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To those that make this all possible,
This month I’m proud to present to you some a few
up and coming artists that are creating a movement
for themselves in the city of Indianapolis. The folks on
the cover, Dro Man, Playbwoi, Kano and T Eazy are
youngsters on their grind and you can’t help but respect it. The DJs on the other cover, Reddy Rock and
Champ, are playing their part in helping indie artists
with hot music and motivation in the game.
Below is a photo from my 25th birthday party during
Leakend 2011. As you can see, I had fun celebrating
making my way to being on this earth for an entire
quarter of a century. I felt so blessed to get to share
the night with family and friends and to have their support in everything I do. And adding to my birthday pin
collection was a nice present, too. The Leak Ladies
even bought me a Juicy Couture bag and made me
Ciroc cupcakes! I love my team!
Editor, Midwest Leak
EDITORLETTER
CONTACT INFORMATION
Midwest Leak, Inc.
P.O. Box 88789
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(862) GET-LEAK
[email protected]
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The Leak Ladies and Girls
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Fresh (Ohio)
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Moss (Wisconsin)
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Angel Santiago(Georgia)
DJ Marlei Mar (Kentucky)
LaKisha Patterson (Kentucky)
Fiya (Texas)
Shaerai (Illinois)
Pride Photography, Elite Media
Contributing Writers
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Rae Harrison, Courtney Bradley, Erica
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& Cierra Lumpkin.
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862-GET-LEAK
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 3
BEHINDTHEMUSIC
SOUTHERN ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS FOUNDER
By: Le’Deana Brown
Going into your 8th year of doing the Southern Entertainment Awards how do you manage to keep things so
exciting every year? We continue to plan the event as if we were
attending the event. We try our best to pay extra close attention to the minute
things. In addition to accepting and listening to the feedback provided from our
attendees. We want them to continue to have a voice in their event.
We’ve seen a few people that graced the stage of the SEAs as
indie artists become chart topping artists such as B.o.B. and
Nicki Minaj. How does it feel to have been a part of their history?
Honestly, as I sit back and look at their overall talent, it was bound to happen for them.
With or without the Southern Ent Awards, we are just proud that the talent that is either
nominated or attends our event continues their journey in music & entertainment.
Midwest folks like Streets n Young Deuces and DJ Dimepiece and more
have been nominated and won awards. How do they make their way into
the running? While our event is entitled the Southern Entertainment Awards, we do not limit
our event to people who “reside” in the South, but it is reserved for people who are making noise
in the SOUTH. Ex: Dj Dimepiece started her radio/dj career in TN/AL.
What do you think about the much disputed argument about the status of
Kentucky? Is it the Midwest or South? You can kind of look at it like this, was Kentucky
a “free” or “slave” state? Most “slave” states we considered “Southern” states. Even the NCAA lists
Kentucky as a Southern state.
What is your favorite event of the weekend of events besides the awards show?
The first day of the Weekend is the best, all things are in full swing and the anticipation of who’s coming is
always enjoyed.
1STROUNDDR AFTPICKS
By: Courtney Bradley
So I take it you’re from Tennessee but living in
the Midwest?
I am working on my mixtape; I am Tenneapolis. I have a single featuring Beli that is coming out soon, it is already done
though. I am waiting a little bit. Got my boy Train coming out
next and Cold Fox, DZ has his mix tape out. CFMG, this our
year.
What inspired you to become an entertainer?
Aww mane! First it started out me being a poet, I loved poetry.
I got hip to Memphis music, 8 Ball & MJG came out and that
what started me with the poetry to get into the music part.
What are some projects that you are currently
working on?
We got a movie coming out, it is in the making soon. I am in
link with Ikoneq Films…That is with Eliot Miller and Rokstar.
Any hot artists that you are working with or
have worked with?
All of the CFMG members! That is Country Fresh Music
Group. I done worked with all of them. I worked with Hollywood, that is who I started out with and he put me on game
of Naptown music.. I am willing to work with anybody. I am an
artist and a writer.
What do your fans and potential fans have to
look forward to?
