terms of your career? What keeps you
doing this rap thing for going on 11 plus years?
J. Cash: Me, personally, I just want to keep getting it out there. The music
inspires me. Its such a good feeling to hear our song played in a club, or to
perform in front of a crowd that doesnt even know us, and have them fans
by the end of the show. We just got back from Milwaukee, and we performed
in front of a crowd of 2,000 people who didnt know us. By the second night,
they wanted us back to perform again.
Jon Young: Yeah, thats a real good feeling, and also we want to help out
Orlando. There is so much talent thats overlooked. Theres Treal, Dee Boi,
and all these people who are struggling to make it, and if one of us can help
someone else out, thats really what its all about.
Does Orlando have what it takes to become the next big Hip Hop hub, like an
Atlanta or Houston?
Jon Young: Theres no reason for it not to be.
J. Cash: Its like any other city that doesnt have any major artists that are
really reppin hard for it. In Miami, theyre always shouting, MIA, Dade
County, and 305 on songs. So Orlando artists just need to make the city
more recognizable. So thats what we push in our songs Orange County,
Orlando, 407, and everything like that. We got people all over the country
trying to get 407 hats because they can see that Orlando is gonna be the next
big place for Hip Hop.
Jon Young: We just gotta all work together, thats the only way its gonna
happen. If we all just stay to ourselves, its not gonna pop off like it should,
but with teamwork we can do it.
Youve got some pretty hot beats. What producers are you working with?
Jon Young: Actually, I do all the production myself.
J. Cash: Yeah, we do it all ourselves. Its a combination of us doing all the
hooks and coming up with all the concepts. We wanted to make it real easy,
so we did everything in-house. Even the recordings are done in-house on the
computer.
Jon Young: We were strapped for cash.
J. Cash: Yeah, the best way is to just start on your own. With us, its more
about the quality of the music than the actual quality of the recording. We
put some time in to think about the song and everything, and not just if its
gonna be a hot sounding song, but if its gonna be marketable. //
- Eric Perrin
J. Cash &
JON YOUNG
As told to Randy Roper
NOMINATED FOR BEST RADIO DJ
84 // OZONE MAG
NOMINATED FOR BEST CLUB DJ
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Stay Grounded
Be on time, focus on the music and respect the people you work
with.
Television
Know how to conduct yourself during a Tv interview. Make sure
your video is cool. [It doesnt have to be] over the top, just
creative.
Publicity
Have a good publicity team, people that know how to put your
story and music out there.
Street Team
Depending on what type of record it is, getting your record in the
streets, to the audience thats your fan base. Street teams really
[need] to hit the foundation of what your music is about and the
audience thats youre catering to.
Promoters
[They are] the people that book the shows. Dont try to charge
[them] too much money, and theyll stay in business. If they stay in
business, theyll keep you in business.
Concerts
Know how to perform. We got so many rappers who got record
deals and got records out that dont even know how to hold the
mic. Theyre screaming to the soundman to turn their mic up and
they have their fucking hand over the mic.
Retail
A lot of people are blaming the slump in retail on downloads and
bootlegging. But the real factor is artists. When they get so big
they feel like theyre too good to go to retail stores. Like Beyonce
and Jay-Z, those types of artists, they aint going to a retail store
to do an in-store, sign autographs and sign CDs, so people dont
really have a reason to go to the stores. If theres nothing special
about going, why should I go and I can sit at home and download
the shit on a computer? You should have a good relationship with
