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COLLECTOR’S
E D I T I O N
CORY GUNZ
LYRICAL SHARP
SHOOTER
DOO WOP
THE BOUNCE MASTER
P. CUTTA
GOT BEEF?
SICKANOMICS
COVER
1
COLLECTOR’S
E D I T I O N
COVER
2
CONTENT VOL.1 ISSUE 3
FEATURES
DJ
SICKAMORE
62
DJ Sickamore:
the beat-maker, heattaker playin’ up the
industry with hot hustles
and top tracks. Don’t
miss out on his music
sensations, compilations
and A&R creations. The
rector of Sickanomics,
DJ Sickamore micro and
mack.
42
NOEL
46
Inspired by the soul
avenue, Noel, the music
industry’s newest rhythm
and blues artist, exposes
fans to his love for the
art of music. Raised in a
setting for the soul, Noel
felt it only made sense to
walk down that road for
a career.
CORY GUNZ
The
Apprentice
and
lyrical sharpshooter Cory
Gunz representing the
Bronx, New York pops at
the game with his edgy
metaphors. Gunz loaded
and aimed at the streets,
the new boy wonder
wrecking mixtapes stateto-state is set to shoot.
BUCK 50
50
Looking through the scope,
the industry is just starting to
hear Buck 50’s name buzzing.
The streets are watching for
the Pennsylvania street star
on the rise. Stay tuned, in
the near future the game will
watch him climb the charts.
54
DJ DOO WOP
Doo Wop, a well respected
pioneer
DJ
and
heavily
absorbed on the mixtape circuit,
has laid the pavement for most
present day DJs generating
massive business on the disc
jockey front. He politics with the
streets about his come-up as
one of the best who ever did it.
>DJ SICKAMORE
On cover one and this page:
(“Sickanomics 101” Pg. 62)
Photographed Exclusively for Mixtape Magazine
By RON WEXLER
4
www.mixtapemag.com
FEATURES
72
DJ DRAMA
The man behind the production of
the Gangsta Grillz mixtape series
plugs the streets to his hustle into
the star light. Street certified from
north to south, crossing terrains
east to west, DJ Drama outlines
why he demands the cover.
58
DJ P. CUTTA
Mixtape artist’s war over beats,
P. Cutta, the Street Wars
producer, spreads his story
about the evolution of his drama
filled mixtapes. Hardcore lyrics
over just as harsh tracks, P. Cutta
chops up beef on the streets.
WELCOME TO
ATLANTA
81
The south breeds movers and
shakers such as Stat Quo,
Trillville, DJ Jelly, Real Street
Promotions, Young Jeezy, Killer
Mike, and DJ Bobby Black.
Mixtape Magazine welcomed
the opportunity to fly south and
kick it with the various clicks
making Atlanta tick.
>DJ DRAMA
On cover two and this page:
(“You Don’t Want Drama” Pg. 72)
Photographed Exclusively for
Mixtape Magazine By RON WEXLER
www.mixtapemag.com
7
COLUMNS
Awesome 2:
Idris
22
Special K and Teddy Ted talk
through the media wire to Idris
from HBO’s The Wire about his
sharp acting and DJ skills.
DEPARTMENTS
12
Editor’s Letter
From North to South, Mixtape
Magazine sticks the streets with
an urban dose of lethal injection.
DJ Sickamore and DJ Drama of
The Aphilliates hook us to their
mixtape stories.
14
Feedback
This month’s featured mixtape:
Gasolina by DJ Quest.
Power of an
Attorney
16
“Are you in the game but clueless
about the role of a key power player
to escalate the value of your hustle?”
Get smart, Mixtape Magazine
suggests connecting with a powerful
attorney.
Journey of a
Journalist
18
Click-clack goes the keys on the
keyboard. Mixtape Magazine
reveals the truth about nailing
exclusive stories.
G3: Graffiti,
Growing, Giving
26
Graffiti is Hip Hop’s most versatile
and creative use of expression.
Graffiti is also a unique way to stop
the violence notes one team behind
the mission.
Executive
on the Run
28
“For Promotional Use Only,” are
four words that link Rob Love of J
Records to the pocketed success
of many Hip Hop greats.
30
Industry Profiles
96
Fashion Dept.
Instead of boxing, your boy-boy
Zab Judah knocks the block
out with a breath taking fashion
spread. The look is spring but
translates through the summer
and fall. In or outdoor, Mixtape
Magazine’s exclusive photo shoot
is off the hook.
104
MixTech
110
Reviews
118
West to East
120
The DJ Vault
Mixtapes, albums, or DVDs, you
name it, Mixtape Magazine got a
review or two in the stash. Honest
critiques from the streets for the
streets. Decide for yourself if the
product is fire or freezing.
Reputable DJs nationwide report
the top 5 songs and local talent on
their play list.
>DJ DOO WOP
On this page: (“DJ DOO WOP” Pg. 54)
Photographed Exclusively for Mixtape Magazine
By RON WEXLER
8
www.mixtapemag.com
p l a n
v
o
l
u
m
B
e
1
Founder, Publisher and
CEO
Luigi Agostini
Co-Founder and CFO
Richard “Ricstar” DelGiudice
Editor-In-Chief
Karen “Kay Konnect” Hudson
Advertising Director
Jeff French
Art Director
Max Lora
Music Editors
plan B
Staff Photographer
Ron Wexler
Contributing Photographer
Felix Natal Jr.
Fashion Director
Damarko GianCarlo
Marketing & Circulation
Management
E. Entertainment Group
and Publishing
Street Team Management
Rissa Entertainment &
Promotions
Contributing Writers
Frankie Boy, Lindsay Whitney,
Jeremy Daspin, Rea, Jessie
Williams, Isegoria, Ashlene Nand,
Marie Smith, AZ of Urban Connects
& Special K & Teddy Ted
Editorial and Advertising Information
244 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2371
New York, NY 10001-7604
TEL: (212) 340-1999
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEB: www.mixtapemag.com
All content of this publication and subsidiary web site content,
including photographs, images, and illustrations are the exclusive
property of E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape
Magazine, LLC and its contributors. Therefore, any reproduction
in content without the express written consent of E. Entertainment
Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC is strictly prohibited. E.
Entertainment Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC reserves
the right to edit or refuse all material and listing submissions and it is
not responsible for errors, edits and or omissions. E. Entertainment
Group & Publishing/Mixtape Magazine, LLC assumes no liability
for, nor endorses any products or services advertised herein.
© 2004
E. Entertainment Group & Publishing/
Mixtape Magazine, LLC
All RIGHTS RESERVED
EDITOR’SLETTER
CASE CLOSED!
Verdict:
Guilty for killing the game!
Mixtape Magazine’s Transcript in Street Court:
The small deuce-deuce stashed in our pocket was pleading to pull out on the game. Pap! Pap! We had
to bully the block harbored by a few big boy publications who thought we lost the “Champion” street belt
that was earned with our bare hands on the corners. Systematically, while the game was scrutinizing and
criticizing our ability to smash the media DJ set, we were creatively hibernating in the lab.
Street Investigator:
But why did you kill the game?
Mixtape Magazine:
Due to pressure and the power of respect! Yes, we popped off our glossy metal with a unique deucedeuce cover. Yes, we cocked the tool and let loose with DJ Drama, the south mixtape-lieutenant and
DJ Sickamore, the north mixtape-chief on our third installment. Yes jury, in street court we are guilty for
lethally injecting the DJ game with exclusive interviews and editorials, along with crispy as Frito’s photoshoots. What would you do if you were us Street Investigator? Lay down-face down, or stand firm like
the future of media?
Street Investigator:
But why the dual cover approach?
Mixtape Magazine:
Due to changing coastal temperatures and unforeseen storms that blasted at our foundation. Although
scratched and weathered, but hardly damaged by doom, and seeking a sun anyway, we grabbed our
boarding passes, a stash of cash, got suited up, and flew south to Atlanta, Georgia for talents: The
Aphilliates, DJ Jelly, DJ Bobby Black, Stat Quo, Young Jeezy, Killer Mike, Trillville, and marketing
company Real Street Promotions. Thanks: Orlando McGhee, Jeanise, Mike, Lanique, Will, Mike, Kinky
B., Zeek, and Grafh for making the connections possible and southern hospitality.
Although the storm up north tumbled like volcanic rocks on our porch, we grabbed memorabilia of; Street
Wars’ own P. Cutta, Streetsweeper’s DJ Radio, and pioneer DJ Doo Wop, as-well-as artists Cory Gunz,
Buck 50, Shampelli, and Noel. We snatched stories on Harlem’s producer Ron Browz, Executive Street
promotions wizard Rob Love of J Records, and June Balloon. We tucked the legendary Awesome
Two’s tape of Idris Elba from HBO’s The Wire spitting about his musical background. We filed leaflets of
informative articles; The Power of the Attorney, The Journey of a Journalist, and Stop the Violence
in our pockets. We stuffed in our wallets our new section of new talent; Backstreets Cross Avenues;
Priest/Firehouse Muzik and Pryme Tyme. Lastly, we clutched our West-to-East top DJ picks, along with
snapshots of hardcore Mixtape Reviews and a knock out fashion spread with Zab Judah.
Rest in Peace, Screw of Block Royal.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered By,
Kay Konnect
Editor-in-Chief
12
www.mixtapemag.com
FEEDBACK
Dj Quest’s Reggaeton mix CD,
Gasolina, was caliente! After
listening to over 30 tracks of
remixes, track numbers 4, 5, 7,
14, 19, 29 and 30 were the most
energetic and pumpin’. This CD is
so hot it makes everyone want to
dance... even those with no rhythm.
It’s so well mixed with a variety of
Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B, Reggaeton.
Everyone should have a copy!
Yajaira Pons
Warwick, RI
GASOLINA by DJ SUSS ONE
I must admit I am a Reggaeton
fanatic. I instantly fell in love with
this CD the minute I put it into my
CD player. DJ Quest turns the heat
up with flava mixes featuring today’s
top Hip Hop and R&B Artists with
a fusion of Reggaeton’s brightest
stars and beats. Expect to hear
Reggaeton remixes by Ivy Queen,
Daddy Yankee, 50 Cent, Usher,
Ashanti and many more. My favorite
was Game’s track featuring Tego “We
Don’t Love Them” where Game raps
in Spanish. If you’re a reggaeton fan,
than DJ Quest’s Gasolina is definitely
a worth while cope. Quest, thanks for
bringing back memories of home.
From beginning to end the DJ Quest
CD is a perfect blend of creativity,
variety and flow. The CD catches
your attention from the opening
track and doesn’t let go until the very
end. This CD is the perfect example
of why Hip Hop and Reggaeton are
a match made in heaven.
Zamena Ladak
Orlando, FL
Steve Mendez
Stationed In Iraq..
Representin’ San Diego, CA
DROP US A LINE...
Write us on
either your favorite or least favorite mixtape.
Please include your Full Name, Address,
and Phone Number. Mixtape Magazine
reserves the right to edit feedback for clarity
and/or word count.
14
By Mail:
Mixtape Magazine
Attn.: FeedBack
244 Fifth Ave., Suite 2371
New York, NY 10001-7604
By E-mail:
[email protected]
www.mixtapemag.com
Written By: Frankie Boy
So you are the hottest artist on the streets right now? Every major mixtape
floating through the city is blessed by your lyrical presence? The Clues,
Funk Flexs and Whoo Kids are shouting your name across exclusive beats.
Business wise you got a manager you trust, a notable producer, and even a low
end publicist on your set. Simply, you are air tight packaged and ready to take
meetings with key records labels.
Moving forward, Joe Smith, top executive at the majors wants to discuss a
potential deal that will make you prime time in no time. You are on fire, and
ready to ink between the lines of a binding contract. “So who represents you
legally?” The five word question leaves you frozen.
STOP!!!!
The question is a testament to the power of the attorney. In an entertainment
industry where windows of opportunities are slow to open yet swift to shut, the
power of legal representation is one screwdriver that can pry windows and keep
them wide for success.
POWER
Power is what strong entertainment lawyers should possess. The most
experienced and well connected have truck loads of it. Often we are boggled
by the flamboyant and flashy stories of artists and their great adventures with
olive green hundreds, candy coated cars, stiletto hoes, and sold out shows.
Granted some of the lifestyles are fabricated, but those who walk the talk have
no choice but to tip their fitted hats to their mahogany brief case toting, three
piece suit wearing power attorney.