Check out the mixtape. It is a mixture of Tennessee and Naptown, it’s called “I’m Here Now.” In Tennessee at the end
of April I am doing a show. That event is called “The World’s
Biggest Fish Fry.” Shout out to the Ward Click and Yella Mane,
they’re doing their thing out there in Tennessee.
Facebook: DaTennesseeMane6
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 4
1STROUNDDR AFTPICKS
By: Cierra aka HoneyCi
How long have you been rapping?
Been writing music since he was 9 years old made
first official song when 15…
How old are you by the way?
17 years old.
Are you working with any company in
particular? Heroic Music Group and 24k Music
Group was doing my thing for the past 6 months
and they met me while working. 24k music group
is my street team for promotions and stuff.
Do you work with people outside of
your music group? I’ve done collabs with
Jim E Mac on the song “Freak Me” and Ric Jilla on
“Freaky Girl.” I’m versatile when it comes to music
I can sing and rap then mix it all where you have
club songs to the bed room songs.
Do you write your own music? I’ve never
said something someone else written.
Who are your musical influences? Me
& my step brothers use to make up songs when I
was younger. You know Herron he really tells me
to keep it going and pushes me to do my music.
No international artists specifically influence me to
do my music just the love of music.
What are you currently working on?
“Whoa” the mixtape is coming up. Its music I’ve
been working on for the past year and a half.
That’s going to get me out the city. I’ve opened
for Travis Porter at Purdue University, and Waka
Flocka Flame at Indiana State.
Wow their crowd’s energy had to be
crazy! So how were they reacting to
your music? Were you nervous? Travis
Porter was my first show, and I (pause and smiles)
wasn’t nervous at all. After those shows I got a few
hundred friend requests on Facebook.
Have you had any shows out of Indiana? Chicago. I think this city holds people back.
I want to go to engineering school so I can have
something to fall back on.
Who would you like to collaboration
with in the future? I don’t want to make any
local artist my competition. I do wants to work
with people who have true talent like Drake and
Trey Songz, not just artists who think they can get
some studio equipment and think they are artists.
I want to work with people with background. I’m
not trying to knock what anyone is doing, I’ve just
encountered artists who music sound good but
in person it’s not there, like how they carry themselves and perform their music.
Anything special you would like to
“Leak” to our readers? You know, look out
for upcoming deal signings.
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 5
THATSMYDJ
By: Courtney Bradley
Tell us about DReddy Rock? Cho…Who
is Reddy Rock, who is this guy? I came into the
game rapping at first. Now I’m the president of
625 Music Group. 625 represents T-Boogie, a
friend who passed away. I always want to keep
that number around with me to keep him involved
with everything I do. I am with Violator All Star
DJs / WigSPLITTER DJs also as well as running
my own studio, Coach’s Corner.
How do you balance rapping, producing and DJing? It is a tough juggle, but I just
take it in projects. If the project calls for me to be
a rapper, I am a rapper. If the project calls for me
to be a DJ, I am a DJ. Same with production.
What made people start calling you
Coach Redd? I think it is because I had a
team. I kind of paralleled this music game to a
basketball game. I put people in the game.
Your group Trillogy, now the Trill OGz
have has been putting a lot of time
into helping other artists on their
path. When do you get back to focusing on your own music? Real soon, real soon! Right now we are just
building a brand and helping other people put out hot music so when we drop
people will already know what to expect. Trillogy will be dropping “Movers and
Shakers.”
Do you play your own music too when you DJ? How do the people
react? That is the main reason I am a DJ. When I started rapping more my first
cousin, my reason for being in music is Kenny Kixx. I learned everything about
running the business, the music industry and my ear for music came from Kenny
Kixx. At the time, I felt like he wasn’t playing my music fast enough. I felt like the
only way I could get it played fast enough was if I started playing it myself. Find
another way to get to it, if the initial way doesn’t work.
Where can people get ahold of your music? Trillolgymusic.com!
It is our gateway to the internet. Everything you need is right there. You’ll find
music, CDs, e-mail address and all that!
Who’s about to get put in the game? Are there any projects
are you currently working on? Yes! I got a list of them though. This is
Coach Redd 2011 All Star list: G-Fresh;1.5. Dahoodlumz; Come Here Streets.