the retailers, the distributors and the buyers. If you have a good
relationship with the retailers and distributors, theyll push your
record more.
Streets
Make sure that you give back to the streets, the real people in the
streets that support your music. If youre neo-soul, go to the neo-
soul clubs. If youre rap and street, go to the street clubs or the
hood clubs. Be out in the community, doing different things in the
community. Scholarships, giving back, order food for career day.
Radio
Have a good relationship with the DJs and the radio stations. When
you come to a market, dont be too lazy to go by the radio station
and do interviews. If youre a big artist you want to remain big.
When youre outta sight, youre outta mind, so people dont think
about you. And theres always somebody trying to take your place.
So the radio stations that made you what you are, you need to
continue to do what you do when you frst got in the game.
Fans
Make sure you stay connected with
the fans, through the internet,
through Myspace. Dont be an asshole
when people see you in public. Keep a
personal relationship with the fans.
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KEYS TO LONGEvITY IN THE GAME
G
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S
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As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Julia Beverly
84 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 85
10
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Curt Cru Sho f/ G-Rob Lets Get Freaky
This is a Dade County special! Shout out to DJ Skip-A-Chuck (R.I.P.) for
putting us up on this one. This always gets the club jumpin! A party
record no more, no less! Guaranteed to fll the dance foor. A Florida
classic!
Notorious B.I.G. One More Chance (remix)
CLASSIC RECORD. Note to all DJs: PLAY THIS IF YOU ARE DYING IN THE
PARTY. This will win the ladies over and the fellas will follow.
Jay-Z Public Service Announcement
This is the hardest intro of any song on planet earth! Allow me to
reintroduce myseeeeelfff!!! Just Blaze murked this one. I dont care
if youre from the North, South, Midwest or West Coast, this shit goes
hard in the paint off the dribble!
Nappy Headz Robbery
For all those that dont know, this is the group T-Pain was in and
produced for before Rappa Ternt Sanga. Its the consummate street
song. This one here for da thuuuugs / All my thugs cock your 9s like
this 8-5-0, Tallahassee, FL Leon County club classic.
Birdman f/ Chop Out The Ghetto
This is a hood classic! Period. This is for all the people from the
ghetto that have made it. The chorus drives this song. The beat is
infectious. Ladies and thug niggas love this song, especially when
theyre liquored up. Play this after 1 AM!
RECORDS TO
GET THE CLUB
POPPIN
Superstar j Kwik
NOMINATED FOR BEST CLUB DJ
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O.H.B. Paralyzed
Free J-Green! When I frst got this record, J-Green said, Kwik, we
coming to The Moon to support the record. They came 100 deep!
Ever since then its been a club classic. Its an ode to getting high,
drunk and geeked up!
Fat Man Scoop f/ Faith Evans Be Faithful
Classic party break. Motivates any and every crowd, from old to
young. Nuff said.
Gucci Mane Trap House
This is a street nigga classic. This one motivates all the dope boys
and trap girls to get crunk and wild the fuck out!
Trick Daddy Cant Fuck With The South
This ones from the little known Bait soundtrack, so I gotta thank DJ
Demp for putting this on the map. The instrumental intro is incredible
and the anticipation for Tricks verse is bananas: Hold up, wait one
muthafuckin minuuuutte!
C-Murder f/ Snoop Dogg
Down For My Niggaz
If you got a homeboy or homegirl, this
is the ultimate club song, period. No
matter what skin color, this tears the
roof off the joint every time.
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OZONE MAG // 85
86 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 87