Rightfully so, it is because of their strong legal guidance coupled with their
smooth suede tongue and untapped negotiating skills that helped these artists
obtain their true wealth. Never discrediting the power of a grinding management
team, but dare them to compete with a high powered attorney…goal: MAJOR
RECORD DEAL, nine times out of ten, the lawyer will be stronger at nailing a
beneficial arrangement for all parties.
16
www.mixtapemag.com
The power attorney could mean the difference between your freedom as an
artist or imprisonment by poorly negotiated contracts. Draw a parallel by using
the criminal arm of an illegal profession. Imagine facing a double digit sentence.
Who would you seek to fight your case for freedom? A power attorney like
Johnnie Cochran or a court appointed lawyer? The outcome varies by your
selection. Not to say that you have to obtain the Jonnie Cochran’s of the music
industry, but without durable and knowledgeable legal advisors, there could be
a call on your show before the curtains are drawn.
Next lesson, it is not just about any attorney, but the right attorney. Not every
lawyer can get you fifty acres in land with the four car garage. Research of
their career has to be conducted. Experience has to be in the books. There
is nothing worse than getting in bed with a virgin to the game. A lawyer
whose law school graduation gown is little over a year old may not have as
much professional experience and may hurt your chances of negotiating the
right package. Realize the power of an entertainment lawyer lies in their
relationships which are materialized through years of being active in the game.
Of course, the more experience the lawyer possesses, the higher the price
tag. However, that is the nature of business in any field. Note: if the attorney
envisions potential dollar signs for you or your group, they may consider
alternative payment or barter arrangements.
Attorney-at-Law Robert A. Celestin who represents Petey Pablo, 3LW, City
High, and numerous up and coming acts holds an undergraduate degree from
the Ivy League Yale University and a law degree from the reputable Columbia
University. He found his first job in the music industry at Arista Records’ legal
department where he represented acts like Whitney Houston and Kenny G.
He later met Andre Harrell and landed a position as the Vice President and
Manager of Uptown Records. Because of his work ethic and strong industry
connections Celestin was able to launch his own legal practice which stock
piles more juice in the game than the beverage aisles at local supermarkets.
“Because of who I am and what I do, I’m considered more of a credible source”
Celestin noted to Mixtape Magazine.
More important than just getting signed are the issues that arise once you land
a deal. After the ink has dried on your recording contract the game can get so
dim that you could find challenges in understanding the differences between
royalties, publishing, and collecting your entitled earnings. A legal wizard is
necessary to shed light on that fine print. In an industry where artists make
much less than they are worth, it is imperative not to be swayed by questionable
offers. A powerful attorney simply is the first and last line of defense.
www.mixtapemag.com
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www.mixtapemag.com
19
How long have you been acting?
Idris Elba:
I want to say like 12 years. I have
been acting since I was 18 or 19
years old.
Awesome Two:
A lot of people don’t know that you DJ,
how long have you been DJing?
Idris Elba:
I have been DJing pretty much 15
or 16 years. When I was a young
teenager my uncle had a sound
system. I used to travel with him and
his sons. We would be at a wedding
and he would take a 5 minute break
and not come back all night. We
would have to play these weddings
for him.
Awesome Two:
Were you playing in London?
entertainment.
Awesome Two:
Idris, Where are you from originally?
Photo Credit: Ron Wexler
I
dris Elba, who played the role of street smart Stringer Bell on HBO’s The
Wire shares with the legendary DJs Awesome Two his parallel love for
DJing and acting. The United Kingdom native is a long time investor in the
Hip Hop culture. Although he was nestled hundreds of miles across the ocean,
he was heavily absorbed in the music. Idris opens the door to his creative
world as he approaches the DJ platform, another part of his lucrative hustle in
22
www.mixtapemag.com
Idris Elba:
I am from the East London, Hackney
area of England, which is equivalent
to your Brooklyn or Queens, New York
setting. It’s not very rich, just a lot of
working class people, lots of hoods you
know what I mean?
Awesome Two:
www.mixtapemag.com
Idris Elba:
My background comes from pirate
radio. I was on Climax FM and
paradise FM. These were grimy,
small community radio stations in
East London. I used to have my
show on Climax between 6pm and
8pm. The demographic of that was
basically the hood.
In my early
twenties I started playing more in the
west end. You could consider that
like your Manhattan, more upscale
dances.
Awesome Two:
What DJs did you look up too?
Idris Elba:
Well with the sound systems Desi
D, Barry White, Main Attraction, and
TNT. They were a soul sound system
23
corny. I don’t want anybody
to buy my tapes expecting
some corny sh*t. I want them
to know that this dude really
does that thing with the tapes.
Awesome Two:
What mixtapes
coming?
table
as far as a DJ?
generally.
My DJs as far as
Hip Hop was; Norman J, he was
dope with DJ blends. His mixing was
crazy.
Awesome Two:
How about DJs from the U.S.?
Idris Elba:
Well we would hear when DJs came
and did guest spots on the radio. But I
was coming to NY since like 1991, and
there was this kid DJ Eric, he used to
DJ at Nells downstairs. He was super
sharp as far as the big leagues. I
heard you (Awesome Two) on the low
a couple of times. Kid Capri was a
crazy DJ. He is one of the illest.
Awesome Two:
What are you trying to bring to the
24
Idris Elba:
As far as I am concerned, DJing is my
first love. I haven’t really been doing
it to for the commercial aspect to blow
up, or to be famous until recently. I
think I want it to be a dual career. For
me it’s like taking on a character as
a DJ. I don’t play out too much. I
don’t do it just for the sake of booking
gigs. I do it because I like to. I see
the value of it, and I am thinking of
taking Big Dris to a level where I travel
with it. I want to DJ around the world.
I want to be a respected as a DJ
amongst other DJs. I want to put out
production in terms of mixtapes, and I
want to be as crazy as I can with that.
Awesome Two:
As far as acting, when did your big
break happen?
I d r i s
Elba:
It’s always been really gradual.
Obviously my first big break was the
first time I got a job in England. I
hadn’t gone to a drama school or
anything like that. I was doing it the
hard way, which was auditioning.
Basically I got this audition for a play.
It was a big old part in London. To
make a long story short, it was one
of my best, best works. I did that
play for almost a year. Through that
play I got the opportunity to meet the
casting directors and the agents. That
was my first big break. The play was
called “Coming Home.”
Awesome Two:
What’s bigger, your love for DJing or
the acting?
Idris Elba:
(Laughs) I have been acting a long
time and I love it. However, I have
been DJing a long time. Acting does
pay the bills. I want to do this DJ thing
heavy you heard? When I do the
mixtapes, I’m not trying to come out
you
got
Idris Elba:
Well the ones that are out now
are the Indigo Red. I got like
six tapes with them when I did
that endorsement. I am going
to do another Flip the Script
which is my brand. It’s a blend
tape with freestyles. I want to make it
bigger, make it a double CD, and drop
another CD that has pure unknown
artist on there.
Awesome Two:
We all love The Wire, but what’s the
next project for you?
Idris Elba:
Well I am promoting the film for HBO
that I did called Sometimes in April.
It comes out in March, so basically
right now I’m promoting that. I have
a couple of things in the works. I
am confident about the future, it’s
been a very slow grind for me, and I
don’t want to just blow up off Stringer
Bell. I am taking my time. I don’t
want people to get fixed on Stringer,
because I do other things. I am
going to promote this film, and I will
be working again in the summer. This
film is about Rwanda’s genocide, and
I play a soldier. I am working with this
group M Media and I am trying to put
some of their sh*t out. I also have two
wicked artists, Big Worm and Clock,
so check for them.
25
Community Leaders John Mahone &
Vase One Mobilize Through Art
Written By: Lindsay Whitney
The Zulu Nation observes that there
are five elements of Hip Hop: MCing,
DJing, writing, dance, and art to
include Graffiti. From the streets
of New York, New York to the train
stations of Frankfurt, Germany,
street art manages to survive in
the image of murals and graffiti.
The innovative movement of graffiti
reflects the strengths
and weaknesses of
society. It is society’s
silent chorus, postmodern style.
Graffiti
has
been
an artistic outlet of
expression as early
as anthropologist can
study. To date, cities, towns, and
communities have creatively voiced
concerns and expressed desires on
the sides of buildings and streets.
26
Graffiti visually influences political,
social, and economic oppression.
Although the law deems it a form of
vandalism, graffiti has been and is
visual poetry.
One of NY’s finest products, Vase
One has made an impressionable
impact within the hip-hop community.
His
concern
about
youth violence and the
misunderstood message
of hip-hop has motivated
him to fashion his life
to a fate dedicated to
bettering our knowledge
of hip-hop, and its fifth
element. Vase One is
fighting the resistance of
intolerance directed at graffiti. He is
striving to develop a positive message
in association with the underground
passion of tagging.
www.mixtapemag.com
(Left to Right)
Political Activist John Mahone and
World Renown Graffiti Artist Vase One of Tru Skool
Photo Credit: RON WEXLER
Vase One has created a path of leadership in the nonprofit organization, Tru
Skool. Tru Skool is designed to keep inner city youth safe, and educate kids
about the timeless expressive art of graffiti. Vase One’s vision is that the Tru
Skool experience will provide youth with a better understanding of the roots and
reasons of graffiti.
Unfortunately, Graffiti has been publicly chastised, when it is really one of
our histories clearest expressions of social outcry. Vase One is honoring the
magnificence of graffiti and the message it brings by passing on the legacy to
the next generation.
www.mixtapemag.com
27
vision is needed and that is a service
no artist could do without.
EXECUTIVE ON THE RUN
J Records’ Promotional Wizard
ROB LOVE
Written By: Isegoria
Photography By: Ron Wexler
“For Promotional Use
Only,” are four words
that link Rob Love of J
Records to the pocketed
success of many Hip Hop
greats; those present and
soon to come. His work
is strategic and necessary
“
”
in an arena where few survive the
competition and most retire to stadium
seats to watch star players game on.
Every artist needs a promotional team
to back their album and further their
image. Every label needs a head of
promotions that is familiar with the
challenges and battles associated
with relating an artist and their final
product to their fans.
Hip Hop and its constituents. From
Def Jam to J Records, Rob Love’s
career spans over decades. He has
influenced some significant names
in the game. He is responsible for
creating and managing the outlets
used to connect the fans to the artists
lifestyle. This responsibility is the
single most important service for a
star on the rise.
For every artist that debuts, there
are hundreds waiting to take their
place. Without the proper support
and development team, an artists’
“flop-ability” increases. Rob Love
is the campaign that keeps artists
“flop-ability” on decline. He is the
engine that moves the vehicle of
artist promotions. He is crucial to
By vesting his time on the volunteer
front as an independent promoter, one
of the youngest concert promoters in
his early hay day, he was able to
take his experience and channel it
to higher ranks. Rob Love was able
to secure his position in the industry
by self-promoting and branding his
service as a promotions wizard. His
28
www.mixtapemag.com
Similar to most mixtape DJs, Rob
Love begins his days early and
closes down shop late. He has
to ensure that his records are
reaching the streets, and therefore
reaching the people. Do not think
that industry executives like Rob
Love are not aware of the complex
and creative networks embedded in
the mixtape industry. He realizes
how imperative mixtapes are to the
success of an artist. By using them
as a tool, he has compiled mixtapes
for most of the talent on his line-up at
J Records. And while piracy (a threat
proportionally related to the release
of mixtapes) remains a significant
concern for label representatives like
Rob Love, the flip side of the issue is:
if an artist has music that is not being
bootlegged, or duplicated on mass
levels, are the streets really hungry
for their music? Mixtapes operate as
indicators of appeal for the streets…
a label can sense an artist’s ability
to sell based on their popularity
among DJs, mixtapes, and the
demand for their music. Continuous
exposure, accompanied by the drive
and commitment of an artist is the
culmination that Rob Love depends
on for success. Without such a
strategy, any performer has a small
chance of survival in the Hip Hop
game. Mixtape Magazine fans; Rob
Love has compiled some words of
advice to help you in your journey to
the limelight, read them carefully and
remember they’re “For Promotional
Use Only!”
www.mixtapemag.com
1. Work hard, above & beyond.
2. Do the sh*t that other artist(s) are
afraid to do.
3. Understand who you are as an artist,
what creative space is and know what
inspires you.
