brIsCO

WELCOMETO MIAMI
MEMORIAL
DAY 2009
edition**
ial
c
e
p
s
*
*
FEATURING
brisco
+
RICK ROSS
HENNESSY
BILLY BLUE
BLACK DADA
g-BOI
BUSTA RHYMES
MAGAZEEN
CHILL
mISTA MAC
K-KUTTA
TRIPLE C’S
& more
WELCOMETO MIAMI
MEMORIAL
DAY 2009
tion**
edi
ial
c
e
p
**s
sive
xxxclun
ai ment
enterts
pre ents
hennessy
+
BRISCO // RICK ROSS // TRIPLE C’s
BILLY BLUE // MAGAZEEN // G-BOi
CHILL THE MILLION DOLLAR MAN
BUSTA RHYMES // BLACK DADA
MISTA MAC // K-KUTTA // & MORE
PUBLISHER:
Julia Beverly
SPECIAL EDITIONS EDITOR:
Jen McKinnon a.k.a.
Ms. Rivercity
CONTRIBUTORS & CREW:
Ashley Smith
Eric Perrin
Jee’Van Brown
Kisha Smith
Luis Santana
Matt Daniels
Maurice G. Garland
Mercedes
Randy Roper
Terrence Tyson
Torrey Holmes
PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR:
Malik Abdul
STREET TEAMS:
Big Mouth Marketing
Lex Promotions
On Point Entertainment
Poe Boy
Strictly Streets
SIDE A
6
8
13
14
15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
EDITORIAL
DJ 360
SOUTH BEACH MAP
CLUB LISTING
EVENT LISTING
K-KUTTA
RICK ROSS
G BOI
MAGAZEEN
10-11BRISCO
SIDE b
6
DJ Nasty
8-9
Chill
10-11billy blue
12-13
MISTA MAC
14-15
TRIPLE C’S
20-21busta rhymes
22-23black dada
16-17 hennessy
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
To subscribe, send check or
money order for $11 to:
OZONE Magazine
644 Antone St. Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-350-3887
Fax: 404-601-9523
Web: www.ozonemag.com
COVER CREDITS:
Brisco photo by Jared Ryder;
Black Dada photo by David
Rosario; Hennessy & Mr. P photo
by Earl Randolph.
DISCLAIMER:
OZONE does not take responsibility for unsolicited materials,
misinformation, typographical errors, or misprints. The
views contained herein do not
necessarily reflect 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 2009 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 MAG // A-5
MEMORIALeditorIAL
A
h, Memorial Day. To be
honest, I don’t exactly
know what Memorial
Day is celebrating. I know it’s
a holiday of some sort, but I
couldn’t tell you what the significance is behind it, other than
South Beach clubbing and no
morning rush hour traffic. It also
means we get to close down the
OZONE office for half a week
and par-tay (I mean cover events & pass
out mags, Julia).
Even though everyone (except Rick Rawse,
of course) keeps complaining about the
recession, Memorial Day Weekend in Miami
lives on. And yes, there’s an obvious lack
of festivities compared to the last several
years, but it’s Florida so shut up and enjoy
the beach for free.
Last year we featured a lot of the familiar
South Florida faces like DJ Khaled, Brisco,
Dunk Ryders, Bizzle, Sam Sneak, etc.
(R.I.P. Toro), so this year I reached out to
a lot of the newer cats on the scene. Maybach Music has really came out of the gate
strong. Magazeen’s story of being discovered at the car wash is definitely one of a
kind. We didn’t interview Masspike Miles
in this issue because his feature in the
regular monthly issue is in the works, but
he’s something much-needed in the Florida
R&B circuit. Look out for his article in the
June issue. And our music editor Randy
Roper recently did the best interview with
Billy Blue for www.ozonemag.com, so we’re
sharing Blue’s words again.
In every special edition there’s always
one new person that stands out to me and
makes me a fan. This time the honors go
to Black DaDa. I haven’t been to Broward/
Dade since “Imma Zoe” hit big, but I hear
it’s taking over right now. And I can see
why. Obviously I’m not Haitian, but the
song is powerful. The reason is, as Black
6A-6
| OZONE
// OZONE MAG
explains, “It’s for anybody that’s
ever been in a situation where
their back is against the wall or
they were faced with adversity in
life. It’s for those that overcame
those problems and stood up
tall, like I went through it, I can
take another blow and I’ll still
overcome it.”
That being the concept behind
the song, I can fully relate. People might
look at me as if things have always been
sweet, but I’ve been through my fair share
of adversity. From being raised by a single
father who was only 18 years old when I
was born, to growing up dirt poor (koolaidwith-no-sugar-poor), to damn near raising
my 5 younger siblings when times got
rough. I made it through that. I made it
through failed relationships, ended friendships, fake ass business associates, projects that flopped, blackmailing scumbags,
and just blatant hating. And after all that,
“They can’t break me, not at all…” So even
though I’mma not a Zoe, I still understand
the concept of being knocked down and
getting back up.
Hopefully the positive message is uplifting people during the hard times, and will
encourage everyone to overcome the
bad economy,
or any
other hardship.
There’s still a
lot of good to
look forward to,
like half naked
people running around
Miami while
DJ Khaled
screams “We
Global
Now!”
- Ms.
Rivercity
R.I.P. Toro
Working closely with DJ Irie over
the last several years has helped
DJ 360 find his own place in the
Miami club scene. DJ 360 spins at
nearly every major venue in the
city and this Memorial Day Weekend he’ll be holding it down at
Dolce, and dropping a new mixtape with the Poe Boy artists.
DJ 360
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by JP Photography
Where do you currently DJ?
I play at basically every club at the beach: Prive,
Mansion, Cameo, Dolce. I’m on Mix 96 with Raul
from Terror Squad and I fill in sometime on 99
Jamz. I’m actually in the studio right now doing a
mixtape for Memorial Day Weekend with Poe Boy.
Who are some of the other artists you’ve
worked with or done shows with?
Wow, I’ve done shows with Fat Joe, Ron Browz,
The Dream, Jeremih, Ryan Leslie, Sean Paul, Sean
Kingston, Rich Boy, Too Short, and Cool & Dre. I
just did Flo-Rida’s album release party.
How did you link up with DJ Irie? I know you
came up under him?
At the time I was working as a security guard at
the arena and Irie DJs for the Miami Heat. I was
already messing around DJing and stuff but I
wanted to DJ professionally at a club. So I started
waiting for Irie and Khaled outside the clubs in
the back alley. As soon as they pulled up I’d grab a
crate or two and make my way into the club with
them. They didn’t even know who the hell I was.
So how did you get to a point where Irie started
actually working with you?
Irie had to be in two places at the same time so
he had his assistant call me. I told my job I was
sick so I could go home early. So I went and I only
got to play one record ‘cause he got there right
on time. But that’s how he started bringing me
around. He saw I was responsible and he could
rely on me. That was like 5 or 6 years ago.
Who do you feel is running the game as far as
music goes?
Lil Wayne definitely, T.I., and Rick Ross.
Who do you feel is next to blow?
Everything I hear from Billy Blue is amazing. I also
see OJ da Juiceman popping up.
Does it bother you when people request songs
while you’re DJing?
No, it gives me input into what the crowd wants
to hear.
What about when people ask you to play their
A-8 // OZONE MAG
music while you’re DJing?
That’s a different story. I don’t have a problem
breaking records, but it’s all in the approach. If
somebody shoves a CD in my face, of course I’m
not gonna play it right away. If it’s somebody I
have a relationship with or someone I believe in
I don’t have a problem playing their music.
What’s the best way for artists to submit their
music to you? Do you prefer CD or mp3?
I prefer having both. An mp3 is cool but I’d
rather have a physical copy of everything, you
never know if a computer might wipe out. The
best way to reach me is through Myspace.com/
DJ360music or Twitter.com/DJ360.
Where will you be DJing during Memorial Day
Weekend?
We’ll doing Dolce real big all weekend.
What else do you have in the works?
I’m just trying to survive the recession. Clubs are
closing left and right. I’m hoping to get my own
mixshow on at 99 Jamz, they’ve had me on ice
for a minute. I’m putting out a couple more mixtapes and hopefully I’ll drop an album. Shout
out to my management Artist Related. //
OZONE MAG // A-9
He may be tired of beef, but Brisco
will never be tired of fighting for
the top. This year THE OPA LOCKA
SPOKESMAN IS turning over a new
leaf, Shedding his “goon” reputation AND concentrating on more
positive goals LIKE supplying the
streets’ demand for his music.