88 // OZONE MAG
Mobb Shit Biotch!!
Though he didnt invent the vintage sound the Bay Area is most
known for, 40 coined the phrase Mobb Muzik and brought it to the
main stream while screaming mob shit biotch! at the beginning
of most songs on his albums. The slow-grinding bass and 808 kick
drums that are the most distinctive sounds in contemporary south-
ern rap music get their roots from Bay Area music and are highly
prevalent in 40-Waters catalogue, featuring production by Mobb
Muzik pioneers Ant Banks, Sam Bostic and of course, Studio Ton.
The Architect Of The Independent Hustle
When E-40 and his Sick-Wid-It label signed to Jive, it was the
most lucrative deal offered to any rapper in Hip Hop history. This
unprecedented agreement between 40 and Jive allowed him to get
more money per unit sold than any other rapper in the industry
signed to a major label, while simultaneously allowing Sick-Wid-It
Records to function as an independent label.
Family Over Friends
Instead of following the lead of other rappers who made it big by
signing and releasing music from meager emcees with lackluster
lyrics off the strength of them being homies from the hood, E-40
kept it all in the family, enabling him to bring his family out of
poverty. The result, two classic albums from the family orientated
rap group The Click followed by the cross over hit Sprinkle Me
and his son Droop-E becoming the new president of Sick-Wid-It
Records as well as the most sought after producer in the Bay Area.
For 40s efforts, Lil Es beats were heard on every radio station,
club and scraper in California this past summer and he was still a
high school student.
He Is The Original Friendly Neighborhood D-Boy
In 1989 E-40 and The Click (then known as M.v.P.) released the in-
famous hood classic Mr. Flamboyant. When New York rappers were
recording songs about battling or partying and L.A. rappers were
releasing gangster rap, Mr Flamboyant emerged as the blueprint
to what is now known as Bling Rap.
He Is The Reigning Slanguage Samaritan
If you are under 26, your favorite rap song by your favorite artist
features catch phrases and slang terms by Mr. Flamboyant himself
Every rapper got a little E-40 in him.
Hes As Consistent As The Mailman
With the exception of the two and a half year hiatus 40 took be-
tween Breakin News and My Ghetto Report Card, E-40 has released
an album every year since 1993 consisting of hard hitting beats
dubbed Slumpers and Blappers as well as innovative trend-set-
ting lyrics. Not only focusing on quantity, but quality, seven of the
nine solo albums released by E-40 are recognized as classics by his
truest fans.
Anybody Can Get It
Not only the title of a previously released track, but also a phi-
losophy that E-40 lives by. The fast talking unorthodox style of
rapping E-40 is known for was no longer recognized as a sign of
weakness in 1996 when he released Record Haters a song that
took shots at basketball player Rasheed Wallace and Queens rapper
AZ for talking down on him during interviews. To date, no one has
had the gall to cater a diss record towards the v-Town veteran.
Posse Cuts
Before it became popular to release a remix of a Bay Area song
featuring everybody and they mama, Charlie Hustle dropped Dust-
ed and Disgusted featuring 2-Pac, Spice-1 and Mac Mall. The song
about female gamers who set unaware horny males up for robbery,
featured an artist from nearly every corner of the Bay Area (Pacs
Bay Area roots were from Marin City, not Oakland), something that
was never done before.
He Aint Rappin Too Fast, Yall Listening Too Slow
Not many rappers have the versatility E-40 does. One minute he
can be the tongue-twisting demon on Rep Yo City and Ele-
ment of Surprise, spewing lyrics so fast that will make Twista and
Bustas rhymes sound like they were screwed up by OG Ron C, to
slowing it down so listeners can comprehend the game spat in
songs like The Way it Is, Rappers Ball and Happy to Be Here.