4. Surround yourself with a solid team.
5. Know the economic conditions of the
business your involved in.
Bonus: Embrace open criticism.
29
PROFILE: DJ
DJ Radio:
Volumes Adjusted
Written By: Kay Konnect
Volumes adjusted, amps amplified,
DJ Radio, rookie turned the
Most Valuable Player to the
mixtape atmosphere penetrates
entertainment
landscapes
like
commercial radio chokeholds urban
airwaves. Co-signed by a leading
network of notable and respected
mixtape DJs, The Streetsweepers,
branded directly by the Drama King
in the flesh DJ Kay Slay, DJ Radio
slides the equalizer control scales
from mute to loud via uncut music.
e:
DJ Nam
Radio
30
Hip Hop exclusives and R&B unite
under DJ Radio’s umbrella. R&B and
Hip Hop music stoop perfectly on DJ
Radio’s compact nest.
Dedication and a passion for breaking
new talent such as street soul-singer
Trey Songz, while simultaneously
continuing the rotation of solidified
artists keep DJ Radio in the digestive
track
system
of
the
streets.
Persistency, credibility, creativity, and
innovation embedded in the street
silk of industry connections keeps his
name on the tongues of top executives
who seek exposure for their lyrical
breadwinners.
DJ Radio’s career began behind the
scenes when he was an intern for Arista
Records. Quickly adapting to the pace
of the executive music industry world,
DJ Radio moved into the independent
grid by bullying the streets, and by
building the bone structure of his
business persona. After obtaining the
experience needed to move his hustle
for green, DJ Radio realized that the
power of connects, creative shuffling,
and the execution of plans could only
bring the next big thing; sure-shot
recognition from mixtape generals and
street supporters.
Who the F*ck is Radio? Part 1” in
2003. Two years later, I’m perfecting
a roster of high demand mixtapes.
I consider myself satellite radio,
because I’m the future.”
Log on to www.djradioonline.net.
“I’m
perfecting
a roster of
high demand
mixtapes. I
consider
myself
satellite
radio,
because I’m
the future.”
Tagged as rookie, because of his
short time on the mixtape set, DJ
Radio applies the ball pressure of a
seasoned all-star. In less than a five
year street-stretch to the hoop, DJ
Radio has created a buzz that stings
and a demand that leads to droughts.
“I introduced myself to the game by
dropping “The New Kid on the Block:
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31
PROFILE: ARTIST
Shampelli:
On The Verge...
Photography By: www.felixnataljr.com
Every major city across the nation
is being slammed with heavy
reggae rhythms pooled with
unsullied rhyming styles. Both
these energies collide to create
the contemporary zest Reggaeton!
Its flavorful sound twisted with
colorful lingo has invaded Hip Hop
and Caribbean music. Mixtape
ame:
Artist N lli
p
m
Sha e
32
Magazine connects with the game’s
latest star Shampelli. He is the new
artist stacking building blocks in this
trend of mainstream music.
Shampelli started out in the game as a
sheer adolescent. Heavily infused in
music, he wired up crowds by tearing up
club scenes with sold out performances.
The New Jersey rapper credits his
passage through the music industry
to his manager Danny of Five Star
Management, while he credits his buzz
to his severe studio addiction. Blessed
with the talent to formulate words, the
game gave him the opportunity to, as
a rookie, work with Reggae veteran
Sean Paul, and interlace with the Tuff
Gong set.
“...I’m versatile. I
promise a little
bit of everything...
on my premiere
album.”
Shampelli gives props to DJ Mad for
plugging him into the reggae scene,
but he lodges his loyalty to Hip Hop.
He admits that Reggaeton shows
him a lot of love, and he is definitely
willing to reciprocate with the benefit of
broadening his audience. Being aligned
with the Reggaeton revolution allows
Shampelli to sustain his Dominican
heritage.
Shampelli prides “I’m a Hip Hop artist,
but I’m versatile. I promise a little bit of
everything for everyone on my premiere
album.” With the release of his first
single “Secrets,” Shampelli proudly
reveals that his album is profanity free,
and serves any one from toddlers to
grandparents.
Presently signed to
Warner Music Label slash Next Level
Music Group, Shampelli’s cork aims
to pop with his debut album From the
Bottom to the Top.
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PROFILE: PRODUCER
Ron Browz:
Harlem Heat
Written By: AZ of Urban Connects
Lost equipment, found fame, Ron Browz,
labeled by the game as “The Ether Boy” is
a sheer representation of what being in the
right place at the right time can bring.
Ron Browz, the Harlem beat-miner was a focused MC ready to blow over beats
in the late 1990’s. Sick with word-for-word metaphors, Ron Browz aligned
himself with an upstart record label. Unfortunately, a raid of equipment by
the bad boys in blue shuffled the lyricist. The fifteen year old with dreams to
rash on tracks got side tracked by the shifty system, but only for a short time.
Focused like a hustler anticipating plush surroundings, Ron Browz shifted his
craft and turned into urban music’s A-List producer. “Producing kind of just
happened. Originally I wanted to be an MC. I was signed to an independent
label up in Harlem as a rapper. The label was seized by the Feds and some
equipment was lost behind. I took the equipment and began to teach myself
how to use it,” notes Ron Browz in a memory lane stance.
Moving in behind the boards, Ron Browz taught his soul a lesson or two. He
mastered the art of destiny married to the art of preparation and walked down
the spectrum aisle of creativity. His resume is an eye-popper. Fresh out of
high school he produced one of the most powerful dictionary tracks to date
“Ebonics” by late and legendary Harlem soldier Big L. Continuing down the
same track of the titans, Ron Browz brought yellow and red flames to the multiunit expansion house that Jay-Z built, by firing Nas with the heart-wrenching cut
“Ether.” When “Ether” was released, mixtape and radio DJs worldwide dropped
the blow that blew the frame of building.
Ron Browz’s “Ether” track is considered one of
the best beef beats in history.
er:
Produc
wz
ro
B
Ron
34
However, the buck doesn’t stop at the “Ether”
bounce back track. Ron Browz is not a one
hit wonder. He has produced “Last Real
Ni**a Alive” for Nas, “We Run This” for
Bronx representative Fat Joe, “Whatz The
Word” for sassy Lil’ Kim and “Playboy” for
G-Unit’s general Lloyd Banks. Ron Browz
also produced “F*ck Y’all Ni**as” for DMX,
“Blow It Out Your A**” for Ludacris, and “Oh
No” for Snoop featuring 50 Cent.
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June Balloon is one of the entertainment industry’s
most prolific radio mix-show wizards. He assails the
craft of music promotion with just as much grit and
grind as Warren Sapp attacks a quarterback. His
passion and professionalism is what makes him so
effective. June Balloon has elevated the careers
of artists on both major and independent levels
alike. If you need radio spins, call on Mr. BDS.
PROFILE: PROMOTER
June Balloon:
Record Breaker
Balloon was ushered into the Bad Boy realm,
in the early ‘90’s by his first cousin and now
Senior Vice President of Bad Boy Entertainment,
Harve Pierre. Balloon remembers Bad Boy’s
meager beginnings, sharing an apartment
with Harve and Diddy, before Bad Boy had an
official office. Even as an early member of Bad Boy
Records, Balloon began as just an intern. However,
it didn’t take long for Balloon’s flame to ignite.
Like wild fire, Balloon went on to break a catalog
of commercial radio hits for one of Hip Hop’s most
triumphant empires. Many artists owe much of
their commercial air play to the efforts of Balloon.
“I remember when nobody believed in G-Dep’s first
single, “Let’s Get It,” but I told everybody that it was
going to pop,” boasts Balloon. The summer of the
single’s release, the streets were laced with every
hood Harlem shaking to Bad Boy’s newest prodigy.
With a resume thicker than Pam Greer in her prime,
Balloon decided to branch away from Bad Boy
to construct his own promotions company, June
Balloon Promotions. Balloon attributes his success to
individuality and creativity “I always try to set myself
apart from others who do what I do,” says Balloon. He
was the only one with the nerve to stand outside of
Funk Master Flex’s office with a bull horn and a street
team, promoting a record. “That’s how hard I go. It got
to a point were Flex had to listen to me,” he laughs.
Balloon acknowledges that his old school style of
face-to-face and hand-to-hand communications is
the foundation of his relationships with major mixshow and club DJs. “Loyalty goes a long way. You
stay loyal and your relationships will last forever,”
says Balloon. June Balloon may break records,
but he will never break his loyalty to the game.
r:
Promote ON
O
L
L
A
B
JUNE
36
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B
oots tied and trucked, Mixtape Magazine has
scanned the streets for artists lighting up on the leelow. Welcome to our latest section, Back Streets
Cross Avenues. While some executives sit on the couch
waiting for talent to arrive, we set out and go find them.
Art walks the fine line of street life, Pryme
Tyme, Bronx, New York’s latest microphone
problem steps into the vocal booth to let his
story go. Aggressive in his action because of
a scarred past, Pryme Tyme is mixtape DJs
new favorite rapper on set. Look out for him
on mixtapes produced by: DJ Kay Slay, Big
Mike, Green Lantern, and Whoo Kid.
Firehouse Muzik, the new premium
production team presents their lyrical sword
Priest. The south bred rapper has a slang
that stabs tracks, and a message that wakes
the dead spirit of the mixtape game. He rips
tracks straight, Screwed, or Chopped, and
represents Atlanta blocks just that hard.
A heart-wrenching storyteller with picture
perfect lyrics, Priest is the mastermind and
future of street music.
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Written By: Isegoria
Fresh on the turf like a new pair of cleats, this R&B artist
is ready for the game with an essence that can only be
described as; Noel. From Brockton, Massachusetts roughly
twenty miles south of big city Boston, Noel comes from the
metropolis of boxing legends Rocky Marciano and Marvin
Hagler. While Brockton can boast of Marvin Hagler as having
an impeccable 62 win 3 loss career record, and Marciano as
the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated; having
never lost a professional fight, they can not brag of any musical
legends. Noel hopes to change that. He carries Brockton on
his back, ready to infuse the industry with his style. A style
that caresses Hip Hop with the essence of soul, distilled
in the divine creation of gospel. He is a little of everything,
harnessing the talents of R&B, neo-soul, gospel, and hip-hop.
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43
As challenging an act it may seem
Noel is prepared for the task.
Raised in a Southern home, he
quickly became familiar with tightly
packed, overheated choir rows
and Sunday morning sermons.
Beginning at three, young Noel
began to study and memorize
the grown folk’s music we
celebrate as legendary today: Otis
Goodings, Marvin Gaye, Gladys
Knight, The Temptations and
others. These influences make it
very easy to understand the flow
and sound of Noel, who is full of
soul. He brings a much needed
element back to the industry, one
that so many current artists are
attempting (few succeeding) to
capture, duplicate, and reinforce:
the spirit of music. Without a
record deal Noel has worked
with some big names, including
Dr. Dre, KG, R-Les, and platinum
song writer Bilal Mohammed (who
has written hit songs for artists
like Jaheim). He is braced for
the industry, managed by Double
D management and signed to
Black Vintage Production. His
continuous work will eventually
lead him to an opportunity to make
feel good music. While labels like
Virgin would be a great nesting
place for an artist like Noel, his
main goal is to make music that
makes people feel good; music for
everybody, music from the soul.
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T
he rap pistol pointed from Peter Gunz, the
Bronx bar-to-bar rap bravado brought about
a son-of a gun that shatters street songs
like a bullet shatters glass that glares. Cory Gunz’s
name is etched in granite stone as the unforgettable
future, not because of his young and aggressive age,
but because of his fire-starter representation of the
Bronx, New York. Mixtapes flurry with Cory Gunz shooting
over sharp instrumentals while Mixtape DJs coast-to-coast
project that he fills the void of new breed edgy rap artists. A young
man in his prime time sprung from a pioneer pop proves; if music
runs through the blood of the Bronx kid, he is sure to pop and
not flop.
His name is sketched on the sole of the block where gun
shells drop daily. He licks off on raps turf controlled by
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47
verbal veterans in totality, and cocks back with picture perfect rhyme tactics
like semi-automatics ready for show time at the street Apollo. With witty
and advanced lyrical ammunition in possession, such as Cory Gunz: The
Apprentice, Volume One, and The Apprentice, Volume Two, with Volume Three
in sight, it is clairvoyant when his sure-shot album hits the body dome of the
game late summer; it is going to leave white chalk around a lot of fan-bodies
shouting for more Gunz on the street.