T-Eazy; Trained to Go. Lil B; The Ghetto Been Good To Me. Playbwoi: Feeling
Myself. Yung Tone; Rubberband Lingo Volume 3, Ms. C Fields and Ty: A League
of Their Own, Mike E; Free Throws and I am doing that with DJ Champ. Also,
working with DJ Scream for GB The Fly Boi new music. I am also working on a
special R&B street album with LeAmber. That is my whole little team. That is only
for 2011, but shout out to everyone I worked with in 2010.
Anything else you would like to share? Trillogy “Movers and Shakers” dropping this April. Get ready for this tap dancing show that we are about to
pull off this year. Just get ready for this motion picture...Chea!!
facebook.com/ReddyRock facebook.com/triollogy
Twitter: @trillogy @CoachRedd trillogymusic.com
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 6
THATSMYDJ
By: Courtney Bradley
Was Champ a nickname you had before you started to
DJ or is it related to the music? I got the nickname before I
started. They used to call me Hamp the Champ. I started DJing when I
was younger. In high school I started to throw and DJ parties.
How many mixtapes have you made? Over 50, I don’t know
exactly. You can purchase my mixtapes at local stores like Step it up on
Lafayette Road, Dragged Up Music, and Hangtime on 38th and Meridian. You can download all of them on my website at deejaychamp.com,
Datpiff, or MidwestMixtapes.com.
What is your signature mixtape series? “Mixing Up The
Medicine.”The music is the medicine and I am mixing up the music.
What was your favorite mixtape you’ve done so far?
My favorite mixtape that I have already done was the “Mixing Up the
Medicine Vol. 2 Hosted By: Travis Porter.” My soon to be favorite that I
am working on now is Mike E - “Free Throws” (Hosted By: Dj Champ
& Dj Reddy Rock Drops In March)
Would you like to tell the people how much time and
dedication to the studio it takes to make a good quality mixtape? People work at different paces, but to make sure everything is mixed down and done properly I need about a week. That is
a good amount of time.
What does it take for an artist to get you to do their
mixtape? If anyone wants me to do their mixtape just e-mail [email protected] and let me know what you want because
there is a variety of mixtape packages that come with professional copies of their CD duplicated for them to choose from.
What do you like to listen to when you are not DJing?
I like to listen to any type of music as long as it is good music. I like
J.Cole, Jay-Z, and I always rock the locals.
Do you have aspirations to do anything else in the
music business besides DJ? Yeah, I am a DJ and producer.
Helping some of the local artist around the city inside and out the studio
is what I try to do. Sound quality is a major key to success for an artist.
Why do you prefer to DJ with turntables versus other
alternatives? I started on turntables so thats all I knew before
CDJ’s. Plus a lot of the older generations always find it interesting for a
23 year old to be rocking on turntables.
What’s coming up for the People’s Champ?I ’m moving to
Atlanta to continue my Dj Career and try to put on for my city.
Is there anything else you are working on right now
that you would like to share? It’s always a win with the People’s Champ. There are times I pass out 200 mixtapes for free just for
the fans that support what I do. Without my fans and their support there
would be no People’s Champ.
Facebook: Dee Jay Champ
Twitter: @Dee_Jay_Champ
DeeJayChamp.com
Booking: [email protected]
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 7
ADVERTISEMENT
COVERSTORY
By: Erica “EKlass” Pierce
You’ve given life to “jiggalate” the dance craze that is taking over Indianapolis and
spreading like crazy on the net. What came first- the song or the dance? Actually the dance
came first. It came from one of my guys in the neighborhood. He was always doing the dance, so I just took it, made
a song about it, but added a street feel to it.
You are the youngest artist on 1 Hundred Ent and you’ve been with them for a while now,
how have you grown over the years? Yeah I am the youngest, but I also started off in the music game at
an early age. Everything I’ve learned over the years has gotten me to where I am today. I was writing music at 9 years
old! At 12, I had a “home” studio (chuckles), and by 15, I had my own studio. I didn’t really start taking it serious until
I was around 17. Sir Hart got me to start taking it serious and staying consistent.