The Ambassador
It takes a lot of humility for the Bay
Areas most popular rapper to not
refer to himself as the King. Instead,
40 chooses to refer to himself as the
Ambassador of the Bay, expressing
his infuence, while at the same time
paying homage to his predecessors.
He is the true ambassador to the Bay
pushing every Bay Area trend into the
mainstream. Within minutes of a 40
song release, copycat hyphy songs by
local artists spring up and amateur
videos appear on youtube.com featur-
ing teenagers from suburban America
ghostriding their whips.
10
top
REASONS WHY E-40 IS THE MOST
UNDERRATED RAPPER IN HIP HOP
Words by Keita Jones // Photo by Eric Johnson
e -40
NOMINATED FOR BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST)
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Jim Jones We Fly High (Ballin)
I always gotta give it up to an artist or a group that can not only
make a great club record, but have it transcend into the sports world
as well. Its pretty amazing when you see the whole New York Giants
ballin. Theres sports commentators now using that term because
of the record, so you know youve got a monster on your hands when
it gets to that level. But Ive gotta give it up to Jim and them for hav-
ing a record that really just transcended into something bigger than
just a radio or club record.
Run DMC Tricky
Back to the old school. When they came out wit that, it had so much
energy. The shit was poppin everywhere. That record is a staple in my
set. Every time I drop that record its an incredible reaction.
Jay Z Give It To Me
That was one of the few records that got an instant reaction. Its not
many times I play a record for the frst time thats not on the radio,
its no video out for it, not on any mixtapes and it gets that type of
reaction. I got the record from Dame [Dash] and all them that Satur-
day night, and I went to the club and I played it. I must have played
that record seven or eight times. They couldnt get enough of it. And
thats the frst time anyone in that club had ever heard the record. Its
a very, very special thing when you can play a record in the club for
the very, very frst time and get people just go crazy about it. Thats
why I gotta give it up to Jay.
DMX Party Up
Still today, this shit is so bananas. This record still gets a reaction.
Thats one of the few Hip Hop records that transcended into the
sports world as well. At any kind of sports engagement, that record
still is on today in a major way.
Sugar Hill Gang Rappers Delight
The signifcant thing about that record was that it was one of the frst
rap records that everyone could sing along to. It was the blueprint of
what rap was going to be and what Hip Hop was going to be. Anyone
who was exposed to Hip Hop from an early age or back in the day,
nine times out of ten, this was the record that got them crunk.
Dre Dre featuring Snoop Nothin But a G Thang
No matter where you go, the second you hear this beat, the dance
foor is gonna be packed. Thats the classic West Coast groove that
disrupted the nation. Everybody knew that joint, no matter what
region. Drop Nothin But a G-Thang and it opens up the door to a
West Coast set.
10
top
Notorious B.I.G. Hypnotize
Hell yeah. Shit, what more explanation do you need? Its Biggie
bitches! At the time he was puttin out all kinds of records, talkin
bout all kinds of things from the Ten Crack Commandments to
Dreams, all great records which people would bump around their
cars on it. This was that record like, Hey, you know what, I can own
the clubs too. I can own the clubs and make everybody dance all
night as well. And that was that record that made that statement.
Rob Bass & DJ E-Z Rock It Takes Two
Im going old school a little bit. Pretty much whatever age group
or wherever you from, if youve been in the club, thats just a club
anthem. You put that record on pretty much anywhere, anytime and
youre going to get a reaction. Youre going to get someone who can
relate to that song and its just a classic.
Terror Squad Lean Back
A lot of dance records have come out in history, but theres never
been a Hip Hop record about a dance that really crossed over with
pretty much everybody. What 50 did with In Da Club, in terms of just
getting people to sing along wit the record, is what Terror Squad did
wit Lean Back, getting everyone to do the dance. From high school
kids, to people older, sophisticated folks, everyone knew about this
dance. Lean Back was that record that everyone, no matter what
language you spoke, where youre from, you knew how to do that
dance.
50 Cent In Da Club
The reason why that record is so incredible
is thats one of the frst records on some real
Hip Hop shit that I would play, not only for
the high school parties or younger audiences;
I would do Heat games and older sophisticat-
ed crowds. I wasnt playing any Hip Hop at all,
but if it was one Hip Hop song they wanted
to hear it was 50 Cent In Da Club. I mean,
even the real old white people were singin,
Its your birthday. It turned into this whole
birthday song. If someone is celebrating their
birthday, they wanna hear In Da Club. Id
defnitely say by far thats the number one
club bangin record.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CLUB RECORDS OF ALL TIME