Verbally he shoots from a distance. However, within a five foot margin of range
spectacular sparks of art can be seen and felt. Cory Gunz is ready to war with
his star team on the rise, lyrically malicious The Militia. Believe it or not, his
stance in the foreground resembles that of a real talk warrior. His stance in the
background is suited and prepared to battle with any opposition that dares to
speak or leak a doubt of his ability to kill the game.
Mixtape Magazine politics with Cory Gunz about future albums:
“Everybody is anticipating the album. My street records are
buzzing, but the game is waiting to see if I can make a
classic album. After my first album drops, I want to push
more mixtapes and hit the streets, so I can get ready for
the next album. I already have like two or three albums
worth of material already. I’m pretty much choosing what
I want to release first. I think I advance every time I drop
a new tape.” Regarding Cory’s fate to get sidetracked
my random shots at his frame, he adds “I think my spot is
neutral right now, but there is always going to be competition.
However, if anybody wants it they can get it.”
“
48
Everybody is
anticipating the
album. My street
records are buzzing,
but the game is waiting
to see if I can make a
classic album.
”
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a yard and a half away from Big Poppa
Philadelphia, is a walking mixture of his
aforementioned favorite albums.
In his first year of high school, Buck 50
was putting rhymes in motion with no clear
parameters. By graduation, he was gaining
Written By: Jessie Williams
total respect by his hood peers. Unfortunately
tragedy struck, Buck 50’s mother lost her
Nas’ Illmatic journal was influential; LL Cool J’s Bigger and Deffer
precious life to breast cancer.
album had him reciting verses thoroughly line-for-line. Wu Tang’s
scarred by the loss, he lost total focus.
own The Chef Raekwon featuring Ghostface’s classic collaboration
However, brave Buck 50 decided to walk his
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and Bad Boy Entertainment’s the late
chosen path and enter the rap music territory
Notorious B.I.G. Ready to Die platinum project had him open. Buck
as a profession to prove to his family and
50, the bubbling rapper representing Coatesville, Pennsylvania,
friends that he could successfully score.
Immediately
“Love It or Hate It,” a compact disc that he
pressed up to display his diverse style magically
appeared in the hands of Juan “Majic” Catala,
Chief Executive Officer of the up-and-coming
label, Majic Records.
The union of art and
business proved magical. Buck 50 in a matter
of minutes was in rotation and on radar in the
scope of the mixtape circuit.
Featured on
mixtapes by DJ Clue, DJ Envy, DJ Kay Slay,
DJ Thoro, DJ Stress, and Big Mike, Buck 50
seeks to bring his latest release “Strawberries”
a radio-friendly cut to fruition. “I got to attack the
ladies as-well-as the streets,” notes Buck 50. A
franchise player able to walk the beam of the
block and mainstream culture, Buck 50 projects
that his independent solo drop “Analyze This”
due out late 2005 will lure the game to analyze
the skills that he brings to the boardroom of the
music business.
50
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“
I got to
attack the
ladies as
well as
the
streets.
”
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Doo Wop’s schedule is crazy. From
the BX to the U.K., the veteran is in
high demand. “I’m much more than
a mixtape DJ. I would say I’m a DJ
period, and then an entertainer.
There are plenty of mixtape DJs, but
there aren’t as many DJs that travel
and do shows.”
V
i va Las Vegas! The city was built on steep odds and
high risks taken by visitors that rely on luck to bring
them fortune. Doo Wop knows the formula to luck is
nothing more than preparation meets opportunity. This dicey
DJ is all about putting these concepts into play. During a tour
stop in Las Vegas Doo Wop prepared for anything, seized the
opportunity to give Mixtape Magazine a break down of his past,
present and future.
Being a native of hip-hop’s birthplace, Bronx, NY Doo Wop took
an early interest in the game. He chuckles at the memory of his
first and last on-the-clock job, and how he walked out on his
boss after a phone call that offered $750 to rock a party.
In the early 90’s Doo Wop took an interest in street compilation.
Back then, mixtapes came in a cassette tape medium and
were only identifiable by a smeared stamp. During this era
you couldn’t mention mixtapes or DJs without mentioning the
name Doo Wop. While he is well known for being more than a
mixtape DJ, he asserts that mixtapes created segue to DJ Doo
Wop, the entertainer.
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“
I’m much more than
a mixtape DJ.
I would say I’m a DJ
period, and then an
entertainer.
”
Doo Wop is most notably known
as the first DJ to have an exclusive
freestyle from a signed A-list artist.
Busta Rhymes’ historic freestyle
on the Doo Wop mixtape, forever
morphed the mixtape world. When
Doo Wop was asked where he fits
in the evolution of mixtapes he says,
“I think that I definitely brought an
interesting trend to the game. I mean
no one else was doing that at the
time.” This new trend of “freestyle” on
mixtapes opened the flood gates for
up-and-coming artist to get signed to
major deals.
When commenting on his recent
backseat to today’s mixtape arena,
Doo Wop says “Dudes ain’t creative
with their sh*t. You got dudes that put
out like two joints a week. It’s hard
to compete with that. They deal with
quantity and not quality.” Wop is from
a different era, an era where quality
mattered. Creativity is important
to Doo Wop, he mentions one of
his previous mixtapes Wop News
which had a Hip Hop meets politics
platform.
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55
“
Dudes ain’t creative with their sh*t.
You got dudes that put out like two joints a
week. It’s hard to compete with that. They
deal with quantity and not
quality.
”
Doo Wop explains his concerns
about the recent crack down on
mixtapes by the overseers of
the music industry, namely the
RIAA. Doo Wop’s voice is riddled
with irritation when expressing
the miscommunication between
the labels and the organization
governing creative rights of artists.
“They give us this music, and it
helps their artist. Mixtape DJs
aren’t bootlegging whole albums.
That’s another group of people,”
he explains. “These people have
to come to an understanding,
because the mixtapes are helping
them more than they give credit
for.”
Doo Wop has plans to have his
own label and artist in the future.
“I definitely want to have a label
situation. I can see myself running
a company,” says Doo Wop. But
he feels that is much farther down
the path. The road has been risky,
but the journey to become one
of the elite in Hip Hop was no
gamble, but destiny.
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S
treet wars with street stars, P. Cutta, the
mixtape don has unleashed some of the
most controversial mixtape beef tapes to
date. Humble, yet suited to referee any track fight,
P. Cutta, the mixtape junkie simply slices into beef
that street artists bring to the table. Delivered raw
with straight uncut production ingredients, P. Cutta
serves up his hustle as the official mixtape DJ
blasting off drama!
Indulged in mixtapes since 1996 P. Cutta notes
that after helping notable mixtape DJs such as
DJ Wreck from Philly distribute mixtape product,
it only made sense to work the game on his own.
“I started to do my own mixtapes because I had a
love for the music. I stepped into the music game
because it was so fabulous to me, how it was so
underground.”
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P. Cutta prepared for the industry
journey knowing that the only way
to make a concrete name in the
game was to set himself apart
from traditional DJs.
He created
beef tapes, most specifically Street
Wars. Street Wars was the platform
for artists to lay their beef on the
frontlines. P. Cutta instantly created
a buzz that penetrated the streets.
“
The Street
Wars was
like a story
line... I would
add my own
little twist
and make it
creative.
”
60
“The Street Wars was like a story
line. First a lot of the music came from
other people’s mixtapes, at the time
they were doing it exclusively for Kay
Slay or Envy. I would just bring it all
together and kind of tell the story with
an interview. Then I would add my
own little twist and make it creative.”
P. Cutta voices that his next angle is
producing. In the near future he plans
to launch Street Wars, the DVD, which
is a cutting edge battle showcase. “I
mess with the beef angle, because
controversy sells and I want to bring it
to the forefront. I made my name off
beef tapes and I mastered it.”
When asked about track leaks,
P. Cutta speaks confidently “I get
beef tracks from artists. Some create
songs exclusively for my tape. They
know I’m truth when it comes to
putting beefs on blast, I’m not onesided. I’m neutral in the game. I try to
get both sides of the story.”
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Written By: Lindsay Whitney
A
hustler since high school, this Capricorn bogart of talent and rhyme is
Knox Entertainment and his latest project I Can Make You Famous. The catch
defining his name and skill in the cut throat industry of mixtapes. DJ
casting Sickamore is that you want more and more and sick-a-more of DJ Sick
Sickamore is one of the youngest mixtape artists to establish himself
and his Sickstrumentals. His beats are hot, his CDs are bumping and his
in the tough business of music and commerce by dropping instrumentals for
personality finds its way to nominations and awards to say the least about this
top cats on all coasts and scouting out talent for companies including Fort
next Hpnotiq of liquors DJ Sickamore.
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If you haven’t already heard about the illest DJ in mixtape biz, then
prepare yourself for his Sickanomics. Born in Trinidad, grown up in
Brooklyn, Sickamore is a cat with one focused head on his shoulders
bringing him to the top of his game. “The kid with the beats; that’s
how everybody got to know me,” Sick sputtered as he chilled out at
his Manhattan office during his interview with Mixtape Magazine. As a
born hustler, he knows the difference between wanting to be signed, and
getting himself signed. Between practical experience and some college,
Sickamore is a self-educated man.
His artistic ability compliments his
business savvy street smarts, which has helped him launch his name in the
streets and homes across the world; jumpstarting his career off the ground
to the stratosphere and beyond. This baby faced entrepreneur isn’t no child
in the game of business, but rather a mentor in the classroom of existence.
His business resume at the sweet age of 20 already includes running his
own record shop while still in high school, selling his own record shop before
turning nineteen, artist and repertoire for Fort Knox Entertainment, working with
platinum producer Just Blaze, creating a becoming project I Can Make You
Famous and already Vice President of operations for Empire City Records.
Add that to his mad mixtures and beats being produced all over this country.
He notes, “I look at it like college, sort of like interning somewhere. I focus on
my work a lot.”
Sickamore’s approach to music helps him develop a thorough attack in the
game of Hip Hop that requires further vision beyond the music. Knowing
himself and knowing others has helped him achieve this better understanding
while he conquers one challenge after another. Friends and fam of course help
shape his career and goals and all other encounters along the way through love
and support. But this mixtape icon is putting himself out there in the “dog eat
dog” world and welcomes your bark. As an A&R for Fort Knox Entertainment
and lead figure of I Can Make You Famous Sickamore is doing big things with
big heads. His entrepreneurial spirit inspires others to help his cause and
support his efforts.
Unlike anything you have ever seen before, Sickamore has had the support of
his school in every effort he has made. Hustling young, Sick was dealing music
around his school while running his own record shop after class. Sickamore
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65
stated, “It was my senior year,…I opened up my record store in
the neighborhood.” The principle called him down to the office to
find out what it was he was doing to aggregate so much student
interest. Turns out he was pushing music, not drugs. It was then
he found his niche for distribution and business and his greatest
clientele: his teachers wanting mixtapes. “I got into it by accident.
That wasn’t my plan. I’m more of a business person than anything,”
says Sickamore. Even when others didn’t believe this kid talking
about opening up his own shop, selling music and doing big things,
Sickamore knew when to listen and when to laugh and when to
do both. Before high school graduation, he had his shop, sold his
music, and did big things all with love from friends and partners.
With a promising future to come, DJ Sickamore is creating a
Sickapoly that if you haven’t already heard, then listen up because
it is just the beginning. His advice? “You have to see it in your mind
before it happens.”
Outside of mixtapes, Sickamore has interests and aspirations in
the hustle of it all. Distribution, repertoire, travel and teach to say
the least about big dreams from one body. His goals are endless
and his ideas cleverly mapped. His Sickstrumentals made his mark
in the industry, but it is his intelligence and charm that help him to
overcome all obstacles direct and indirect; business and personal.
“I made a couple of conscience decisions like to stop doing
instrumentals (in 2003) and focus myself into a hot commodity,”
he responded in regards to his best year ever in 2004. And hot
commodity he is. Like any real person, life is not all about money
but the inspiration one can introduce to the next and the legacies
people leave behind. With Sickamore’s respect to leverage and
freedom within the biz, he can continue to pursue a lifestyle while
gaining prosperity along the way. There is a business side to the
music and standards of self that can accomplish and transform
a dream into reality as he is proving day to day. Sickamore’s
understanding of it all helps to elevate him to positions such as Vice
Prez or young partner in a firm focused on artist development.