Thanks to the marketing genius of E-Class, Brisco will
be out and about during Memorial Day weekend
promoting his forthcoming project Street Medicine.
You may see the promotional ambulance driving
around the streets of Miami. Yeah, we said ambulance.
To “transport any haters,” says Brisco.
What have you been working on since the last time
we featured you in OZONE?
I got record called “Know What I’m Talkin Bout” featuring Busta Rhymes. I been on damn near every other
nigga’s single down here. I got that BallGreezy. I’m still
riding on that Ace [Hood]. I’m on that Unda Surveillance. Grammy nominations for [my appearance on
Lil Wayne’s album] Tha Carter III. That was the biggest
thing that’s happened in my career so far. I’m just
grindin’.
How do you plan to use Memorial Day weekend to
let visitors know that Brisco is next out of Miami?
Every year when you come to Miami for Memorial
Weekend Poe Boy lets you know what artists are
poppin’ off. It’s my turn this time. You gon’ know Brisco
the shit when you leave. You might see the Street
Medicine ambulance driving by. You know E-Class’s
promotional and marketing skills are the best.
Speaking of Poe Boy, what are your thoughts on the
departure of your labelmate Rick Ross?
I think about it every day. I still got love for both sides,
but at the same time, everybody’s men, everybody’s
grown. It’s a message to him, that one’s actions can
alter another one’s future. So instead of thinkin’ about
theyself they need to think about me and other cats
that’s coming out of Poe Boy and Maybach Music.
You feel like it’s hindered your progress as an artist?
Of course. I’m just used to having my niggas here with
me every step of the way, through the good times
and the bad times. It’s still the same love and nigga’s
should acknowledge that a lil more. Right now it’s not
even no friendship shit, everything is just business.
What’s the plan for your album release? Are you still
through Cash Money?
Yeah I’m still Cash Money, I’m still ridin’ it out. Shouts
out to Baby, Wayne, and Slim. As far as my album,
I just want niggas to get the message. I want to be
anticipated enough where my shit has gotta come
out and it’s not on a label to decide when my album
comes out.
Do you have any songs that are close to your heart?
I got the record called “R. I. 3.” Normally niggas say
A-10 // OZONE MAG
“R.I.P.” but I say “R.I.3”‘cause I lost my mom, my
brother, and my father. I basically just tell the story
about it. It’s damn near a quick autobiography of my
life. I lost my brother to some sneaky violence. He
got into a car accident but he was really run off the
road. He died when I was 14. My mom had unstable
angina, a heart condition. She died when I was 9
years old. My dad died two years ago.
How did losing your folks at such a young age
affect you as far as your music? Was music a form
of release for you?
We got a wrongful death [settlement] because there
were complications with my mom’s death at the hospital, so I got $400,000 as soon as I turned 18. That
really grew me up. That’s why I started hanging with
E-Class and all the big boys. I had so much money at
a young age that I did a whole bunch of shit. I had
a whole bunch of girls, I had a whole bunch of cars
and jewelry. But [the money] definitely wasn’t worth
losing my mom. I’d give up my career, everything,
just to see my mom again.
What are your thoughts on the Rick Ross/50 Cent
situation?
It ain’t really a situation ‘cause ain’t nobody punched
anybody in the mouth yet. When it gets to that,
that’s when Brisco will step in. But it’s not gonna get
that serious. Niggas are rich and don’t feel like messing they face up. Niggas don’t really wanna fight.
What ever happened with the situation between
you and Yung Berg?
Oh, Yung Berg is actually a great guy. Shouts out to
Yung Berg. Our beef is over. I’m just not gonna put
my energy into something that’s not gonna benefit
me. I’d rather attack bigger fish just to at least get a
fight back. And God bless Jacki-O too. Basically, I’m
a different Brisco now. I’m a more positive Brisco. I’m
just tired of fighting. I just wanna let my music speak
for itself, and not let my big mouth speak for me.
Toro was killed in Miami recently. Were you close
to him?
Yeah, that was one of my best friends. That was one
of the niggas that started out with me. I was blamed
by a couple of people for being a part of his death,
and that hurt my heart for a muthafucka to think I’m
that type of nigga. I ain’t that type of nigga. If it was
me I woulda let it be known it was me. Rest in peace
Toro. It’s just like how people talk about E-Class and
Rick Ross; there’s a lot of street media out here. We
had a misunderstanding but it wasn’t that big of a
deal for somebody to lose their life over it. I send
condolences to his family, and to Dolla’s family.
Is there anything else you want to say?
Happy Memorial Weekend. I hope you have a great
time. Don’t play with Miami Beach police, they’ll
slam your ass. And I’m the realest thang in the hood
since Tupac Shakur. //
Brisco
Words by Julia Beverly
Photo by Jared Ryder
OZONE MAG // A-11
A-12 // OZONE MAG
MAP
SOUTH BEACH
OZONE
OZONE
MAG
MAG
// A-13
// 13
MIAMI
CLUB LISTING
Mansion
1235 Washington Ave
(305) 531-5535
Seven
685 Washington Ave
(305) 538-0820
Metropolis Downtown
950 NE 2nd Avenue
(305) 415-0088
SET
320 Lincoln Road
(305) 531-2800
www.setmiami.com
Miami Velvet
3901 NW 77th Ave
(305) 406-1604
Shine
1800 Collins Ave.
Club Escape
7707 NW 103rd St
Mokai
235 23rd St.
(305) 695-0288
Skybar
1901 Collins Ave
(305) 695-3100
Club Warehouse
90 NE 11th St
(786) 425-3545
Mynt
1921 Collins Ave.
(786) 276-6132
SIN
1532 Washington Ave
(305) 532-4786
Area 51
950 NE 2nd Ave
(305) 358-5655
Coco’s Lounge Living
On The Edge
1430 NW 119th St
(305) 688-5005
Nikki Beach Club
1 Ocean Drive
(305) 673-1575
Sobe Live
1203 Washington Ave
(305) 695-2820
B.E.D.
929 Washington Ave.
(305) 532-9070
Crobar
1445 Washington Ave
(305) 531-8225
Nocturnal
50 NE 11th St.
(305) 576-6996
Sofi Lounge
423 Washington Ave
(305) 532-4444
Big Fish
55 SW Miami Avenue
Dream
1532 Washington Ave
(305) 674-8018
Onda
1248 Washington Ave.
(305) 674-4464
Space
34 NE 11th St.
(305) 375-0001
Opium Garden/Prive
136 Collins Ave.
(305) 531-5535
Spirits
5729 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
(954) 327-9094
90 Degree
90 NE 11th Street
(786) 425-3545
Amika
1532 Washington Ave.
(305) 534-1499
Angel Ultra Lounge
247 23rd Street
Blue
222 Espanola Way
(305) 534-1109
Bricks
66 SW 6th St
(305) 371-6950
Café Iguanas
8358 Pines Blvd
(954) 433-8787
Cameo
1400 West Ave
(305) 695-0517
Chakra
1500 Ocean Dr
(305) 672-2001
Club Ache
3425 Collins Ave
(305) 604-8688
Club 112
1439 Washington Ave
Club 45
4545 NW 7th St
(305) 442-6369
Club 66
66 SW 8th Street
(305) 371-6950
Club Boca
7000 West Palmetto
Park Rd
(561) 392-3747
Club Deep
621 Washington Ave
(305) 532-1509
Club Ebony
A-14 // OZONE MAG
12953 NW 7th Ave
(305) 685-5305
Expose
766 E 25th St
(305) 691-8980
Fat Tuesday
3015 Grand Ave
(305) 441-2992
Fifth (The)