As told to Randy Roper
dj
irie
NOMINATED FOR
BEST CLUB DJ
OZONE MAG // 89
Jim Jones We Fly High (Ballin)
I always gotta give it up to an artist or a group that can not only
make a great club record, but have it transcend into the sports world
as well. Its pretty amazing when you see the whole New York Giants
ballin. Theres sports commentators now using that term because
of the record, so you know youve got a monster on your hands when
it gets to that level. But Ive gotta give it up to Jim and them for hav-
ing a record that really just transcended into something bigger than
just a radio or club record.
Run DMC Tricky
Back to the old school. When they came out wit that, it had so much
energy. The shit was poppin everywhere. That record is a staple in my
set. Every time I drop that record its an incredible reaction.
Jay Z Give It To Me
That was one of the few records that got an instant reaction. Its not
many times I play a record for the frst time thats not on the radio,
its no video out for it, not on any mixtapes and it gets that type of
reaction. I got the record from Dame [Dash] and all them that Satur-
day night, and I went to the club and I played it. I must have played
that record seven or eight times. They couldnt get enough of it. And
thats the frst time anyone in that club had ever heard the record. Its
a very, very special thing when you can play a record in the club for
the very, very frst time and get people just go crazy about it. Thats
why I gotta give it up to Jay.
DMX Party Up
Still today, this shit is so bananas. This record still gets a reaction.
Thats one of the few Hip Hop records that transcended into the
sports world as well. At any kind of sports engagement, that record
still is on today in a major way.
Sugar Hill Gang Rappers Delight
The signifcant thing about that record was that it was one of the frst
rap records that everyone could sing along to. It was the blueprint of
what rap was going to be and what Hip Hop was going to be. Anyone
who was exposed to Hip Hop from an early age or back in the day,
nine times out of ten, this was the record that got them crunk.
Dre Dre featuring Snoop Nothin But a G Thang
No matter where you go, the second you hear this beat, the dance
foor is gonna be packed. Thats the classic West Coast groove that
disrupted the nation. Everybody knew that joint, no matter what
region. Drop Nothin But a G-Thang and it opens up the door to a
West Coast set.
10
top
Notorious B.I.G. Hypnotize
Hell yeah. Shit, what more explanation do you need? Its Biggie
bitches! At the time he was puttin out all kinds of records, talkin
bout all kinds of things from the Ten Crack Commandments to
Dreams, all great records which people would bump around their
cars on it. This was that record like, Hey, you know what, I can own
the clubs too. I can own the clubs and make everybody dance all
night as well. And that was that record that made that statement.
Rob Bass & DJ E-Z Rock It Takes Two
Im going old school a little bit. Pretty much whatever age group
or wherever you from, if youve been in the club, thats just a club
anthem. You put that record on pretty much anywhere, anytime and
youre going to get a reaction. Youre going to get someone who can
relate to that song and its just a classic.
Terror Squad Lean Back
A lot of dance records have come out in history, but theres never
been a Hip Hop record about a dance that really crossed over with
pretty much everybody. What 50 did with In Da Club, in terms of just
getting people to sing along wit the record, is what Terror Squad did
wit Lean Back, getting everyone to do the dance. From high school
kids, to people older, sophisticated folks, everyone knew about this
dance. Lean Back was that record that everyone, no matter what
language you spoke, where youre from, you knew how to do that
dance.
50 Cent In Da Club
The reason why that record is so incredible
is thats one of the frst records on some real
Hip Hop shit that I would play, not only for
the high school parties or younger audiences;
I would do Heat games and older sophisticat-
ed crowds. I wasnt playing any Hip Hop at all,
but if it was one Hip Hop song they wanted
to hear it was 50 Cent In Da Club. I mean,
even the real old white people were singin,
Its your birthday. It turned into this whole
birthday song. If someone is celebrating their
birthday, they wanna hear In Da Club. Id
defnitely say by far thats the number one
club bangin record.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CLUB RECORDS OF ALL TIME
As told to Randy Roper
dj
irie
NOMINATED FOR
BEST CLUB DJ
90 // OZONE MAG
hot
dollar
hoT
dollar
Im Willing To Go All Out
In the movie Scarface, he was willing to go
out and they had to respect it. Even though
they took him out they had to respect it. Like,
Damn! We didnt just take him. He went out
with a bang!
I Speak Highly Of My Peers
Without allies you cant be a king. You can be
a don, but you cant be a boss.
I Realize My Responsibility
If youve got people who follow you, it comes
with responsibility. If youre not a supreme
leader or someone who understands what it
is to be a leader, it doesnt make a difference.
Youll never be seen.
I Trust God
You gotta keep God close at all times and if