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Through connections and networks, this young dollar
gets his name heard through accomplished artwork in
the form of beats, biz and butter. With sponsorships from
hot cats and companies, Sickamore is showing up in style
and leaving you with technique in every effort he makes.
He’s a true player to the game and a Van Gogh of his art form,
which may one day may require his own museum of labors.
Hustling, learning, and teaching feed his survival instincts in this
Darwinism of music and industry.
His conscience approach to this tired reality keeps his sport fixed
and him in the lead of talent appreciation. A history of mixtapes to
include I Can Make You Famous (starring Saigon), features top cats
from The Game to Cam’ron to other works like Overnight Celebrity
including kings Stimuli and Grafh; DJ Sick is winning by a landslide with
voice reps of Eminem and 2pac communicating his ill style of collective and
cool. Sickamore has the love and support to throw back at his partners from
the east to the west, north to south, studio and streets. Mad love to all from
him, including Spot, Saigon, Just Blaze, Tru Life and fam. Sick broke it down
for us: “You can’t come out of New York as an artist without the mixtape scene.
It’s a platform.”
DJ Sickamore is a master of it all and he’s the youngest to be doing it. His
leadership efforts and charismatic undertakings all account for his growth
and development to shoot off and transport him to dreams such as
Vice President of Empire City Records, firm partners with Just Blaze
in I Can Make You Famous, and A&R for Fort Knox Entertainment.
Good people and good business all contribute to his successes and
accomplishments that DJ Sickamore has triumphed. His name
is big, his career is rising, and he’s nowhere close to where he
going to be. A master, a noble, DJ Sick is laying down the bricks
for cats to follow as he conquers the day, each and every.
Intelligence, ambition, and character all come together to
originate the man with the plan DJ Sickamore, personality
of the year as he notes, “I’m just trying to conquer the
world.”
68
69
South streets speak.
North
hoods talk. West blocks chitchat. East corners bark: “Who
wants drama?” Rap legends
8Ball and MJG made it clear
Screwed and Chopped,
as-well-as
in
regular
rotation that “You Don’t
Want Drama.” Unless the
game is kitted up with a
triple dosage of audio
antibiotics,
Mixtape
Magazine asks again,
“Who wants to catch
Drama?”
Affiliations administer
the hustle, compacts
move
around
and break down
72
the games immune
system.
DJ Drama
is urban music’s new
production virus that
penetrates the flow
of
listener’s
blood
streams. Left untreated
DJ Drama’s sickness
behind the Gangsta Grillz
sound series will leave
worldwide street sets
comatose. Dead from the
mutation of the virus, the
brand musically multiplies
in
an
uncontrollable
fashion. If the production
pain that DJ Drama brings
to the game is so dramatic,
why are the streets playing
around with The Aphilliates
music unprotected?
73
Mixtape Magazine:
How did Drama step into the
terrain of the DJ world?
Cut from the same
cloth of success,
six
musical
entrepreneurs
ripping through
the south pull
weight throughout
the game for being
the masters behind
the
turntables
and
mixtapes: DJ Drama, DJ
Sense, DJ Don Cannon, DJ Jamad,
DJ Ox Banga, and DJ Jay Cee co-sign
The Aphilliates brand. Exclusive DJs
for all-star artists: T.I., Lil’ Scrappy,
Ludacris, Mase, and Monica, The
Aphilliates clearly move outside the
skirts of Atlanta to national, as-wellas international soils. A collective
association still independent in their
hustle read, The Aphilliates, are
the voice of the new street DJ
generation.
DJ Drama:
From Juice the movie. In 1991
I was an eighth grader, and of
course like everybody I came
from the Hip Hop generation.
I think Juice came out in
the summer time, and GQs
character was like the sh*t. His
whole character motivated me.
I wanted to turn around and
get some turntables. Slowly I
built my equipment game up.
It took me a minute. I had like
one turntable, a tape deck, and
a mixer. I would just f*ck around.
By the ninth grade I did my first
party, I had like forty records, as
a matter of fact I probably had
less than that…I got paid forty
dollars. I remember that, I got
paid forty dollars to do a good two
hours. The first mixtape I ever
bought was DJ S&S Old School
Part 2. I went to 125th with my
sister when I was in the ninth grade
and I swear to God, I knew that
whole f*cking tape from beginning
to end, like every song, what S&S
was saying…
come up and Bahamadia.
That’s when Doo Wop came up
with 95 Live. Around that time
I made a tape called Illadelph,
and I got everybody that was
hot in Philly to freestyle on
my tape. Now looking back
on it, I was like 16 or 17
year old, Black Thought was
coming through for me and
Bahamadia. So looking back
on it, those were my initial
years in the mixtape game.
Mixtape Magazine:
Including the shout outs?
DJ Drama:
I was turned on, that was it, like Clue
and Ron G. was coming up, that was
my era. I kind of emulated them.
Later in high school I saw The Roots
Mixtape Magazine:
At what point did you realize
this was an art?
DJ Drama:
Since I was young, I always
knew I wanted to be involved
in some type of art. I wanted
to be into movies, like behind
the scenes editing and
directing. I went to college
in Atlanta and that was my
major. But you know I was
always the DJ and I was
doing it for so long, so that
was always in me. When
I got to school, going to the
AUC it’s like a melting pot of
black people from all over,
so as far as being a DJ, its
one of those places that you
can really earn your stripes.
There are house parties
every weekend, and there
was always somewhere
for me to be DJing. Me
and my man Sense (The
Aphilliates), when me and
him got to school,
Pictured (L to R): DJ Ox Banga, DJ Sense, DJ Drama, DJ Jamad,
DJ Don Cannon and DJ Jay Cee (Center).
74
www.mixtapemag.com
75
we pretty much had it on
smash, until the time we got
there, until we left. I have
always been a hustler. The
one thing that I can say about
ni**as from Philly is that they
are natural born hustlers.
Mixtape Magazine:
That’s that east coast edge.
DJ Drama:
From that I was still making
my tapes. The tapes turned
into CDs, and once I got out
of school I realized that I had
a business of my own, so there
was no reason to go work for
nobody else.
Mixtape Magazine:
So you translated the music and
merged it with the business?
You had connects, so it was
an operation right before your
eyes.
DJ Drama:
I mean I already had connects,
but I still felt very handicapped.
For one, I wasn’t from Atlanta.
However from the minute I
got down there I learned to
respect the city, the music and
everything. But still, it took me
a second to get into the loop.
At one point I was putting out
mixtapes every week just to
get the name out. Every time
I would go somewhere I would
collect people’s addresses
76
www.mixtapemag.com
www.mixtapemag.com
and numbers, then I would
send them my tape. I knew I
was creating a formula, but I
didn’t have a complete grasp
on what I was doing. I would
put out an east coast tape,
then a south tape. Earlier on,
I had a neo-soul tape called
Automatic Relaxation that a
lot of people liked. In 2000,
Emperor Searcy who works
at the radio station gave me
and Sense the opportunity
to have a table at Hot 97s
birthday bash. We didn’t
have a new tape out at the
time, so Sense was like we
got to put a new south tape
out. Just sitting on my couch
being creative I came up with
the name Gangsta Grillz.
Mixtape Magazine:
Who is DJ Drama today?
DJ Drama:
DJ Drama today is an
aspiring CEO who is trying
to get bigger checks cut.
Everything is a door opener
and I have been blessed to
be finally able to open the
door. Just in this last year
in a half, I feel like I have
broken through the game’s
glass ceiling. There are
a lot of motherf*ckers out
there, vying for that glass
ceiling. First and foremost
I am a fan of the music,
and it is crazy when I look
at some of the things that I
77
am involved with, or a part of.
Just to feel relevant in Hip-Hop
is a good feeling. I came up
looking up to half these cats,
and now these cats are my
peers. They are telling me
“Yo! that tape is crazy.” I have
been able to do classic tapes.
When I take myself out of the
element, I am like “Damn this
shit is crazy.” I got little n*****
looking at me the way I used to
look at them. It’s funny because
I saw so many people come up
from The Roots to Talib Kweli,
to Lil’ Jon. I felt like I witnessed
so many people blow, and at one
point I was on the sidelines, and
to feel that some people see me
in that light is a blessing. I do
what I love to do and get paid for
it. I get to go everywhere.
Mixtape Magazine:
Who is DJ Drama tomorrow?
DJ Drama:
A CEO hopefully…I am working on
an album. I want to turn Gangsta
Grillz mixtape into an album. I want
to continue with The Aphilliates.
We want to put our own artists on.
Through The Aphilliates we have
our own production company called
Cannon Music.
We are getting
Cannon’s beats placed on artist’s
projects. I also want to continue
DJing for T.I. We are just getting
started, so that movement is getting
bigger. Plus T.I.’s group PSC is
coming out. It’s really taking what
I have already done and taking it to
the next level, turning freestyles into
78
production, turning mixtapes into
albums, and turning interviews
into TV shows.
Mixtape Magazine:
What’s your role in T.I.’s career?
DJ Drama:
Around the summer 2000, Jason
Geter who is T.I.’s manager
reached out to me and was
like he had a new artist, and
wanted to bring him to the crib
to do a freestyle. I remember
T.I. rhymed to that Amil ‘Dynasty’
beat. That’s how we linked up.
Geter would go out of town and
always see my tapes bootlegged,
which showed my hustle outside
of Atlanta. Whenever I would
work on a tape, T.I. would come
do a freestyle. Geter eventually
asked me to fuck with his whole
team. That was the first whole
tape on an artist I ever did.
Really that was a foundation for
a lot of the things that I am doing
now, PSC and Gangsta Grillz. I
really liked the movement and
knew that we could do some
big things together.
Pretty
much I stayed around and paid
my dues. I knocked out the
game plan. What I was doing
in the mixtape game I wanted
to do for them. No one was
taking advantage of the south.
T.I. had got locked up for a
minute and during that time I
was asked to go on tour with
another artist, but my loyalty
was to T.I. and them, first
and foremost. It was in the
makings for a long time.
79
with
ps into ATL
Magazine ta
the city:
es, Mixtape
e
ss
ov
pa
m
ng
d
di
an
ur boar
at stick
nta? Grab yo ep the tastemakers th
motions,
Hot for Hotla
titude. Pe
Street Pro
at
l
a
!
tic
e
tis
R
ar
y,
an
J Jell
L stand up
rillville, D
Black, AT
DJ Bobby
Stat Quo, T
&
e
ik
M
r
zy, Kille
Young Jee
81
Words By: Kay Konnect
L
yrically savvy, Stat Quo is far
beyond mild-to-median range
when referencing his royal
rank in rap. Cocky or confident, he
is equally impressed with his artistic
ability and diverse delivery; as an
architect when he constructs a skyscraper from the blueprint. Creative
with his hands, educated in the dome,
and a beast in the booth, confidence
is just a reflection of an academically
driven and street certified combination
hustler in the mixtape atmosphere.
82
That hustler combo-to-go has allowed
him to divert from the same duskyatmosphere clouded with flocks of
block artists striving for recognition.
The opportunity to separate from
traditional rap clones has gained Stat
Quo the respect of platinum talents
Dr. Dre and Eminem.
Stat Quo reflects: “I saw how 50
Cent really just made his name,
and I thought what if someone did a
movement like that in the south. So
I did that with my partner Zeek, and
we basically put a CD together called
“Underground Atlanta, Volume One,”
www.mixtapemag.com
we flooded it, and gave it out for free.
Our background is hustling, and we
understood when you are introducing
any new product to the game, you got
to actually let people sample it before
you can try to charge them for it.
Believe it, that CD got me my deal.
(Chain of Command) Mel-Man, a
producer who worked under Dr.
Dre, got my CD from Mike Y.O.
Mel-Man gave it to Dr. Dre, but Dre
was contemplating on signing me. I
put my first mixtape out and met Dr.
Dre, so I thought what would happen
if I put out a second one? I put out
www.mixtapemag.com
“Underground Atlanta, Volume Two”’
and went out to the Mixshow Power
Summit in Puerto Rico. I met up with
DJ Skee, who gave it Dart La, and he
gave it to Paul Rosenberg, and he
gave it E-M-I-N-E-M, and Eminem
called Dr. D-R-E, and Dr. Dre was
already like I know S-T-A-T, and then
they wrote me a C-H-E-C-K. See Dr.