1045 5th St
(305) 538-9898
GEM Nightclub &
Restaurant
671 Washington Ave
(305) 674-0977
Pearl Lounge
1 Ocean Dr.
Penthouse Inc
1434 Collins Ave
(305) 538-4010
Platinum Plus
7565 W 20th Ave
(305) 558-2221
State
320 Lincoln Rd.
Studio A
60 NE 11th St
(305) 538-7625
Suite
1437 Washington Ave
(305) 604-3664
Porterhouse
7050 W. Palmetto Park
Rd
Take One
333 NE 79th Street
Rain
323 23rd St
(305) 674-7447
Tropics Nightclub
7100 Pines Blvd
(954) 985-8382
Rokbar
1805 Collins Ave
(305) 535-7171
Vice
1445 Washington Ave
(305) 532-2667
Rumi
330 Lincoln Road
(305) 672-4353
Vision
3015 Grand Avenue
(305) 461-1118
Ruby Lounge
623 Washington Ave.
Lady Luck
1610 NW 119th St
(305) 688-1151
Voodoo Lounge
111 SW 2nd Ave.
(954) 522-0733
Santo
430 Lincoln Rd
(305) 532-2882
Wet Willie’s
8th & Ocean
Level Nightclub
1233 Washington Ave
(305) 532-1525
Sax on the Beach
1756 N Bayshore Dr
(786) 924-5535
White Diamonds
737 Washington Ave
(305) 761-6736
Madonna Night Club
1527 Washington Ave
(305) 534-2000
Scores Miami
17450 Biscayne Blvd
(305) 945-6030
Whyte Noise
300 SW 1st Ave.
Glass
432 41st St
(305) 604-9798
Harrison’s
411 Washington Ave
(305) 672-4600
Ivy Room
1233 Washington Ave
(305) 532-1525
Jazid
1342 Washington Ave
(305) 673-9372
MIAMI
Events
Listing
Thursday, May 21st
BET Black Music Power @ Cameo
Hosted by Rick Ross & Fabolous
1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Info: 305-532-2667
Friday, May 22nd
I Am Diddy @ Cameo
Hosted by Diddy
1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Info: 305-532-2667
GS Boyz (“Stanky Leg”) Performing Live
@ Sobe Live
1203 Washington Ave., South Beach
Info: 305-725-3353
Ballers Night Out @ Mansion
Hosted by Cash Money, Allen Iverson &
Fabolous
1235 Washington Ave., South Beach
Memorial Day Kick Off @ Dolce
Flo Rida, Trick Daddy, Iceberg, Brisco, Billy
Blue, & Ball Greezy performing live
1501 Ocean Dr., South Beach
Saturday, May 23rd
OZONE DJ/Industry Mixer @ the old Teaser’s
Hosted by Def Jam artists Unladylike with other
special appearances TBA
2-8 PM - 5th & Ocean on South Beach
Bulletproof Management’s 9th annual Celebrity
Basketball Game @ the University of Miami
Doors open 6 PM / Game starts 7 PM
bpmemorialday.com
Young, Rich & Gangsta @ Cameo
Hosted by Young Jeezy, Allen Iverson, &
Fabolous
1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Info: 305-532-2667
Def Jam Records @ Mansion Nightclub
Hosted by DJ Khaled and friends
1235 Washington Ave., South Beach
Busta Rhymes’ B.O.M.B.S. release party @
Dolce
1501 Ocean Dr., South Beach
Sunday, May 24th
Best of the Best 2009 Concert
Featuring T-Pain, Bounty, DJ Khaled, Young
Jeezy, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Rick Ross,
Wayne Wonder and more
@ Bicentennial Park
1075 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami
Gates open at 1pm
bestofthebestconcert.com
Miami Heat Party
Hosted by Trina & Uncle Luke
@ Cameo
1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Info: 305-532-2667
ATL vs. MIA @ Mansion
Hosted by Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled
& Ace Hood
1235 Washington Ave., South Beach
Ladies night with Trey Songz
@ Sobe Live
1203 Washington Ave., South Beach
Info: 305-725-3353
Monday, May 25th
8th Annual Legendary Birthday Celebration
@ Cameo
Hosted by Jadakiss & Busta Rhymes
1445 Washington Avenue, South Beach
Info: 305-532-2667
Freakfest Finale
Hosted by Uncle Luke & Roxy Reynolds
@ Sobe Live
1203 Washington Ave., South Beach
Info: 305-725-3353
Plies performing live @ Dolce
1501 Ocean Dr., South Beach
Info: 866-599-6260
The Main Event with Rick Ross @ Sobe Live
1203 Washington Ave., South Beach
Info: 305-725-3353
OZONE MAG // A-15
K Kutta
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by Waldo Tattoos
A-16 // OZONE MAG
ta
Miami rapper K Kutta didn’t
start rapping for the money or
the fame, he was enlisted by the
people to carry a message. “Maybe
I can stop a couple kids from going out there and doing wrong,”
he says. After realizing he had the
power to influence the younger
generation, K Kutta has been
going full force with music ever
since, it was a positive move that’s
starting to pay off.
What inspired you to rap?
I just always liked music. I always been around
it, it’s in my family. I used to play around with
it and one day some of my homeboys that was
in the group Dirty Clowns told me to come
do a verse with them or whatever. So I had
did a lil CD with ‘em and everybody was like,
“Dawg, you need to rap.” I was runnin’ around
in the streets and ain’t really takin’ it serious.
One day I got serious wit’ it like, “You know
what? I’ma try it.” I did a lil mixtape about three
years ago and everyone liked it so I decided
to stick with it. The people really moved me to
do it. Everybody was singing my lyrics - ladies,
dudes, kids.
What songs do people know you for?
A majority of people knew me for my verses
on jacked beats, and at the time people knew
me for being on the “Naked Hustle” remix
with Bizzle, that’s my homeboy. Then I made a
couple hits myself that people was likin’ - “Got
Me,” “She Could Get It,” “On the Ground” with
Desloc/Piccalo. I did a couple of other joints
that was in the hood. It’s like that street fame everybody know you in the streets.
You’re promoting a song called “Wit Me” on
Myspace. Tell me about that.
Yeah, that’s my new single that everybody is
falling in love with. That’s my main focus right
now - “Wit Me” featuring AJ, the R&B General.
He’s the one that won 106th & Park.
Who else have you worked with?
I worked with Ballgreezy, Tarvoria, Jacki-O,
Kase One from Slip-n-Slide. I’ve done collabos
with the majority of people in Miami.
Are you from Miami originally?
I’m from Dade County. I was really born in
Brown-Sub, that’s the neighborhood I grew up
in, but I done stayed around in every hood in
Dade County.
The DJs and artists are supporting you in Miami. How does that feel to know that you’re
making real progress when three years
ago you were heading in a totally different
direction?
It feels good. What I was doing in the streets
was negative at the end of the day. Now I can
feel comfortable and not have no bad vibe or
no bad consequences from anything I did. It’s
good ‘cause I can talk to the people directly
- kids listen to radio, adults and teenagers
listen to the music. A lot of people learn stuff
from music. The kids want you to be their role
model. I like to help people and see people
achieve goals. I can show the next generation
a different direction to go in, and it’s coming
from someone that’s in the same situation
they’re living in. Maybe I can stop a couple
kids from going out there and doing wrong. I
can give ‘em confidence.
Do you have any events going on during
Memorial Day weekend?
I got a show with Soulja Boy and Yung LA
on Friday the 22nd. I’m performing at Busta
Rhymes birthday bash Sunday at Club Ink. I’m
doing my single release party on Saturday at
either Take One or Diamonds.
Do you have any projects out right now?
My mixtape is called You Already Know. I got
Exclusives 4 coming out - that’s with industry
beats where I get on and do my thing as if I
were a feature on the song.
Anything else you want to say?
Shout out to all the DJs the showed me love.
My daughter, my momma, my family. My
label, Serious Swag Inc, Mob World, Greenbag
Entertainment, After Hours, and my producer
Phat Boy Beats. //
OZONE MAG // A-17
Rick
Ross
Words by Julia Beverly
Photo by Jonathan Mannion
A-18 // OZONE MAG
When Rick Ross says it’s “Deeper
Than Rap,” he MEANS IT. BUT STILL, In
the eyes of Miami’s largest emcee,
music is everything. And though
his pockets may be deeper than
other rappers, his passion for
DROPPING hot FLOWS OVER EVEN
HOTTER BEATS comes second to
none. Rick Ross makes hits, and
to him, that’s all that matters.
regardless of CONTROVERSY AND
adversity THAT HAS COME HIS WAY
WITH FAME, the Boss concludes,
“Victory is mine!”
You’ve been branding your newest catchphrase, which is also the title of your album Deeper Than Rap - for quite a while. It sounds
profound, but what exactly does it mean?
What is deeper than rap music?
Some things are deeper than rap. Ssome
things are deeper than interviews. But I feel
that Deeper Than Rap is most definitely an
album that will clarify it. We all know what can
be deeper than rap. It’s about bringing certain
experiences back to life musically. The album
is in stores now. I opened up [in my] music.