you do things that may not be right, you gotta
pray about it and ask his forgiveness.
I Am The Streets
I really walk a lot of what these rappers talk
about. I lived it and I did it in two cities.
I Love What I Do
Its not something I just like to do, like a
broad Id get tired of her.
I Take The Bitter With The Sweet
You gotta take a loss to get your ball on, and
Im committed to my success.
Im Focused On The Finish Line
Whatever I gotta do to get there within my
means, Ima do, and that means inside and
outside of the studio.
I Stand Behind My Word
I never over-obligate myself to people or tell
people Ima do something I know I cant do.
Paid The Cost To Be The Boss
From the grind, to the ini-
tial hood, to the good life,
Ive done everything un-
der the sun to get money.
At the same time even
from a hood perspective
you dont just come in the
hood and just be the man.
It take grind and it take
time to get the respect of
other hood niggas.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
REASONS WHY IM THE MAN
10
top
As told to N. Ali Early // Photo by Ty Watkins
NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING CALIFORNIA
90 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 91
92 // OZONE MAG
Prince - Purple Rain
It was a whole new level of rock & roll and soul.
Snoop Doggy Dogg - Doggy Style
When Snoop came out, it rocked the world.
N.W.A. Straight Outta Compton
That got everybody trying to gangbang and do it correctly, for the
most part.
Ice Cube Amerikkkas Most Wanted
One of the greatest albums ever, hands down.
Michael Jackson Thriller
What else can be said? The nigga bust a move when the video
came out. Beat It. Nuff said
Raekwon Only Built For Cuban Linx
You can sing almost every song by heart. You had Ice Cream,
you had verbal Intercourse with him, Nas and Ghostface, etc. It
was Wu-Gambinos. The type of production that RZA did on there, I
havent heard til this day.
Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life
You dont even need to say nothing else. If you aint got that
album, niggas need to be pimp slapped.
Nirvana Nevermind
What it did for grunge and rock, it was just innovation, period.
When Smells Like Teen Spirit frst came out I was still in high
school. I think I was the ninth grade when I heard that shit. We
was the only mufuckas in Compton High playing that shit, Thats
how gangsta that was.
Wu-Tang Clan - Enter the 36 Chambers
Never heard nothing like that. They were mixing the kung-fu
movies and Shaolin shit with raps and niggas coming out of New
York with crazy shit. When I frst heard ODB on Shame on the
Nigga, it was crazy.
A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
After Low End Theory, they came out with
some shit like this. When I heard Electric
Relaxation, it changed my life.
10
top
FAvORITE ALBUMS
bishop
lamont
NOMINATED FOR PATIENTLY WAITING CALIFORNIA
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
As told to N. Ali Early
OZONE MAG // 93
Im Comfortable With Stardom
Ever since I started emceeing I felt like it was going to
become something bigger. I always felt like I was the best
at what I was doing. Im a star in the Bay and I know what
comes with the territory.
I Understand I Have To Grow
Im good in the streets, but I know that the only way Im
going to blow up is if I leave the Town. The Bay Area is its
own world. If I wanted to I could stay here and be cool on
an independent level and do a chitlin circuit, but I want
more.
I Have A Dedicated Fan Base
The only thing the fans got in common with me is they
feel Im the one who can take it to that next level. Its not
something that Im out there pushing. Im just giving them
my music.
I Aint Scared To Take Risks
Ive been homeless in New York and slept in train stations,
out there gettin it. I was out there on the East Coast tough
in 2001 and 2002 when platinum acts were coming out
there, hustlin and gaining game. Niggas respect a niggas
hustle.
Im Not Scared To Grow
Im from Oakland, but Ive lived all over the country and
got game from hella different areas. I soaked up game
from everywhere and spread my game nationally, so when
I do come out, I got a universal sound.
Im A Real Hood Nigga Straight Outta Oakland
Im from the land of the hustlers and Im bringing a new
sound to Bay Area music, trying to expand nationally and
gain respect from my hood niggas everywhere.
Im On A Major Label
Im one of the few Bay Area artists thats signed to a major
label Capitol Records. Im gaining major promotion with
my new single, Doing Dat, produced by J.R. Rotem.
Im A Peacemaker
I negotiated a joint venture between Moe Doe entertain-
ment and The Game that unifed Oakland And Compton,
bringing together Northern and Southern California.
I Own Moe Doe Entertainment
We are home to many Bay Areas artists such as myself and
Keak da Sneak and The Team. Together weve sold over
200,000 records independently.
REASONS WHY CLYDE CARSON
GOT NEXT
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Hyphy Juice Energy Drink
Its the # 1 energy juice in the Bay
Area and a huge phenomenon. Its
spreading over the whole West
Coast as far south as San Diego
and as north as Seattle, expanding
even to Utah. Its independent and
black-owned.
As told to N. Ali Early
N
O
M
I
N
A
T
E
D