Dre already knew me from M-E-L,
breathe, M-A-N, and that’s how I got
in the game.”
83
Words By: Isegoria
W
elcome to Trillville…three
young men out of Atlanta
that want to teach the world
how to stick to the truth and keep it
real at the same time, a combination
that results in “trill” behavior, in other
words “Keeping it real to the third
power.” Don P, Dirty Mouth, and Lil’
LA (a.k.a. Lil’ Atlanta) are very proud
of their ATL roots, and compose an
integral phase of the ever-popular
Crunk movement that is presently
sweeping the country. Hip Hop fans
across the nation are already familiar
84
with the “Yeah!, What?, and OK!’s”
of Lil’ Jon and his comrades, The
East Side Boys. The high energy,
booty-poppin, sweat-drippin tunes
of the southern “Crunk” region have
taken the industry by needlepoint,
forcing DJs to spin the volatile vinyls
in over-whelming response to the
demand to get “Crunk” in the clubs.
“Some Cut,” the first single off the
groups upcoming LP, and one of the
biggest Crunk tunes in the game is
a culmination of a love ballad, club
song, and a Crunk track…calling to
the curvaceous women of ATL and
the rest of the country to give some,
well, you already know…. The soonwww.mixtapemag.com
to-be “Gods of Crunk” began their
journey towards Trillville in the ninth
grade where they met and discovered
each other’s ability to get sh*t Crunk.
Besides the group’s innate love of
music and lyricism, each contributed
different facets to their success as a
group. As a snare drum player in high
school, Dirty Mouth related the sharp
drum line of his music to an academic
career, where he majored in Music
Production at Morris-Brown. His
partner Don P, was already occupied
constructing beats to get Trillville put
on while attending Clark-Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Lil’ LA made certain that
all of their shows were full house.
www.mixtapemag.com
He specialized in marketing and
promotions for the group. Before
they were signed, the trio had three
areas of the industry locked: talent,
production, and marketing. This made
the decision to sign the group an easy
one for BME Recordings; presently,
the largest indie label out of Atlanta.
The groups’ first known track “Neva
Eva” began gaining popularity in the
later part of 2003 and has led to the
current fame of “Some Cut”. If you
are looking for the next thing in Crunk
music, you need to take a real look
into Trillville. They are fixing to get
sh*t “CRUNK….YEAH!!!!”
85
Words By: Rea
T
reading the roads of peril,
setting
unique
trends,
and mastering the art and
discipline of the DJ defines DJ
Jelly’s hustle. A man with stamina
and longevity who has sculpted the
layout of a pioneer DJ over the span
of Atlanta’s music explosion is a
certified success on the south streets.
He attests that his exposure to the art
of DJing began in high school, in St.
Louis, MS. He remembers clearly
carrying records for Cut Master K, a
fellow DJ who he considers St. Louis’
86
parallel to Grand Master Flash in New
York. When plaques are handed, DJ
Jelly mentally credits Cut Master K
for helping shape his style of DJing.
“One thing I learned was to have no
boundaries musically,” he notes in
confidence.
DJ Jelly applied his lessons from his
early years in St. Louis and set out
to Georgia. He ventured into the
developing city during the late 80s
to merge with the evolving musical
mission. Reflections post when DJ
Jelly recalls the first album to excite
him. “When I heard Whodini’s “Big
www.mixtapemag.com
Mouth” I wanted to DJ.” “I saw a
dude scratching, and I thought I could
do that,” he relays with a smirk of
certainty. The magical occurrence
sparked a flame that would forever
ignite. Proud to be a part of present
day Hip Hop, DJ Jelly explains his
concerns about the direction of music,
and the lack of creativity in Hip Hop
which stems from artists creatively
playing too safe.
“Understand the culture of Hip Hop
and study it from the beginning.
Understand the roles that people play
in Hip Hop; the DJ, what is his role,
www.mixtapemag.com
the MC, what is his role, all that is
important, because it’s the structure
of what you do,” advises DJ Jelly.
Although DJ Jelly has represented
the DJ scene for decades, he is
still turning over soil to bring fresh
and innovative ideas to the game
throughout the millennium. Currently
he is working on the DJ Jelly album,
which will showcase good Hip Hop.
He is also working on a mixtape
DVD, which he hopes will be another
building block in the ever altering
landscape of Hip Hop music.
87
Words By: Rea
T
ake One.
All successful productions
have a focused and driven
director. Ideally after hard work
and hours of takes, the director
should trust that the actors on the
set masterfully bring their vision
to fruition. If the script is powerful,
the actors are prepared, and the
audience connects to the production;
it is only fair to assume that the show
is success. One man in Atlanta with
a national cast has captured the
88
game with fan-fare. Welcome to the
platform of Real Street Marketing and
Promotions.
Take Two.
A native of Queens, NY, Real set out
in 1999 to conquer a new landscape,
hoping to be recognized for his
lyrical skill. Though rhyming was
the catalyst for his relocation, destiny
would carry him in another direction.
Taking in Atlanta’s local color, Real
grasped that New York’s ever popular
promotions tactic of street teams was
rare in ATL.
www.mixtapemag.com
Realizing that strength was in
numbers, Real clicked on his light
bulb and bullied his way into Atlanta’s
rapidly evolving music scene. He
organized a troop of women and men
hungry to be part of the urban music
evolution and blew breath into Real
Street Marketing and Promotions.
His business blossoms as the “go to”
for music and artist promotions. Real
contracts with major record labels
such as Sony, Bad Boy, Def Jam, and
Jive, just to name a few. He has also
tackled into the government sector by
www.mixtapemag.com
doing promotional work for the US
Navy and the golden arches emblem
of McDonalds. With a roaring street
team that sets Americas’ streets
on fire, Real Street Marketing and
Promotions
infiltrates
anywhere
promoting is possible. Real is the
definition of a marketing guru. Like
ashes rise to the sky, Real rises to
the top. He embeds the blood of a
hustler, and incorporates the action
by applying it to the branding arena.
Simply, Real Street Marketing and
Promotions is the most reliable
excavate for music promotion.
89
Words By: Kay Konnect
C
oined the hottest rapper
in Atlanta with no radioair play, the voice, depth,
and tone of one local boy from the
hood swiftly turns heads to one
of Georgia’s Boyz N’ Da Hood,
Young Jeezy. Successfully bound
to Corporate Thugz Entertainment
(CTE) chiefly operated by Kinky
B., and affiliated officially with Dem
Boyz, Young Jeezy, powerfully sits
independently on the thrown of
90
the microphone. His classic hood
mixtape Gangsta Grillz: Trap or Die,
Special Collector’s Edition, produced
by The Aphilliates own DJ Drama,
exposes his versatile southern slang
and pitch. When the game examines
the messages pushed by the new
industry heavyweight, it is clear that
the gangster groomed in white icicles
from his neck to his wrists unleashes
lyrics just that chilly-chill and crisp. A
south street-feel with a universal hood
appeal, Young Jeezy is the chosen
one to represent the elements that
encompass a block of bangers.
www.mixtapemag.com
Young Jeezy stands firm in music. In
the intro of the Trap or Die mixtape,
Young Jeezy spits ferociously: “Minus
all them videos, stickers, and flyers,
most of these rappers are compulsive
liars. Tell me what kind of ni**a tells
lies to self, then turns around and
tells the same lies to his fans, Disney
World ni**as in Gangsterland!” In
living color statements coming from
a lyricist that leaves residue on
tracks, spectrum songs, vividly bright
with real recipes of carefully crafted
rhymes. Young Jeezy boasts that he
has over a quarter of a million fans
www.mixtapemag.com
supporting his music on the streets.
The channels of his vocals permeate
through hoods of the south, mid, and
west, while becoming the absolute
new demand up north. His angle
to motivate those struggling to get
focused and financially strong from
his sector brings his hustler story to
life. It is that same muscle biography
that makes Young Jeezy a profitable
and powerful entity on the streets and
in the mainstream public light.
91
Words By: Rea
T
he essence of early Hip Hop
was composed of razorsharp rhymes, classic beats,
and attractive word play. All these
ingredients evolved into an avenue
which allowed artists to capitalize
on the American Dream.
Killer
Mike, Atlanta’s ghetto extraordinaire,
delivers his love for urban music, his
need to reel in cream for self, and for
his team Grind Time Officials.
Killer Mike’s intricate strategy of
92
capitalizing on the game rises from
his grandparents and their frugal
approach to life. Raised in the west
side section of Atlanta, Georgia,
Killer Mike learned early from his
grandfather’s bootlegging sales that
a supply which fulfills a demand
equals profits. Impressed by the
calculations, Killer Mike went on to
use the same formula to cash-in on
the mixtape front. His voyage was
set in motion due to the frustration of
entrusting his fate in DJs. Troubled
with roadblocks, Killer Mike took
charge of his destiny and assembled
www.mixtapemag.com
his own mixtapes, which created a
heavy demand. Distributing his own
products shed light on the mixtape
experience, “I understand how vital
[mixtapes] are to artists, it gives them
the opportunity to see what their
audience wants and expects from
them, it gives them time to refine their
craft before their major deal, and it
gives them time to make money.”
In Killer Mike’s eyes, the mixtape
hustle is brilliant because it
provides exposure and dollars
while establishing a raw sense of
www.mixtapemag.com
community. He flips this grind by
inserting his achievements into the
hood. Mixtape distribution gave Killer
Mike the opportunity to purchase
his grandmother’s home after a lien
was placed against it. “I plan to
renovate the home and offer it out
to low-income families,” he assures.
In regards to his team Grind Time
Officials, he believes each member
deserves the opportunity to buy a
comfortable home, strictly off the
mixtape circuit. He considers that
an investment in Hip Hop and the
community.
93
Words By: Rea
A
one week visit to the almighty
Atlanta, GA resulted in DJ
Bobby Black’s commitment
to a career as a disc-jockey for the
mixtape assembly.
Bobby Black
attests that his week in Georgia’s
peach framed his outlook that Atlanta’s
flavor was like no other place. Hailing
from Springfield, Massachusetts, a
place where opportunities to pursue
a career in music was limited, made
his transition to rock behind wax in
another state where an industry vibe
94
was smoother. Springfield, MA and
it’s surrounding areas, simply lacked
the immediate access to key industry
connections which Bobby Black
needed. Quickly, he stepped into the
Southern politics of the mixtape genre
and began to represent Atlanta like it
was his original breeding ground.
From his standpoint of view, the new
city possessed a loyalty to their native
artists, which he found refreshing
and very different from what he had
encountered up north.
“I appreciate the respect that those
heavily entrenched in the mixtape
www.mixtapemag.com
game have for street level artist,”
notes Bobby Black. “The band to
create a come-up for artists starting
out is exciting and stimulating,” he
cheers. Atlanta’s open door policy
for up-and-coming talent allowed
Bobby Black to swiftly penetrate
ATL’s DJ culture. Without a bill to
spare, he became aligned with one
of the most illustrious DJ crews in
Atlanta, well actually in the south.
The Superfriends, recognized as a
leading DJ crew welcomed Bobby
Black openly.
The power move
allowed him to smash club scenes
backed by a strong Atlanta alliance.
www.mixtapemag.com
Bobby Black’s aspirations don’t stop
at being a top mixtape DJ. He hopes
to develop artists and put them out
under his own independent record
label. Making strategic moves is his
overall goal, and in the same breath
crafting his new DJ crew Mixtape
Mafia is just as vital. The novice
team will represent street level
talent, specifically DJs looking for
new outlets in Atlanta’s DJ scene. As
we exit, Bobby Black is in the works
ready to drop his fire-filled mixtapes
Down Twelve and The Dirty Dozen.
95
Spring Jacket by Triko;
T-Shirt by Triko; Jeans by
Ervin Geoffrey;
Custom Jewelry by
Jacob & Co;
Sneakers by Adidas
KNOCKS OUT SPRING
2005 FASHION
Styling By: Damarko GianCarlo
Styling Assistant: Chrystal Hines
Photography By: Felix Natal Jr. (www.felixnataljr.com)
Lighting Assistant: Mike Collado
Hair Styling By: Shawn Slice
Make-Up Artist: Timothy J. Smart
Grooming By: Alex Velez of Infamous Kutz, N.J.
Models By: Unique Photography Rosemary & Cheryl
Airbrushing By: Nelson Cepeda for Airone Airbrushing
Professional & Prized Boxer, Entrepreneur, and Record Label
Executive, Zab Judah, shows Mixtape Magazine his dressing
techniques out of the boxing ring...