I could’ve sworn I saw you performing “Jiggalate” at the club with Swoe and T Eazy. Are
they sneaking you in the club? How old are you?! I ain’t one for telling on myself, but I’m 20 years old.
I’m actually having my 21st Birthday Bash March 13th at Cloud 9 in Indianapolis.
Your mixtape is called “Trappin for Dummies 2” right? What can we
expect to hear on this mixtape? Yeah, you can expect a lot of good music that will have you jiggin all the
way through. I’m trying to be the first to mix trap music w/ dance music. I want my music to give you that bounce you
need whether you’re ridin’ around gettin’ money or on your way to the club.
They say the DJ that did your mixtape, Coach Redd, has a reputation for putting people
“in the game.” Are you ready? Working with Coach Redd has certainly helped my career. From giving me
the hottest mixtape in the country to spinning my single “Jiggalate” on the radio, he’s helped me a lot. I’m definiely
ready. All I gotta do is get in the right position, and I’m gonna make something happen.
So I have to ask, do you practice jiggalating in the mirror? Be honest! Yeah I aint gon’ stunt. I’ve
caught myself jiggin in the mirror (chuckles), but anybody who does the dance probably started doing it in the mirror
first. You wanna see what you look like doing it before you try it at the club.
You were with the NAP Boyz? What happened? Yeah, we’re all good. A-T and T-Eazy got sent to
prison. I told ‘em I got ‘em, and look at me now. I couldn’t have done it without them though. We actually have another
group project coming. It’s going to be big so be on the look out for that! Spring 2011 is going to be crazy! Be on the
look out for “Mr. Popular,” my new mixtape with DJ Champ, and “28 Grams Later” with T-Eazy. Make sure to request
“Jiggalate” at your local radio stations. “Ahn hahn yeeaaah!”
[email protected]
Booking: 317-728-1727 and ask for St. James
Twitter: @DromanMusic
facebook.com/dromanmusic
iTunes: download “Jiggalate”
Youtube.com/dromanmusic
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 10
COVERSTORY
By: Erica “EKlass” Pierce
How did you get started in music?
I was about 9 or 10 years old. I used to record myself with 2 different radios. I fell in love
recording myself and haven’t looked back since.
Can you do the “Jiggalate” or are you just on the track?
(laughs) Yeah I can, but I don’t like to do it in public. You may catch me doing it on stage. If
somebody tells me to hit the jiggalate though, I’ll hit it.
So while the eastside is hitting the Jiggalate, the westside cranks the
Haughville. I’m hoping the movements have both grown city-wide, but
what’s your take on it?
I honestly don’t get into the east vs west thing. I’m just trying to put on for my city. We all are.
Do you strive to build the eastside movement though?
Definitely. I’m all about helping the eastside movement. It’s about forward movement. That’s
why on my mixtape, “Trained To Go,” I’m repping for the eastside. It’s hosted by Reddy
Rock, Chino Dollaz, DJ Ski Mask. I also have tracks featuring Dro Man, Swoe, and Hard
Times. I talk a lot about the eastside, but i’m about forward movement for my city. Real talk.
Are there any artists you’d like to work with in the future?
Man, yeah. As far as locally, I’d like to work with G Fresh, Christi Love, and Mike E. I’d love
to work with Gucci, Drake, and Chris Brown also.
You have a diverse taste in music.
Yeah I do. Right now, I’m making the music to catch the streets’ ear, get my people behind
me, but I listen to all types of music. I’ll eventually showcase a lil’ diversity in my music.
So what’s your first solo single?
I’m going to let the fans decide that. I’m going to have a listening party, and give them the
chance to to choose. “Put In Work” & “3 Days, 3 Shows” are some hot tracks though.
www.facebook.com/teazyimmago
[email protected]
dat piff- teazyimmago
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 11
COVERSTORY
By: Erica “Eklass” Pierce
I’m just going to get this out of
the way in the beginning. Dude!
What is up with the toilet?
(Laughs). Well, I actually went to school
for business and marketing so I learned
and understood that I needed to stand out.