F
O
R

P
A
T
I
E
N
T
L
Y

W
A
I
T
I
N
G

C
A
L
I
F
O
R
N
I
A
94 // OZONE MAG
Jacki-O (Miami, FL)
Shes the bitch you love to hate!
P.R.C. (Ft. Myers, FL)
The #1 group out of Florida.

Papa Duck (Belle Glade, FL)
He is an excellent producer/rapper, and he stays on the grind.

Young Cash (Jacksonville, FL)
Its his muthafuckin turn.

Big Floaty (Atlanta, GA)
Hes paid his dues.

Treal (Orlando, FL)
Good music, great performance, and they stay on the grind!

Swordz (Jacksonville, FL)
Hes got the lyrics, the swag, and hes a beast on the stage.

TMI Boyz (Houston, TX)
They are what the industry is missing.

BOB (Atlanta, GA)
I like his style and delivery. He is the future of Hip Hop.

Wes Fif (Orlando, FL)
This lil nigga is just everymuthafuckin-
where!

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10
top
ARTISTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
bigga
rankin
NOMINATED FOR BEST MIXTAPE DJ
As told to Randy Roper // Photo by Ray Tamarra
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
10 top
ARTISTS NEXT TO BLOW
R
a
p
i
d

R
i
c
N
O
M
I
N
A
T
E
D

F
O
R

B
E
S
T

M
I
X
T
A
P
E

D
J
Da Bosnian
Incredible beat-makin skills for almost all of Texas.
Black Mike
Producer, singer, rapper, writer and class clown: be prepared to
hear a lot from him in the near future.
Latasha of Carnival Beats
This young lady has a voice, a look and the best producers any
Southerner could ask for. Plus, what Ive heard at their studio is
even better.
Magno
The once-DJ Clue-affliated artist hopes to continue his North
Houston reign with his Green City Movement.
Kyle Lee
3rd Degrees Rap Superstar continues to make singles and drop
tapes like theres no tomorrow.
Da Ryno
Dirty 3rd Records Big Man has grown to have his own style and
has been appealing to artists all over Texas.
Famous
With San Antonio being one of the largest cities in the US now,
and no steady rap scene, Chamillionaires frst signed artist has a
bright future set for himself and his label Cocked & Locked.
Gerald G
Not just because hes my artist on Dew Music, but the energy;
either recorded or live, will make everyone a 1st time fan.
Gorilla Zoe
We all love the Hood Nigga record, and weve heard a couple of
features. I wanna know what the album sounds like.
Chalie Boy
Everyone from Texas to Florida
knows this dude has the biggest
street buzz down here. Were all just
waitin for the majors to put it on
paper.
1
10
As told to Randy Roper
Photo by Edward Hall
OZONE MAG // 95
Carlos Cartel (Charleston, SC)
Carlos Cartel has the look, lyrics and street credibility that all of the
so-called gangster rappers in the music industry today rap about
and A&Rs look for. Even though his beef with Juvenile cast a dark
shadow over his career, Carlos Cartel has bounced back and proved
that hes no gimmick rapper and just because his career started off
on a bad note it wont end there. Popping up in magazines across
America and appearing on tons of street DvDs, Carlos Cartel is making
moves in the rap game as an indie artist that most signed artists
dream of.
Ferl Gates (Charleston, SC)
Ferl Gates blends a smooth, laid back rap style with a deep Geechie
accent to give him a fow thats not only unique, but very catchy also.
Ferls strong point is his ability to write hooks that are simple yet
articulate and make music that slaps you in the face with the dark
realism of the world we live in. His deep tone accents his dark lyrics
and helps him paint a picture of street life and poverty that are the
main topic of most of his songs. You want the streets? Ferl Gates will
give it to you on a silver platter.
Charlieo (Charlotte, NC)
Charlieo has come a long way in a short period of time and has
grown as an artist in leaps and bounds. Charlieos animated rap
style and the deep country twang in his voice were once his biggest
attributes but hes stepped his lyrics up to the point that his catchy
rhymes now have a true purpose and frm lyrical substance to match.
Charlieos improvements over the last 7 months are a sign that in
months to come hell be a highly sought after artist in the music
industry.
Brandon D (Greensboro, NC)
Brandon D is a lyrical beast that can freestyle for hours on end and
turn around and make a complete song in the studio. With freestyl-
ing being his strength he can rap about any and every topic there is
known to man at the drop of a dime. But unlike most freestyle rap-
pers, Brandon Ds story telling abilities are what will make your head
spin. After losing his deal with Elektra Records when the company
folded, Brandon D has added a 3rd element to his music: grinding!
Not only can you catch Brandon D performing at damn near every
club in North Carolina but also posted up in the back of the club with
a table full of his projects and the latest mixtapes hes featured on.
Like he says in one of his freestyles, The back of my wrapped truck
looks like a convenience store.
P.I.M.P. (Charleston, SC)
P.I.M.P.s lyrical versatility is his most interesting attribute. He can go
from making a song that makes you want to shoot the person next to
you to making a song that makes you want to pawn your jewelry and
feed the homeless in 3 minutes fat. He also knows how to change
fow mid-bar and go from slow and pimpish to aggressive and
intense. P.I.M.Ps ability to make bouncy club bangers and songs that
are both politically and socially conscientious will make him a hot
commodity within the next few months.