96
www.mixtapemag.com
www.mixtapemag.com
97
Rosemary (Left)
Sweatshirt by Adidas;
Skirt by Apple Bottom;
Sneakers by Adidas;
Zab Judah (Middle)
Sweatshirt by Team Roc;
Jeans by Ervin Geoffrey;
Sneakers by Adidas
Cheryl (Right)
Honduras Sweatshirt by Adidas;
Pleated Skirt by Baby Phat;
Sneakers by Converse;
Buttondown by A. Tiziano;
T-Shirt by A. Tiziano;
Jeans by Denim Factory;
Sneakers by Converse
98
www.mixtapemag.com
www.mixtapemag.com
99
Alexis (Right)
Sweatshirt by Adidas;
Skirt by Apple Bottom;
Sneakers by Adidas;
Denim Jacket by Ervin Geoffrey;
T-Shirt by Ervin Geoffrey;
Jeans by Ervin Geoffrey;
Sneakers by Adidas (Next Page)
100
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Long Sleeve T-Shirt
w/Leather Trimming by Krome;
Jeans w/Leather Trimming by Krome;
Sneakers by Adidas
Women’s Orange Jumpsuit by
Miskeen
102
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103
MIXTECH
The Latest Gadgets In Technology
MIXTAPE MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVES...
1. Sony PSP:
3.
CPU: CPU (System clock
frequency 1 - 333MHz)
RAM: 32 MB
Sound Card: Built-in speaker
Display/Res.: 4.3 inch, 16:9 Wide
screen TFT LCD, 480 x 272 pixel
PSP Value Pack Supplied
Disc Drives: UMD Drive (Read
Only)
Accessories: AC adaptor, Battery
pack, Memory Stick, Headphone
with remote control, Soft case and
cloth UMD In-Pack Sampler.
Power: Lithium-ion Battery/AC
Adapter
3. Sony Vaio U71
Portable PC:
CPU: 1.1 GHZ
SB: 400 MHZ
RAM: 512 MB
Sound Card: PCM 16bit audio,
integrated speaker
Display/Res.: 5 “ SVGA TFT
800 x 600 pixel
www.sony.com
4.
www.sony.com
1.
2.
2. The Panasonic SVSD100V MP3 Player:
104
4. Motorola PEBL V6
Mobile Phone:
Features: Contains a FM Tunner
and Voice recorder. Record songs
directly on a SD-Card. Support
AAC besides WMA and MP3s.
Design: Iconic oval-shaped
design.
Capabilities: Integrated
bluetooth, VGA digital camera
& picture caller ID.
RAM: 5 MB
www.panasonic.com
www.motorola.com
www.mixtapemag.com
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105
MUSIC
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This study is about you, the reader of Mixtape Magazine. Please complete this
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ABOUT THE READER
1. Gender
‫ ڤ‬Male
‫ ڤ‬Female
2. Age
‫ ڤ‬17 and under
‫ ڤ‬18-20
‫ ڤ‬21-24
‫ ڤ‬25-29
‫ ڤ‬30-34
‫ ڤ‬35-39
‫ ڤ‬40-49
‫ ڤ‬50 and over
3. Ethnic Background
‫ ڤ‬African-American
‫ ڤ‬Caucasian
‫ ڤ‬Hispanic/Latino
‫ ڤ‬Asian/Pacific Islander
‫ ڤ‬Native American
‫ ڤ‬Other:_________________________
4. Education
‫ ڤ‬High School Degree or similar
‫ ڤ‬College Degree or similar
‫ ڤ‬Graduate Degree or similar
‫ ڤ‬Attending:_______________________
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__________________________________
6. Employment
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‫ ڤ‬Part-Time
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7. Annual Individual Income
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‫ ڤ‬$80,000-$89,000
‫ ڤ‬$90,000-$99,000
‫ ڤ‬$100,000+
1. Which of the following kinds of
music do you listen to most often?
‫ ڤ‬Hip Hop
‫ ڤ‬Pop
‫ ڤ‬R&B
‫ ڤ‬Rock
‫ ڤ‬Dancehall/Reggae
‫ ڤ‬House/Techno/Dance
‫ ڤ‬Other:________________________
2. List your 3 favorite mixtape DJS?
1.___________________________
2.___________________________
3.___________________________
3. List your 3 favorite artists?
1.___________________________
2.___________________________
3.___________________________
4. What is your favorite local radio
station?
________________________________
8. What influences you most to buy an
album?
‫ ڤ‬Word of Mouth
‫ ڤ‬Radio
‫ ڤ‬Video
‫ ڤ‬Club
‫ ڤ‬Advertising
‫ ڤ‬Magazine Editorial
‫ ڤ‬Internet
‫ ڤ‬Record Label
9. Where do you pick up your mixtapes?
‫ ڤ‬Flea Market
‫ ڤ‬Record Store
‫ ڤ‬Bootlegger
‫ ڤ‬Online:__________________________
‫ ڤ‬Other:___________________________
10. Are you a DJ?
‫ ڤ‬YES
‫ ڤ‬NO
11. If YES, what type of DJ are you?
‫ ڤ‬Mixtape ‫ ڤ‬Home
‫ ڤ‬Club
‫ ڤ‬Party
13. If YES, what type of equipment do you
own or plan to purchase?
5. How often do you visit record
stores?
‫ ڤ‬Once a week or more
‫ ڤ‬Once a month
‫ ڤ‬Twice a month
‫ ڤ‬Three times a year
1._________________________________
2._________________________________
3._________________________________
Do you download music?
‫ ڤ‬YES
‫ ڤ‬NO
FASHION & FOOT WEAR
6. How many mixtapes do you pick up
per month? ______________________
7. How many albums do you buy per
month? _________________________
14. Name the hottest nightclub in your
city:_______________________________
1. What are your 5 favorite fashion brands,
excluding jeans?
1._________________________________
2._________________________________
3._________________________________
4._________________________________
5._________________________________
2. What are your 5 favorite brands of
jeans?
1.______________________________
2.______________________________
3.______________________________
4.______________________________
5.______________________________
3. How much did you spend in clothing
this past year?
‫ ڤ‬Less than $99
‫ ڤ‬$100-$999
‫ ڤ‬$1,000-$1,999
‫ ڤ‬$2,000-$2,999
‫ ڤ‬$3,000 and over
4. What are your favorite 5 footwear
brands?
1.______________________________
2.______________________________
3.______________________________
4.______________________________
5.______________________________
5. How many pairs of sneakers have
you bought in this past year?
_______________________________
ENTERTAINMENT
How many times a week do you go out at
night?
‫ڤ‬0
‫ ڤ‬1-2 Nights
‫ ڤ‬3-5 Nights
‫ ڤ‬6-7 Nights
How often do you frequent nightclubs, bar
or house parties? _____________________
How often do you rent movies?
___________________________________
How many times do you go to the movies?
‫ڤ‬0
‫ ڤ‬1-2 per month
‫ ڤ‬3-4 per month
‫ ڤ‬more than 5 times a month
Do you play video games?
‫ ڤ‬YES
‫ ڤ‬NO
If YES, in which platform?
‫ ڤ‬Xbox
‫ ڤ‬Sony PSP
‫ ڤ‬Nintendo Game Cube
‫ ڤ‬Other:___________________________
6. How much did spend on footwear
this past year?
‫ ڤ‬Less than $99
‫ ڤ‬$100-$199
‫ ڤ‬$200-$299
‫ ڤ‬$300-$399
‫ ڤ‬$400-$499
‫ ڤ‬$500 and over
How many video games titles do you buy
per month?__________________________
7. What shirt sizes do you wear?
‫ڤ‬S
‫ڤ‬L
‫ ڤ‬XL
‫ ڤ‬2X
‫ ڤ‬3X and over
‫ ڤ‬Beer, if so what brand:
___________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Hard Liquor, if so what brand:
___________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Wine, if so what brand:
___________________________________
BEVERAGE*
*If 21 and over, which of the following
beverages have you drank in the past 6
month? Please check all that apply:
‫ ڤ‬Champagne, if so what brand:
_________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Soda, if so what brand:
_________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Energy Drink, if so what brand:
_________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Sports Drink, if so what brand:
_________________________________
‫ ڤ‬Bottled Water, if so what brand:
_________________________________
ABOUT MIXTAPE MAGAZINE
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Mixtape Magazine?
‫ ڤ‬www.mixtapemag.com
‫ ڤ‬From a friend
‫ ڤ‬Online: ________________________
‫ ڤ‬Record Store: ___________________
‫ ڤ‬Mailing Service: _________________
‫ ڤ‬Other: _________________________
2. How many people, other than
yourself, have read or looked at your
copy of Mixtape Magazine?
‫ ڤ‬1 Person
‫ ڤ‬2 People
‫ ڤ‬3 People
‫ ڤ‬Other:__________________________
3. Have you purchased any products that
you seen in Mixtape Magazine?
‫ ڤ‬YES
‫ ڤ‬NO
4. If YES, what influenced you to
purchase that product?
‫ ڤ‬Advertising
‫ ڤ‬Editorial
‫ ڤ‬Both
5. Please rate Mixtape Magazine’s
editorial?
‫ ڤ‬Excellent
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‫ ڤ‬Poor
6. What section(s) should we improve?
_________________________________
7. What other magazine do you read?
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
8. Have you visited Mixtape Magazine’s
website (www.mixtapemag.com)?
‫ ڤ‬YES
‫ ڤ‬NO
9. Do you have any comments?
_________________________________
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_________________________________
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ratings:
EMBEDDED
REPORTER
DJ CHELA
RAP PHENOMENON III
DJ VOICE OF DA STREETZ
Florida’s own, Voice of Da Streets, lets loose
on this controversial mixtape named Rap
Phenomenon III. The mixtape takes the game
through the world of Jay-Z’s compilation of
street hits. For a lyricist dabbling with the art of
rap on a doctorate level, Voice of Da Streets masters Jay-Z’s pitch over their
creative selections of instrumentals. Jay-Z’s lyrics come to life on the track
“Never Sprung,” which most fans regard as just an average drop for Jay. Voice
of Da Streets sheds light on the song which sharply mixes into “I’m a Hustla.”
Most notable track: “Threats,” the remix outlines Voice of Da Streets tactful
production style.
Live from the Frontline, DJ Chela
embeds herself in the trenches to
bring to the latest breaking exclusive militant music. Laced
with anti-Bush and political undertones, Chela calls on the
illest of the signed and unsigned artist to lyrical lobby against
the system. The North Ca-ka-lak mixtape fem fatal opens the
broadcast with lyrical slugs whizzing past your ear from J.
Bully’s “On the Frontline” track. Common’s “The Corner” and
M.O.P.’s “Police and Helicopters,” makes you wanna pump a
black fist, as Mobb Deep and Sizzler’s “System” is undeniable
rider music. The rest of the soldiers fall in with joints from
Aasim, Beanie Sigel, Cory Gunz , Sean Price and even the
smooth operator himself Big Daddy Kane. Sprinkled with cuts
and scratches, and exerts from The Last Poets, this tribute to
our soldiers at war has respectable production. Withstanding
a few unexpressive freestyles, this joint has more than served
it’s purpose as DJ Chela encourages us to stay tuned for the
latest from the frontlines.
MIXTAPE MAGAZINE’S
RATING SYSTEM:
STREET CORNER GANSTAS
DJ KURUPT
DJ Kurupt, the Master Jedi, launches his latest
street tape: Street Corner Gangstas hosted by,
Dip Set veteran, Juelz Santana. Exclusive drops and Harlem heat dictate
the direction of the mixtape. Kurupt blends maliciously and perfects his
unique style on the DJ front. Juelz marries the hustle by dropping cuts: “More
Gangsta,” featuring leading lyricist Cam’ron and “Copz Iz Comin’” featuring
Purple City’s own Un Kasa. The tape is organized and governed by other
generals in the game: Tony Yayo and Dre’s “Live By the Gun” and Saigon and
Kool G. Rap’s “Letter.”
110
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Mixtapes, DVDs, and album reviews are ranked by The Plan
Building (plan B) who are a sub-committee of active music
industry professionals from all genres of the game. Opinions
vary regarding the overall ranks and weight of given products.