Everybody who gets the album will most
definitely understand [what Deeper Than Rap]
means. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it.
Your Def Jam A&R, Shakir Stewart, tragically
committed suicide in late 2008. Can you
speak on how that situation affected you
both personally and professionally?
First and foremost, rest in peace Shakir. His
legacy is bigger than the project. I gotta salute
my homie and what he brought to the table as
a great young executive. On another note, I’m
putting together a classic album. No one can
replace Shakir Stewart, but we had business to
handle, and that we did.
taste, and my work, so I pretty much put it
together. You know, by the time we bring it to
the people to listen and critique it, it’s pretty
much packaged and on its way to the store. I
just go with my vibe.
How did the John Legend connect happen
for the single?
He had the “Green Light” single out at the time
and it was on fire. I was really feelin’ it. He was
in Miami coming to work with The Runners. I
got word and jumped in the space ship and
shot over there. We had met previously, so I
presented the concept. He sat right down and
laced me.
Your music seems to have made that transition from the I’m-hustling-in-the-streets
mentality to the “good life” mentality. Do
you think it’s hard to keep that hustler’s
mentality when you have million dollar
houses and you’re flying around the world
in private jets? How do you stay in that
mindframe?
When you’re genuinely a person that goes
hard and a person that really hustles, and you
really mean it, ain’t nothin’ gon’ change with
you. You get the money, throw it in a bag, and
keep going. You start all over and do it again.
That’s what it’s about. It ain’t just about me,
it’s about everybody else that’s in line that’s
grindin’, payin’ dues, and who deserves that
and who’s destined for that.
The rest of this interview was featured in the
April issue of OZONE.
Did you pick most of the beats for your
album?
Yeah. It’s the same process, ain’t nothin’
changed.
On a typical album, about how many songs
do you usually record before you sit down
and select the ones for the album?
Somewhere in the 50-60 range.
How does the selection process go? Do you
go by other people’s opinions and DJs? Are
you listening to it over and over again yourself, or how do you narrow it down?
I’m pretty comfortable with my judgment, my
OZONE MAG //A// A-19
19
G Boi
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by D Suave
A-20 // OZONE MAG
oi
West Palm Beach native G Boi was
rapping for less than a year when
Fat Joe brought him into the Terror Squad family. Even though he
hasn’t been in the music game for
long, G Boi’s quality of music, focus, and experience in the streets
have put him on the fast path to
stardom.
How did you hook up with Terror Squad?
My manager does real estate and Fat Joe was
renting one of his condos. He let Fat Joe hear
one of my songs and he liked it. He came to
the studio one day and we just started vibing.
He seen the way that I record without writing
down my lyrics. He was like, “Man, you’re amazing. We need to make something happen.” We
built that relationship and went from there.
I’ve been with Terror Squad for about four
months now.
What’s changed for you over the last for
months since getting the deal?
My buzz is starting to grow. I’m meeting a lot
of people like promoters, DJs, artists like DJ
Khaled, Rick Ross, Triple Cs, Ace Hood, Billy
Blue. It just opened up a lot of doors for me.
Have you done any collaborations yet?
I’ve got a song with Fat Joe called “Like Sex.”
I did a song with Bali, The Runners’ artist. I
worked with Papa Duck, Toe Down outta West
Palm Beach. I wrote a song for Fat Joe and
T-Pain was supposed to do the hook, but it
didn’t get cleared so they put Pleasure P on
there. A lot of things are starting to happen.
Fat Joe is a vet in the game. What’s it like
working with him? Are you learning a lot?
It’s amazing. It’s a blessing to be working with
him. He’s been in the game so long. It’s unbelievable to me. He’s like a mentor. He guides
me in the right direction and shows me the
things I need to know. If he sees me making a
mistake he be like, “Naw G, that’s not the way
to go.” He’s just an eye-opener to me. He’s like
a big brother.
You mentioned you don’t write down your
lyrics. Why is that?
When I first started I used to write, but writing
was kinda hard because when I’d go in the
booth and read the song I wrote, it sounded
like I was reading it. My lyrics weren’t coming
out as good and I wasn’t sounding as nice. I
tried it the other way and it turned out to be
better so I kept up with that style.
How long have you been rapping?
I’ve only been rapping a year. My success
came quick. I started from the streets so that’s
probably why my success came a little faster
than others.
You have a couple mixtapes out. Which one
is the newest one that you’re pushing?
I had Drug Deala Music and I did Square Biz like
two months ago. Now I’m finna drop another
one Memorial Weekend called Money & Work.
Why did you decide to call the newest mixtape Money & Work?
It’s basically saying that money and work is
what motivates me. If you don’t work you
don’t get money. I try to motivate the people
in the streets to keep it moving, like you can
have a 9 to 5 or still in the streets doing whatever you do. I’m trying to motivate them like,
“Damn, I wanna make this happen, I wanna
do this.”
Who were you before the music?
Before I got into the music thing I was going
through the struggle. I was into negative
things, in and out of jail, back and forth to
prison. I had made a commitment to myself
and my kids. “When daddy gets out this time,
he’s not gonna live that same lifestyle.” So I
tried something new. I had other artists I was
pushing, but the hustle and grind wasn’t there
so I tried to make it happen for myself and it
turned out pretty good. My friends kept pushing me so I just went hard.
Spoken like a true leader.
Yes, I’m a bossman. I believe in being the head
honcho at the forefront. I think big and try to
take everything to another level.
Before we go, is there anything else people
should know about you?
I got next. It’s my time. I work hard. I promote
myself and market myself and the music is
there. You can’t knock the hustle and the
music. Logon to Myspace.com/GBoiCEO if you
want to book me for a show or anything. //
OZONE MAG // A-21
Magazeen
Words by Jee’Van Brown
Photo by Eric Perrin
A-22 // OZONE MAG
When Hip Hop and Reggae collide
it creates an explosion that can
be felt above and beyond the two
genres. From RECORDS LIKE T.I.’s
first single “I’m Serious” featuring BeEnie Man, to Bun B and Sean
Kingston’s street hit “That’s Gangsta,” it’s A proven FACT that Hip Hop
and Reggae combined equal a hit.
Rick Ross’ newest album Deeper
Than Rap AdOPTS THIS FORMULA this
on the track “Yacht Club” featuring the newest Maybach Music
signee Magazeen. Hailing from Jamaica, HE’S ready to take his place
IN THE INDUSTRY.
First off, congratulations on your new found
success and signing with Maybach Music.
Most definitely. The blessings just keep on
coming.
How did you and Rick Ross hook up?
To tell you the truth, I got to know Ross from
working at the car wash. He came by there and
I would wash and detail his car. I went from
washing the Maybach to driving the Maybach
(laughs). But basically one day we left the car
wash and went to the studio, he heard me rap
and he liked it. He told me, “I like how you do
your thang, we should do something,” and we
went from there.
How would you say your life has changed
now since your days working at the car
wash?
My life has changed so much. I’m in the studio
doing what I want to do, which is making music. I’m meeting important people in the music
industry like different artists and producers. It’s
a blessing.
How long have you been rapping?
I’ve been rapping since I was living in Jamaica;
it’s been about seven years.
How did you and Ross come up with “Yacht
Music”?
We were in the studio in Miami and they
played the track. He laid his verse, then I did
two hooks and picked one. That’s how we do
it, rapping, singing, partying.
How long have you been living in the states?
About three years. I was doing my music in
Jamaica but I didn’t get my fair share so I was
like fuck it, I’m going to try somewhere else.
What struggles would you say you had to
overcome to get to America?
Growing up in Jamaica, it’s nice but it’s rough
at the same time. You go through a lot of stuff,
slow hard times. But here in America everything is fast. It’s easy to become someone in
America and make it, but at the same time it’s
easy to break you. You just don’t know what’s
going to happen with your life. You have to
choose the right path and have self-discipline.
Are you working on an album now?
Yeah, I’m working on the album now officially.
We’re thinking about naming it Jamaica Gates,
but we’re still in the process.
Are you performing anywhere in Miami for
Memorial Day?
Yes, I will be at Best of the Best on May 24th.
What’s your main goal that you want to
achieve in this industry?
I want to be successful just like Bob Marley did
it, but just a little different. I want people to
remember Magazeen. I want to make a difference and have an impact on the music world.
What reggae artists and rap artists inspired
you coming out?