Kinfolk Kia Shine (Memphis, TN)
Kinfolk Kia Shines delivery is unlike any other new artist in the game
today. His smooth and mellow fow meshes perfectly with the beats
he chooses to spit over and creates music that will make you head
nod without you even noticing it. His unique swagger and fashy style
of dress also put him in a class all by himself when it comes to the
other new artists emerging from the South. If his music doesnt make
you think hes a star, then his clothing defnitely will.

BloodRaw (Panama City, FL)
BloodRaws high-pitched southern drawl is the frst thing that grabs
your attention when you hear his music. After being lured in by his
voice, you immediately notice that his lyrics are not only catchy,
but bear a realness that lets you know that everything hes spitting
is factual. BloodRaws ability to capture every aspect of the street
life through his words will keep you listening to his music for hours
without getting tired of hearing him.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Grandaddy Souf (Orlando, FL)
Grandaddy Soufs work ethic and perseverance are unmatched by
90% of the artists in the game today. Unlike most rappers who focus
on looking for hit records to push their career, Grandaddy Souf
has relied on making plain ol good music and not following the
one hitta quitta formula that seems to be degrading and dissolv-
ing Southern music. Grandaddy Souf puts together tight verses with
catchy hooks and knows the importance of making a good, complete
song.
Tum Tum (Dallas, TX)
Tum Tum has a distinct fow and a very original voice to match. Tums
ability to make a street anthem as well as a club banger is what sets
him apart from a lot of new artists in the game. His style of dress
as well as his shag haircut also separates him from the slew of new
artists that have come out this year.
Trae (Houston, TX)
Trae represents the streets to the full-
est and refects that in every song he
drops. His fow is versatile and he can
spit rhymes faster than Twista without
sacrifcing lyrical content. On top of
that, he can sing just as good as he can
rap. On most songs he shows that he
can carry a tune better than most R&B
stars. Trae is the total package when it
comes to Southern rap.
ARTISTS NEXT TO BLOW As told to Randy Roper
NOMINATED FOR BEST MIXTAPE DJ
top 10
Dj Chuck T
96 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 97
98 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // 99
100 // OZONE MAG
P
L
A
Y
A
Z



C
I
R
C
L
E
D
ISTU
R
B
IN
G
TH
A
STR
EETZ
2nd ANNUAL OZONE AWARDS SPECIAL EDITION
P
L
U
S
O
Z
O
N
E
W
E
S
T

C
O
A
S
T
:
T
H
E

G
A
M
E
,

H
O
T

D
O
L
L
A
R
C
L
Y
D
E

C
A
R
S
O
N
,

B
I
S
H
O
P

L
A
M
O
N
T
MANNIE FRESH
LIL BOOSIE
JIM JONES
RICK ROSS
RICH BOY
& MORE