So you understand the importance of effective marketing? I
would like to say so. The toilet made ‘em
look, but the music made ‘em listen.
Why are you always saying “I Ain’t Shit” all
the time? Let’s think happy thoughts sir! I’ve
been told that all my life, sad but true. When I wrote the
song, I was homeless, jobless, and had just been released
from jail. My guy Jon Tha Don believed in my music, gave
me a place to stay, and a studio to record in. Now, it’s go
hard or go home. I really look at it as motivational though.
Everyday I’m reminded that “if you ain’t looking for a million,
you ain’t never gon’ see it.”
I’m glad you broke that down! Who produced
the video for you, and how did you convince the
homeless folks to get involved? The video was directed by illhd (illhd.com), and it was truly a blessing how every thing came together- from the firetrucks
to the homeless people’s involvement. It wasn’t hard to get them involved. When they saw the camera,
they went in! (chuckles)
How were you able to promote yourself successfully, and what advice can you
offer other artists in doing so? I just try to think outside the box. Being different definitely helps
and makes you stand out. It’s all about setting and reaching your goals. Right now, my goal is to make
everyone think of me every time they see a toilet!
I admire you for taking the negative things that you’ve experienced and turning
them into something positive- your music. What can we expect from you in the
future? Well I have the label MRC Entertainment (Lil Scooty, Indiana Tone, Yella, Lil Skypp, & Sauce).
We’re working on the mixtape “Money Really Counts” which will be out this spring (April 2011). I also have
a few projects that i’m working on with other artists outside the label like Playbwoi & T-Harris.
I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. Any last words for our readers? I just want to take the time to thank the following people for their support, advice, and encouragement this past year: Jon Tha Don, MRC, B-Swift, Jay Goldz, Playbwoi, DJ Panic, 625, 100 Ent- The Far
Eastside, Kush Gang, and of course, Midwest Leak Magazine.
youngkano.com
iaintshyt.com
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 12
COVERSTORY
By: Erica “EKlass” Pierce
How did you link up with Reddy Rock to host your mixtape
“Feeling Myself?”
Reddy Rock actually reached out to me and helped to break my records in. From
there we built a relationship and it led to me becoming a 625 member.
Tell our readers a little about your single “So Fine.” What’s the
general concept?
It’s a track about me meeting a female I can’t let go of; that one female that you
can’t mess up with. It’s a feel good song. It’s clean cut and everyone can listen
to it from your grandmother to your kids. That’s what I’m about- building a good
positive image. I don’t feel like I should glorify negativity. My music has substance
and it feels good.
You are quite the producer for a lot of Naptown’s hottest artists. How did you get involved with production and who are
some artists you’d like to work with?
I used to watch my cousin make beats. I took what I learned from him and began
creating my own sound. The rest was history. As far as artists I’d like to work with- I
want to work with everybody.
How important is it to go hard for your city? t’s very important.
We’ve (Indianapolis) been overlooked for so long. It’s our time. It’s actually long
overdue. I can’t let my city down, so I’m definitely going to go hard.
Do you strive build and maintain a good relationship with your
fans? Oh yeah I am. Without my fans, I wouldn’t be where I’m at. They keep me
motivated to do what I do. The mixtape that is out called “Feeling myself,” hosted
by DJ Reddy Rock-- if you don’t have it go get it.
Reverbnation.com/playbwoi
Twitter: @PlayBwoi_88
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlayBwoiThaGreat
Myspace: myspace.com/playbwoi1988
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 13
Annual Patron Party 2008
Smirnoff Leak Lady Luau 2010
INTHESTREETS
Ciroc Classic Jam 2009
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Salvation Army
Bell Ringing
Honor Roll
Pizza Party
Indy All Star
Basketbal Game
Midwest Leak
Christmas for Kids
Fight for Life Foundation
Ice Cream Social
NETWORKING/EDUCATION
Indie Artist Showcase 2009
Midwest Leak • Issue #39 • 14
Music Business Seminar 2010
Women’s Business Brunch 2011
COVERSTORY
Midwest Leak • Issue #37 • 15