Tupac definitely, Biggie, Jay-Z is my favorite,
but you know one of my favorites is the
Boss. When I first moved to the states Ross
was just popping off, that was the first CD I
ever brought in my life, I never brought a CD
before. It feels like everything is odd and was
meant to be. But other than that, the reggae
artists that inspired me was Bob Marley, Shabbah Ranks, and Shaggy.
Since you started working with Rick Ross
have you worked with any other artists?
I haven’t worked with any other artists yet but
I’m in the circle. I’m around everybody and it’s
a huge circle.
Why do you think rap music and reggae
music have such a strong connection?
It’s just so hard to bring reggae music across
the board, and rap music is big, but when the
energy is real it’s going to bump. With rap
and reggae music, it has the same rhythm and
different style that’s similar so it makes a great
connection. //
OZONE MAG // A-23
A-24 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // A-25
Not to be confused with THE ORLANDO DJ & producer OF THE SAME
NAME, DJ Nasty is the official DJ for veteran rapper Trick Daddy.
Nasty has worked with almost every rapper in Florida, and he’s
currently working on mixtapes for Iceberg and the entire Poe Boy
Entertainment ROSTER. Nasty plans on getting from behind the
turntables and hopping in the booth to work on his solo mixtape.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Right now I’m on the road with Trick Daddy.
I’ve been DJing for about 12 years, and I’m
a CORE DJ. I’m one of the original CORE
members.
DJ Nasty
Words by Jee’Van Brown
How do DJs like yourself benefit from being
a part of the CORE DJs?
You get to network with a lot of artists and
it helps you break records, network with the
radio, and other little perks with the foundation, and you also get to meet A&Rs.
How do you know when a record is hot? Is
it a feeling you have, or more of a crowd
reaction?
It’s a little of both. You have to believe in it
and feel the song. If you don’t believe in it,
you can’t make the people feel it. When I get
the record I have to figure out what can I do
to get people to feel it. Every time I’ve broken a record it popped off and it worked.
What songs would you say you broke?
“Fuck the Other Side” with Dunk Ryders and
Trick Daddy, “On Deck” with Undersurvillance, “Shone” with Ball Greezy, Flo-Rida
“Low,” man, I got so many it’s crazy. Plus
“Naked Hustle” with Bizzle.
How has the DJing changed since you came
into the music business?
With all the technology out now and the
different transitions you can do, it takes away
from the art form and makes it easier. The
bad thing about it is that people who would
have never thought about becoming a DJ are
DJing now just because it’s easy.
What else do you do besides DJ?
I just DJ. That’s my life.
Where do you DJ currently?
I’m with an internet station called www.
thestreetsfm.com. I’m in the club seven days
a week. I’m on the road with Trick Daddy, and
I do some stuff with Poe Boy.
What artists would you say are making a lot
of noise right now in Miami?
Iceberg, and one of the realest dudes out,
Black Dada. His single “I’m a Zoe” is huge
in Miami, and there are some others like J
Gutta, BallGreezy, and Bizzle.
Where are you DJing in Miami for Memorial
Day?
Friday you can catch me at Karu & Y with
Young Jeezy. On Saturday I will be at Rendezvous, and Monday I will be at Mansion with
Sam Sneak, DJ Khaled, and DJ Drama.
B-6 // OZONE MAG
Are you working on any mixtapes?
Yep, I’m working on a mixtape right now
called Mr. L.I.V.E. with Iceberg, and one with
everybody from Poe Boy Ent. We’re working
on that mixtape as we speak.
Do people ever get you confused with the
other DJ Nasty?
Yeah, all the time, but it’s cool. Some people
think he’s me and vice versa, but I’m a big fan
of [Orlando-based] DJ Nasty. //
C
Words by Ms Rivercity
B-8 // OZONE MAG
y
Chill
the million
dollar man
HE’S one of the prominent forces
in the streets OF CENTRAL FLORIDA.
From street teams to internet
promotions, CHILL THE MILLION
DOLLAR MAN HAS Covered all THE
bases when it comes to branding
himself. This year he’s been working on some big things, including
collaborations with every big
name in Florida.
What have you been working on lately?
A lil bit of everything – mixtapes, a DVD, collaborations with Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Plies,
Field Mob, Papa Duck, Tom G, Frank Lini, Haitian Fresh, DJ Khaled, Bigga Rankin, DJ Drama,
DJ Smallz, Headbussa, Sugga Black, Shizem,
Shotgun, DJ Big Dawg, and Southern Belle to
name a few.
What’s the next project you’re about to drop?
I got a dead serious project comin’ called Rich
Man’s Vows – that’s my album. I don’t have a
release date yet but it’s coming this year.
For those who don’t know, how did you get
your start in the game?
I fucked around with this group called I.B.C. –
Independent Black Corp. One of my homies
ran that shit but it wasn’t workin’ so I got with
the niggas we came up with – Island Boyz
Cartel. Our neighborhood in Bradenton was
called The Island. I was like the Master P out of
the group. We had all the cash but we weren’t
the best rappers, so we fell apart. I did a bid
at county and while I was there I felt I owed
the city and the fans. When I got out I kept it
movin’ by myself and later picked up Cane and
Clay; that’s how we started Cartel4Life Records.
How does it feel to be a representative for
Bradenton, Florida?
I mean, ain’t much changed about me, not
even the beard, gold teeth, dress code, nothin’.
I’ve always been somebody in my area, but
now more people in different cities are starting
to recognize the face.
In what ways do you open doors for other
artists in your city?
Like most areas, there’s a rapper on every
street in my city. Most of ‘em look up to some
of the things I’ve done. Some of them hate,
some ask me to sign them, but the point is, I’m
in the same line [of work] they’re in. I spend my
cash on this shit and don’t wait for handouts,
but if I get the right chance I’ma try to sign
every cat I think can rap from my area. It’s all
love for them niggas.
Bradenton isn’t far from Tampa. How does
your music compare to their style?
My shit is over there in the clubs and the
Tampa DJs fuck with me, but the radio stations
ain’t fuckin’ with me. I know Tom G and Lil Kee,
and I fucks with Military. I just stay grinding.
I’m not ever gon’ be an ass kisser and I damn
sure ain’t in this to make sure your bills are
paid and mines aren’t. With that said, I’m not
gon’ blame Tampa [if I don’t get radio play]. I’m
just gon’ make sure I keep going hard.
How do you feel about paying for things like
radio campaigns and promotions?
I’ma keep it real. In this music shit, this is where
the legal jack boys at. I have a song on my
album talkin’ about this shit and a lot of fuck
niggas do it. But for instance, Jeezy, Ross, and
Plies don’t have to pay DJs to play their shit.
But if an indie wants his shit played, they’re
asking, “How much you got?” Pussy nigga,
play the record. First, see if it’s something you
like and then work with the artist. These fuck
ass consultant niggas feed you million dollar
lies what they could do if you had this on the
table. All I can say is I hustled for years and in
the game you run into some of the sneakiest
fuck niggas you ever seen. So I look niggas in
the eyes when I talk. I wanna see what your
game face looks like. So I’m not paying shit in
full until some progress is made.
Do you have anything planned for Memorial
Day in Miami?
I’m always on the move. Presence is everything. If I’m not there, I’m there with the #1
promoter in the South, in the world, Kingpin.
As long as I’m working he’s gon’ make sure
I get seen and heard. I’m sending the street
team down to South Beach with the music.
Kingpin, Stacy and Jerzee will make sure you
get a CD in your hand Memorial Day weekend.
I’ma be strip club hopping at Rolex and
Diamonds. The parties are gonna be stupid
packed so I’ma be at those spots every night. //
OZONE MAG // B-9
This rap shit is nothing to Billy
Blue. By age 18, he had ALREADY
been through more turmoil than
a shady record exec could ever
DREAM up. Born to Haitian immigrants in New Rochelle, New York,
Blue’s mother passed away when
he was 10, and he was subsequently shipped away by his father,
along with his two sisters, to an
aunt in Miami.
Hard times living with his aunt forced him into
the streets at age 11. By age 13 he was behind
bars. After three years in juvenile, Blue was
released, only to find himself sent to Haiti in
the midst of a Haitian revolt. He survived that
nightmare and returned to Miami at 19.
Blue went back into the street life, but through
rap music, he found a way out. His song “Ball
Like a Dog” caught the attention of Poe Boy
exects. They soon signed the rapper to Interscope Records through a joint venture with
Akon’s Konvict Music and Timbaland’s Mosely
Music Group. And now Billy Blue is ready to tell
the world what he’s been through.
Sounds like you’ve been through a lot in life.
Your mom died and dad shipped you off?
Dad was like, “I’m not taking care of no kids,
y’all on y’all own.” So, he shipped us to Miami.
That shit wasn’t easy at all ’cause when you
move, and you don’t have nobody to lean
on around that age, you’re subject to a lot of
fucked up shit. I had moved in with my aunt
and she had two sons [there] at the time and
they were the baddest muthafuckas in the
world. You know when you find a pawn, you
just use it to your advantage and that’s what
they were doing. It was like “go do this,” “go
do that,” and it was nothing nice. I had to go
ahead and weather the storm. I did all types
of dumb shit. I ended up gettin’ locked up and
realized that I had been doing some crazy shit.
What did you get locked up for?
I got locked up for home invasion and I didn’t
come back out until I was eighteen. There
was no prom, no graduation day, none of that
high school shit. After 6th grade, that was it.
While I was in [juvenile], I didn’t know [what
B-10 // OZONE MAG
I was missing]. But when you come out you
start hearing people talk about it. They talking
about prom was this, graduation night was
that, and they’re like, “What was yours like?”
And you’re like, “Shit, I didn’t have that. I didn’t
have none of that shit.”
So what happened when you got out?
I had got out on good behavior [after] like
three years. I got out on a Monday morning
at 8 o’clock. By 9 o’clock that same morning,
my dad had me on a flight to Haiti. He wasn’t
trying to have no parts of me at that time. He
sent me down there at a time when they were
trying to overthrow the government. Can
you imagine being in a third world country
and not being able to speak their language
and waking up to dead bodies on the floor? I
was like, “Damn, this is where this nigga sent
me? What kind of parent do I have?” That shit
was one of the craziest experiences of my
life, walking over dead bodies just to get to
school.
When did rapping become a major factor in
your life?
After I came back from Haiti, I think it was like
2000, 2001, I started recording. One day I was
in the studio and I came up with the song “Ball
Like A Dog,” and that shit just took off. From
there it just got into the right ears and one of
the Poe Boy A&Rs heard it. And they were telling me, “Aye man, I got connection with Poe
Boy.” And I’m looking like, “Yeah right, I heard
that shit before.”
So what’s life like for you now?
I’m getting love from all the hoods. When you
get that respect and love for every hood you
go to, that means you’re doing something
right, to make them say, “Let me stop listening
to Jeezy for a minute, let me stop listening to
Ross for a minute, let me pause the Plies, [and]
let me hear what Blue got to say.” Being a Zoe,
we never got that respect that others got.
People be like, “Don’t fuck with them, they got
AIDS,” or “Don’t fuck with them, they’re dirty.”
Now we’ve overcome all of that. We made
[people] respect us. When I go to my shows I
say, “What’s up to all my Zoes.” I’m not just for
the Zoes, I’m for everybody, but being a Zoe
makes it even better. //
BillyBlue
Words by Randy Roper
Photo by Jared Ryder
OZONE MAG // B-11
Mista
Mac
B-12 // OZONE MAG
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by Wuz Good
“I figure if I’m not working, I’m not
really doing anything with my
life,” says Mista Mac, a 19-year-old
workaholic emcee. Starting out
as a ghost writer, Mac’s behind
the scenes work finally paid off
when he landed a spot on the Poe
Boy Music Group team. Now he
spends nearly all of his time in the
studio preparing to be the future
of the label.
How long have you been with Poe Boy and
how did that situation come about?
My homeboy Sam Sneak, Ross’ DJ, is like my
mentor. When Flo-Rida got signed to Poe Boy
they did a community BBQ, and I met Freezy
[at Poe Boy]. By that time I was DJing and
making beats, but I was still in high school.
From that I just built a relationship and the rest
is history.
If you started out DJing and making beats,
when did rapping become a main priority?
I write as well, so it wasn’t like a major transition. It was pretty much a no-brainer. It was an
evolution and a growth. I always rapped, and
I used to freestyle in school, but I was always
focused on being behind the scenes. It just so
happened I was in the studio doing a record
and E-Class heard it and he loved it. From there
it took on a life of its own and I’ve been doing
it ever since. I’d say that was about a year ago.
E-Class always believed in me. He’s one of
those people that will push you to do the best
at whatever you’re doing. He saw a vision and I
saw a vision so we decided to go on and do it.
Among the Poe Boy artists Flo-Rida has the
whole mainstream crossover thing on lock,
and Brisco has more of a street audience.
You’re somewhere in the middle. How would
you describe your style?
I’ve got a whole bunch of versatility. I know
how to do so many things and my music reflects that. I’m not a one-genre type of person.
With me growing up listening to different
types of music, it’s embedded in me. With my
music, I try to cover all the bases.
You have a song with T-Pain called “Check
Out the Carrots.” How did you link up with
him for that record?
That was one of those genius moves by EClass. As soon as I heard it I was like, “I gotta do
this record.” I went in the studio and recorded
it and E-Class loved it.
What else do you have in the works?
I’ve just been so busy in the studio working
on music. I get lost in the studio. Sometimes
I don’t even know what day it is ‘cause I be in
the studio so much working. I’m a workaholic.
I don’t even know what’s going on in the outside world. If it’s not on Sports Center or if it’s
not a news update on Allhiphop, I’m really not
gonna know what’s going on. I love making
music, I love to work. I figure if I’m not working,
I’m not really doing anything with my life. If I’m
not being productive, what’s the point?
How do you feel about following in the footsteps of your labelmates?
It’s a high standard around here. Some big
records came out of Poe Boy so there’s some
large shoes to fill. With me being so young, I
gotta go hard. I gotta give it 200%. I don’t feel
comfortable with anything less than that. I
have high expectations for myself.
What are some of your best records so far?
I don’t even know, I have so many. I have a
record with Flo, Greezy, and Brisco. I have the
T-Pain record. I got the “Swervin” record - that
was actually endorsed by Puma for this shoe
called the Lift. They got my posters in Finish
Line and everything. But I have a lot of records.
I just live and let God. I let the people decide.
At the end of the day it don’t matter what
I think ‘cause I’m not the consumer, I’m the
supplier.
What do you have going on for Memorial Day
weekend?
We’re just gonna take over the beach. It’s
gonna be swarming with Poe Boy street team
people.
Is there anything else you want to mention
before we go?
Look out for the music. Go cop those Puma
Lifts if you ain’t got ‘em ‘cause they real comfortable. You can stay updated on Myspace.
com/MistaMacMusic. I stay on Twitter - Twitter.
com/MistaMacMusic. //
OZONE MAG // B-13
Triple C’s
Words by Julia Beverly
Photo by Terrence Tyson
B-14 // OZONE MAG
Recently Maybach Music inked a
deal with Def Jam to release Triple
C’s America’s Most Wanted album.
A long time in the making, the
merger promises to shed light on
Ross’ protégés and hypemen Torch
and GunPlay. Here the two group
members discuss their new label
situation and how they plan to
earn their own recognition.
pills count too. I just had three today. I’m just
keepin’ it real light for right now. I’m trying to
stay focused, it’s time to work hard and I’ll party
harder later.
So you guys are officially Def Jam now?
Torch: Yeah, it’s official. They done finally
opened the duffle bag and passed out the
ransom. Triple C, Maybach Music Group. We
here now. America’s Most Wanted coming late
this summer.
You have a mixtape out too, right?
Torch: My solo mixtape Ski Mask Music is in the
streets. GunPlay’s mixtape is in the streets. We’re
gonna be the first people in history to get 5
blunts in OZONE for a mixtape. We got 15,000
out there and we’re printing more to keep passing out. We ain’t even selling them. We want
people to know the music and respect us for
everything else but being next to Ross.
Does the deal change anything in your mind
aside from just a title?
Torch: Nah, we always had the mindstate that
we were on that platform, but now it’s time
for us to step to the forefront and have people
respect us for our lyrical abilities, not just being
the dudes next to Ross.
How hard is it to overcome the stereotype of
being looked at as the hypemen/homeboys?
Torch: I don’t think it’s gonna be hard at all
‘cause anybody that follows Triple C music
knows that we’re not like the other sets where
people are just putting their homeboys on the
shit. We actually have talent over here. I cover
a whole other market being from up North,
and GunPlay is the future of down South. If you
follow Triple C you know we’ve got skills on our
own. It’s like three bosses.
What did it take for Def Jam to “open the
duffle bag,” as you said?
GunPlay: We had to come with a hit record.
“Yams” is ripping the streets up right now. We
performed that and a couple other records for
L.A. Reid and basically blew their brains out. The
music was just so intense, it speaks for itself.
They got to see the visual and it sold them on it.
We got a deal! GunPlay got money now. Do you
know how much pussy I’ma buy now? (laughs)
Hey, I got a job!
I heard you’ve decreased your five drug minimum to a two drug minimum now.
GunPlay: I mean, sometimes I’ll relapse. I ain’t
gonna lie. And I’m about to go to Bogota,
Colombia, so I’m telling you now I’ma relapse.
They’ve got the best cocaine on planet earth.
What drugs are you on right now?
GunPlay: I’m just on a lil weed and Patron. Well,
How are you gonna restrain yourself with that
money?
GunPlay: I don’t know. Torch and [our manager]
Geter, man. Shout out to them ‘cause I wouldn’t
be here right now if it weren’t for them. They
keep me grounded and focused.
How are you gonna make the album something people will want to purchase when
you’re giving away so much music?
Torch: [The mixtapes] are just a taste test. That’s
not even the tip of the iceberg with us. On our
original stuff, we come with creativity. We’re the
yin and yang. He’s the wild and I’m the smooth
and we compliment each other.
Out of all the places you’ve traveled, where
would you want to go back to again?
GunPlay: Amsterdam! I wanna get a flat over
there for real. Instead of muthafuckas being
crackheads on the corner, they’re playing the
xylophone and harp and shit. They’re just feeling good. It’s a real high society for real. Everybody’s laid back. Nobody looks at my hair crazy.
They just say, “Man, he’s smokin’ some good.”
Torch, how do you deal with having a
drugged-up partner? Any scary experiences?
Torch: There’s a lot of scary experiences but at
the end of the day we grew up together. What
some people might consider wild, I consider
normal. I know how to deal with him. We just
compliment each other so well. I’m used to his
eccentric behavior.
Any thoughts on the 50 Cent vs Ross “beef”?
Torch: That’s a no-brainer. I’m with the winners Triple Cs. I’m gonna be Triple C till I die. Fuck the
otha side. Whoever on the otha side, fuck ‘em,
die painful. I wanna see you hurt.
GunPlay: I don’t give a fuck about none of them
niggas, man. I’ll kill anything movin’. GunPlay
don’t give a fuck about you and yours! I threw
myself in the fire, I don’t give a fuck. Now I’m
famous-er. It’s big-time man. //
OZONE MAG // B-15
St. Louis rapstress Hennessy is
coming out hard on the scene.
After signing up with XXXclusive Entertainment nearly four
years ago, the Midwest lyricist
has showcased her skills across
the country with the help of her
label CEO. Her album Fool Proof,
featuring her lead single “Walk
Like a Bad Bitch,” is slated for release later this year.
“I feel like the industry needs me,” Hennessy
states with confidence. “There hasn’t been a
real dominant female holdin’ it down for a long
time, and I feel it’s time for a female to come
out strong and rep by herself.”
Paving her own lane, Hennessy put together
17 tracks of material she feels is classic. “I feel
like [other female rappers] ain’t talkin’ ‘bout
shit,” she says. “It’s the same thing from every
female coming out, it’s always real promiscuous or real vulgar…I feel like more subjects
need to be touched on than just the physical parts of a woman. Point blank.” Now that
the album is in its final stages of production,
Hennessy is ready to let the world know what
makes her “Walk Like a Bad Bitch.”
Can you introduce yourself to people who
aren’t familiar with you yet?
I’m representing St. Louis, straight out of the
314. I’ve been rhyming since I was five years
old and I’ve been rapping since I was 13. You
know, I started beating on the tables in the
lunch room, gettin’ down with my peers. It’s
just instilled in me. I hustled my music in the
underground and I collaborated with a lot of
different artists. I been on the scene for a lil
minute now, just taking it nationwide.
When did you start getting a buzz and realized you could take your rap career further?
I started getting a buzz in 2005 when I got
with Mr. P from XXXclusive Entertainment. He
got me doing big things. I was on The Source
Tour and traveling. I started working on my
album, I only have two features on my album. I
held it down by myself as a lady. Mr. P took me
to Kentucky, New York, and Atlanta for shows
and I created an underground buzz. I was the
only female holding it down. On the tour DVD,
I got a perfect score from the judges. They
were lovin’ me.
When does the album drop?
The album is called Fool Proof and it’s coming
out soon. It’s got some bangers on it. I can’t
B-16 // OZONE MAG
even say which ones are my favorites. I love
all of ‘em. “Walk Like a Bad Bitch” is the single.
That’s just how I present myself. One of my
other bangers is “We Don’t Fight.” It’s about
the street life in the hood where I’m from in
St. Louis. It’s a pretty grimy. East Coast, West
Coast, wherever you’re from, in the hood
they’ve got that iron for ya. They don’t fight no
mo’. But the album is 17 tracks, it’s real hard.
It’s real versatile, you can get whatever style
you lookin’ for - it’s street, something deep,
real lyrical, and something to party to. There’s
something for everybody.
What are your thoughts on the lack of prominent female rappers in the game right now?
I feel like the industry needs me. There hasn’t
been a real dominant female holdin’ it down
for a long time, and it’s time for a female to
come out strong and rep by herself. I can hold
it down. The thing that makes me stand out
is I can’t be compared to any of the female
rappers that’s been heard lately. I’m more like
the Queen Latifahs and MC Lytes. Those are
the rappers that really earned their respect. I
want to be an idol and an inspiration to other
female rappers. I want to help pave the way.
Is it just harder for female artists to get the
same recognition as male artists?
I feel like they ain’t talkin’ ‘bout shit. It’s the
same thing from every female coming out. It’s
always something real promiscuous or real
vulgar. If you look at me you couldn’t tell I’m a
rapper, but when I come out I’m real dominant
and hard with everything I say. I’m personal.
I feel like more subjects need to be touched
than just the physical parts of a woman.
Who inspired you?
I’ve got respect for any artist doing their thang
that’s out there grindin’. I listen to all genres of
music that’s why I feel I’m so versatile at what I
do. I open my mind to everything. I’ve got mad
respect for U.G.K., R.I.P. Pimp C, Tupac, Biggie rappers that were talkin’ about something.
Tell me about the label you’re on, XXXclusive
Entertianment.
We’re out of St. Louis, Missouri and we’re trying
to take it worldwide. We were established in
2005 and we’ve been doing it big ever since.
Mr. P is the owner and CEO of the company.
We have an in-house production team, Say It
Ain’t So Productions. As far as the name, we
really wanted to put a lot of emphasis on the
word “exclusive” ‘cause that’s what we are. That
triple X can mean almost anything. We’re just
doing whatever it takes to get in this game
and make a big name for XXXclusive.
What qualities do you think will make you successful?
I gotta keep the faith and I gotta keep my focus
on what I’m doing. A lot of things will try to get in
your way and block your blessings. If something
bad happens to you, you might think it’s over, but
when that happens just keep pushin’ and know
that there’s a rainbow after the storm. I’m tryin’ to
get that pot of gold for real so I ain’t stoppin’. I just
pray and keep my focus. Loyalty is very important
to me so I just try to stay down with my people
and I believe in us.
What are some of the deeper songs on the
album.
I got a song called “Skin Deep.” It’s real universal,
everybody can relate to it, especially females.
People are more than skin deep. Sometimes
people judge as a whole different way than what
you are. Like I said, my album has 17 tracks and I
believe all of ‘em are hits. I’ma just leave it up to the
fans. I’m just tryin’ to get worldwide wit’ the album.
Hopefully they’ll love it when they hear it in Japan
or Germany or the U.K., wherever. I’m just trying to
make this movement big as possible and let ‘em
know the real is here.
What else do you want to say before we go?
Fool Proof coming soon. Be lookin’ out for
your girl Hennessy this year. Shouts out to
XXXclusive. Y’all are gonna be seeing us a
lot. Pick up the album when you see it in
the stores or out the trunk. Request it
on the radio. Come out and support
your girl at the shows.
How do people check out some
of your songs or get in contact with you?
For booking information
call 314-226-7774 or
314-497-1403. You can
hit up our website at
Myspace.com/
XXXent314 for our
music and to buy
singles and ringtones. //
Hennessy
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by Earl Randolph
OZONE MAG // B-17
B-18 // OZONE MAG
OZONE MAG // B-19
Busta
Rhymes
Words by Maurice G. Garland
Photo by Frank Ockenfels
B-20 // OZONE MAG
es
arland
els
D
o you realize how much Busta
Rhymes has contributed to this
thing we call Hip Hop? Sure, you
remember the crazy, Hype Williamsdirected, bubble-eyed lens videos with the
loud colors. Yeah, he made it cool to hop on
everybody and anybody’s record. True, he’s
given some of the best concerts your eyes will
ever see. But do you actually appreciate his
efforts? Do you own all of his albums? Do you
ever hear him actually spitting a wack verse?
Odds are that you answered “no” to at least
two of those questions.
Its ok, Busta forgives you. Actually, he’s not
tripping at all. With his new album Back On
My Bullshit Busta is going to keep doing the
same thing he’s done for the last 20-plus years,
whether you notice it or not.
The name of the album is Back On My Bullshit.
Is there any angle that you were trying to
convey with that album title?
I really wasn’t trying to convey nothing other
than the self-explanatory definition of the
title itself. I just felt like I’ve been in situations
where I’ve switched from label to label. I
started out with Elektra now I’m with Universal
Motown. Through my experiences, I always
feel like you’re a part of teams. We are like
basketball players. When you play for different
teams sometimes you’re asked to do things
that you don’t feel are one hundred percent
you or allow you to feel one hundred percent
comfortable in your own skin. It’s a fact that
my greatest success was garnished when I
was working under the reign of Sylvia Rhone.
She was the C.E.O. of Elektra Records at the
time when I was putting out “Woo Hah” and
“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”,
“Dangerous” and that record I did with Janet
“What’s It Gonna Be,” so I garnished my greatest success with her. She always made me feel
comfortable and trusted in knowing that as
long as she allowed me to sit behind the wheel
of controlling my own destiny, I was gonna
deliver at the fullest of my capability. Now that
I’m at Universal Motown, and she’s the CEO
over here, I’m pretty sure that between what
you saw happening then and what you see
happening right now with my records in the
street and the momentum we got compared
to the records that we got and the momentum
that we had in my last situation there’s a significant difference. The minute I came over here,
I put out my first record and the shit made the
most noise in the streets with “Arab Money”
off the top. There wasn’t no complication in
figuring out how to market or campaign the
Busta Rhymes brand or Busta Rhymes as an
artist or his type of music because she already
understands how to do that from our experience from the Elektra days over ten years ago.
So it’s number one, I’m back home with Sylvia
Rhone. I’m back to being able to do what I’m
used to doing and that’s giving people the
Busta Rhymes that they’ve known to grow
and love. In addition to that, the album just
feels and sounds like, vintage Busta Rhymes in
a new way so the most appropriate title was
Back On My Bullshit being that I am literally
back on my bullshit.
What kind of sound can we expect from the
Back On My Bullshit album?
You can definitely look forward to the Busta
Rhymes that you’ve all known to grow and
love over the years. It’s actually doing that at a
mastered level, the highest level of what Busta
Rhymes can offer you. I’m in one of the most
amazing stages of my life. I survived a lot of
bullshit that I’ve had to deal with over the last
couple of years: legal issues, label transitions,
and just a lot of obstacle courses. [Recording] helped me be able to find peace of
mind. I was able to get past all that and find a
tranquility in knowing that I’m back in a space
where I can now say that I’ve got shit under
control the way I’m used to having shit under
control. Second of all, you’re gonna get the
vintage Busta Rhymes-sounding shit; the distinctive moments in Hip Hop that have helped
me garnish the success that I’ve gotten up
to this point. You’re going to get that highenergy, you’re gone get that feel-good music.
You’re gone get the traditional club bangers
that Busta Rhymes has always been able to
offer the people. And the beauty is that you’re
gonna get it in a new way. I ain’t never one
to try to recreate shit that has already been
done in its own right successfully. Last but not
least you’re gonna get shit that you can go to
the end of the earth and not find on anyone
else’s album. I say that proudly with my chest
poked out. I know for a fact that you may have
some of the people that I have on your album,
but you don’t have them on there the same
way I have them on my album. Mary J. Blige,
John Legend, Common, Jamie Foxx have done
songs with other people, and they’ve done
amazing, historically-eventful records
The rest of this interview is featured in
OZONE’s June issue.
OZONE MAG // B-21
It’s not likely that you’ll escape
hearing Black DaDa’s song “Imma
Zoe” during Memorial Day Weekend IN MIAMI. The Haitian anthem
is currently one of the biggest
records in South Florida. After
singing his way through the open
mic circuit, Black’s voice is being
heard loud and clear.
Explain the story behind the “Imma Zoe”
record. How did it get so big?
It was about six months ago when the record
first got played by underground. I was grinding at every independent open mic they had
around the city. I’m from Broward County, but
I‘ve been to every open mic from Dade County
to West Palm Beach. I started getting in touch
with a lot of DJs and underground radio stations and they start pushing it. South Florida
has a lot of Haitians so it sparked off. I gave my
CD to DJ Fade and he ran with “Imma Zoe.” It
went from Broward County to Dade to Palm
Beach, from Naples to Tallahassee, Tampa, and
Jacksonville. Now it’s progressed to Canada,
Ohio, and Texas.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Music can make you cry, music can make
you smile and laugh. It can even make you
wanna fight. I’ve grown up all my life listening
to music and singing in choirs. It was a craft I
admired in all the artists in the industry. Lil Jon
made me want to get crunk. From Brian McKnight to Usher, to Trick Daddy, from Reggae to
Classical, I’m influenced by all types of music as
long as it sounds good.
You have some pictures on your Myspace
from a show in Haiti. How long ago was that?
That was a year or two ago. I had a mixtape
called Undiscovered Legend, which I might
be pushing again, and I took it to Haiti. They
don’t have stuff like that. They’re big fans of
rap and for me to bring that to them was a big
thing. We had a football field across from my
grandma’s house and I created a little concert
out there. I set it all up. The whole town came
to the event. It was a $2 admission and all the
money went to help the community.
Describe what it’s like to live in Haiti compared to the lifestyle in the states.
They don’t live like we live over here, but
they appreciate every second more. In Haiti,
after school there’s nothing else to do. There’s
hardly any jobs, it’s more home-based. Music
B-22 // OZONE MAG
is in everybody’s blood. 80% of people know
how to play an instrument. Over here people
aren’t into music like that. It’s like the slaves
back in the days, when they were working or
in their free time all they did was sing and create music. That’s all the Haitian people do.
What’s it like to know you have a major influence over a mass amount of people?
It feels good. Anybody that knows me knows
I love to make people happy all the time. I’m
very social and I like to keep people occupied.
The song “Imma Zoe” has a big meaning behind it. The root word Zoe is for the Haitians,
but at the same time, it’s for anybody that’s
ever been in a situation where their back
is against the wall or they were faced with
adversity in life. It’s for those that overcame
those problems and stood up tall, like I went
through it, I can take another blow and I’ll still
overcome it.
Why haven’t you signed to a major label yet?
You’ve always got to look for the best situation. I have a lot of friends in a situation they
wish they weren’t in. I do music for the fun
and love of it. I don’t want to jump into something I’ll regret. I like to know if I invest myself
in something it’s for the good. I have family
and I plan on having a family and I don’t
want to owe anybody. I want to make sure
everybody’s well taken care of, my community
as well as my fans.
What are your plans for the near future?
I’m gonna re-release the mixtape Undiscovered Legend under the label I’m signed to
called Strictly Business Records. It has a lot of
the songs people jam to that I remixed for fun.
God blessed me and hopefully people will
appreciate the music. We’re gonna take it off
and bring Haitians to another level. It’s been a
minute since a Haitian stepped up to the plate
and hopefully I’ll be that figure. I’m working
on the album and this summer I’m doing a
couple things that BET has lined up for us.
Will you be performing anywhere during
Memorial Day Weekend?
I’m at Dolce Saturday Night for Busta Rhymes
album release party, and I’m at the same spot
Sunday night. //
B
D
Black
DaDa
Words by Ms Rivercity
Photo by David Rosario
OZONE MAG // B-23