However, the judging parties which rotate from issue-to-issue
try their hardest to rate mixtapes, DVDs, and albums without
bias by ranking DJs for creativity, blends, exclusives, production
quality, and cover art as their final decision. Ratings should
be taken as critical reviews not as mockery. All in all, Mixtape
Magazine supports the efforts of every mixtape DJ in the game.
Truly, we respect the hustle.
5 Headphones:
Flawless
4.5 Headphones:
Street Hit
4 Headphones:
Smash
3.5 Headphones:
Turn It Up
3 Headphones:
Worth Listening
2.5 Headphones:
Average
2 Headphones:
Turn It Down
1.5 Headphones:
Clearance Item
1 Headphone:
Turn It Off
To submit a CD for review please send all materials and contact
information to:
Mixtape Magazine c/o plan B
244 Fifth Ave. Suite 2371
New York, NY 10001-7604
www.mixtapemag.com
111
ONCE UPON A TIME IN BKLYN
DJ NOODLES
IT’S MY TIME
DJ MONEY BAGS
New mixtape varsity player Money Bags fires with
his latest mixtape project: It’s My Time, hosted by
Atlanta’s heat artist Stat Quo of Shady/Aftermath.
Features from The D-Block set includes the “Kiss of Death” remix featuring
Stat Quo and T.I. Stat Quo’s heat rocks include impressive cuts: “A-Town” and
“Cold Outside,” which are tearing down streets actively. Money Bags mixtape
definitely has a sweet mix of east and south representatives all across the
board. Prodigy of Mobb Deep shines with a smooth cut “Stuck On You,” while
Lil’ Wayne smashes hardcore with “Shawty Bounce.” Money Bags’ tape is
branded with block bangers and edgy exclusives.
Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn there lived a Hip
Hop King. We all know the ending to the story of
Hip Hop’s most beloved. Though the details of his
short lived genius and unfortunate demise remains
unclear, his legacy still lives on. DJ Noodles’ latest tribute to the B.I.G.est
Bad Boy ever is a testament to that truth. This double disc mixtape has
captured the career of Christopher Wallace like no other mixtape before it or
any other to come. Loaded with 42 tracks this joint doesn’t just give you the
best of Big Poppa; it gives you all of him. Rare verses, unreleased songs,
interviews, live concerts, blends and remixes produced by Noodles makes
it a must have like the air we breathe. Joints from before Ready To Die to
Life After Death, Noodles lays out a timeline of classics and you can hear
Notorious B.I.G. go from ashy to classy. Had the King of New York lived
today, he would have knighted Noodles into mixtape royalty.
NEXT IN LINE
DJ OBSCENE
THE PROPHECY
STATIK SELEKTAH FEAT.
NASTY NAS
The Prophecy, hosted by Nasty Nas, is an exclusive mixtape leased to the
streets by Smash Squad’s own Statik Selektah. It defines a carefully constructed
mixtape. The Prophecy introduction is clear and concise. Nas’ storytelling aura
takes the game on a journey to some of his most prolific, classic, and historic
cuts to date. The tape is organized like an autobiography over smoothly blended
beats. Graced on the A-plus project are features from Prodigy, AZ, Styles P. of
D-Block, Scram Jones and a host of other rap stars. Most notable track: “Stay
Chizzled” (QB remix) featuring Prodigy. The Prophecy is specifically produced
for Nas fans. This tape takes the streets back to when Queensbridge artists
collectively had the game on lock.
112
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One of the hottest mixtape DJs from the bottom is
only 17 years old but he holds weight like an O.G.
The Next in Line mixtape is saturated with young
heat from the hottest new artist next on deck from
the lower latitude. Florida newest mixtape contender has tapped Timberland
and his protégé Attitude to commentate on this release showcasing the game’s
newest blood. Seems like the future looks bright, with bangers like T. Water’s
“Throw’d Off” and a Linkin Park sampled “It’s an Epidemic” featuring Dirtbag
and a rapping Dre of Terror Squads production go to guys Cool and Dre and
several appearances by Attitude. Atlanta’s biggest problem Young Jeezy shows
why he is just that on “Gangsta.” For good measure Obscene sprinkles some
east coast crack on the situation with Tony Yayo and 50 Cents “So Seductive”
and Kanye’s newest instant classic “Diamonds are Forever”. Obscene cuts it
up and spins it back to let the game know that he used more than a computer
to lay his game flat. At his age he’s only a minor, but when it comes to this
mixtape, your boy is major.
www.mixtapemag.com
113
CHECK
CHECK OUT
OUT MIXTAPE
MIXTAPE
MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE AS
AS WELL
WELL
AS
AS THESE
THESE AND
AND
OTHER
OTHER MIXTAPES
MIXTAPES
AT
AT THE
THE FOLLOWING
FOLLOWING
LOCATIONS:
LOCATIONS:
Excerpt from Cassidy’s Freestyle, off
the Big Mike Presents The Contender
2.0 Mixtape.
114
SWITCH SIDES
STIMULI
STIMULI’S sharp knack for words and his
craft for guiding the game through his creative
thought process is reflective on his latest
mixtape and DVD project: Switch Sides.
STIMULI is the new rap vocalist reminiscent of
the greatest to ever spit shines flawlessly on his latest solo-suit. Heavy
rotation focuses on his latest leading cut “Lady” and “Switch Sides.”
The project is a guaranteed hit worth having in the deck, as-well-as on
the screen. STIMULI stands firm next to top shelf artists, while representing
Brooklyn to the fullest.
Freestyle Verse:
...“And ya ni**as really know ya ain’t
f*ckin’ with me | Cause I ain’t feelin’ your
sh*t | Any song that I’m on | I be killin’ the
sh*t | Your flow is wack | I throw packs |
Dealing with dem bricks | I’m dealing with
six figures | Ni**as, still on the strips | No
suing when I’m willing to whip | Oh yeah,
your bitch ass is trash | But I’m feelin’ up
her lips | That sweat probable got my nut
still on her lips | So much ice on my watch
I not feelin’ my wrist | I don’t care you clap
and you filling dem clips | Get a slug in your
hat, gat still on your hip | You a thug in your
raps | Why you a pussy in real life | A pimp
on the mic | But by Pussy in real life | I laid
my mack down | I ain’t slippin’, I ain’t trippin’,
I rap now | I ain’t trickin’ | I don’t care if she
a pretty hoe | And I got Diddy doe | cause I
done had every bad bitch in the city yo | An I
learned it from Biggie yo | And got the chicks
and that’s why sh*t’s gold off one video | So
I’ma go platinum off number two | And then I’m
gonna drop another album when the summer
through | So whatcha wanna do | I know I how I
humble you | I put a gun to you, I’m ain’t gonna
rumble with you| Nah, cause I’m small, kinda
slinky | That’s why I always got my pause on
the blinky | But I can brawl like Winky | Radiant
rock | You can’t spot no flaws on my pinky |
And I can stunt because I pump crank | And if
you cats wore my chains for a month | You be
hutch back | Duke I shoot to pump | Make you
jump back | I’m in coup in a roof where a truck
at | See I’m the truth...”
Mixtapes By Artist(s)�
MIXTAPE, INC.-THE MOVIE
Walter Bell and
Jerry Thompson
FOR
FOR INFORMATION
INFORMATION
ON
ON HOW
HOW TO
TO BECOME
BECOME
A
A DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
PARTNER
PARTNER CALL:
CALL:
(212) 340-1999
www.mixtapemag.com
“We used bootleggers as our personal street
team, that’s how the whole G-Unit started,” Lloyd
Banks of G-Unit states candidly. Mixtape, Inc.The Movie is the most controversial journey into
the life of mixtape professionals and affiliates.
Rich dialogue, graphically edited to perfection
with some of the most influential mixtape DJs, producers, retailers, artists, and
executives in the circuit is a street pleaser. Tapered with inside scoop that will
lead the RIAA to fury, Mixtape, Inc. pushes the envelope with frontline exposure.
Situated on the block, laid back in the studio, and nestled in retail, the production
draws viewers closer to the world of those sitting in the living room of the game.
Honesty at its finest, Mixtape, Inc.-The Movie showcases: DJ Clue, DJ Kay
Slay, DJ Vlad, DJ Red Alert, Sickamore, Ron G., Big Mike, and more. The
minus with the script is the legal undertone on the project. The RIAA executives
shoot warning shots at the street culture producing and moving the product. If
the games vision is blurry, get focused, more than the streets are watching.
www.mixtapemag.com
115
THE FIRST LADY Capital Records
FAITH EVANS
Who Is Mike Jones?
Swisha House/Asylum
MIKE JONES
Who is Mike Jones? Again, who is Mike Jones? According to the street
game, Mike Jones is the top contender on Hip Hop charts who has released
his mainstream project: Who Is Mike Jones? If you listen closely he
undoubtedly answers...check the inside tracks that have blown sales out the
roof in Houston and beyond. “Still Tippin,” his commercial single, featuring
platinum grills Slim Thug and Paul Wall scores with a street appeal across
national media channels.
Mike Jones’ southern slang may distract listeners outside of his origins,
however the texture of his voice and the production elements that govern
his project are up-to-par. Screwed and Chopped undertones aid the
songs, helping fans not familiar with the arrangement of south music catch
the vibe instantly. “Back Then,” an additional Mike Jones push is flavorful,
yet revengeful. He outlines the story of when women didn’t want him,
and how they now find him appealing. Truth remains that the album
is driven by material wealth. Opportune references to cars,
money, drugs, and hustling permeate the album. However, the
Swisha House star is not completely asset obsessed, he taps
into his sentimental side by paying respect to his grandmother
on “Grandma.”
All-in-all to really feel Mike Jones as an artist, the game must
have an understanding of southern style music. His bars and
hooks aren’t stuffed with sharp shooter verses like traditional
east coast rappers. The verses are dispersed freely over razor
sharp tracks that pound. Sit back and relax, the album is for
those who just want to bob their heads and pay homage to the
artist who has successfully hustled his mixtapes and marketing
strategies to build the name Mike Jones, the talent.
116
www.mixtapemag.com
Faith’s forth entry, oddly, the album without her name
in the title like the past 3 drops, seems to be her best,
most mature effort since she burst on the scene as a
Bad Boy “back-up” or “hook” vocalist. Faith was always better than that and has
improved her sound over time, unlike others, proving that she doesn’t need Mr.
Combs to be a talent. First Lady hits the mark from the first to the last track with
a more soulful production sound backing her up on this adult-slanted release.
This new Faith is one to be respected as an R&B/Soul artist, proving shes
much more than a Mary J. knockoff . This step in the more conservative sound
direction seems to work extremely well for the one time Mrs. Biggie Smalls.
With stand-out tracks like the amazing debut single “Again” or “I Don’t Need
It,” which contains a sample from the classic Jones Girl’s “Nights of Egypt,”
The First Lady has taken up the neo-soul fight and moved into the realm of
respected artists like that of Jill Scott and Alicia Keys. I have Faith; do you?
PURPLE CITY Baby Grande Records
ROAD TO RICHES
Purple City paves The Road to Riches with their latest project: The Best of the
Purple City Mixtapes. Star bangers “Winning” featuring Un Kasa and Bathgate
pop like the 4th of July. Firecracker production by the purple star Agallah adds
more volume to the project already bumping on Harlem blocks. The Purple City
team has an exclusive fan base, and it is apparent that they speak to a selective
class on the seats of streets music. Jim Jones and Juelz Santana of Dip Set
appear systematically on “Gun Go.” Shiest Bub, the executive producer perfectly
lends his grizzly tone on numerous cuts such as “Purple City Byrdgang” and “It
Ain’t Easy.” The project features interesting skits and dialogues among the crew
which draws humor. The Best of Purple City Mixtapes is a hood classic.
www.mixtapemag.com
117
1. Sheek Louch feat. Styles P
“Kiss Your Ass Goodbye”
2. R. Kelly feat. Game
“Player Only”
West 2 East is the section of our magazine dedicated to the top
five picks from the HOTTEST DJs, as well as RECORD POOLs
around the country. Not only are they going to tell you their top five
songs, but also what unsigned artist is doing it up in their area;
Something we call The Buzz Factor.
3. Teairra Mari
“Make Her Feel Good”
4. Ludacris feat.
Bobby Valentino
“Pimpin’ All Over the World”
5. Rihanna
“Pon De Replay”
DJ Stress
HOT 106.3FM
THE BUZZ FACTOR:
Hawk feat. Lil’ Jon
“Hoes Ain’t Sh*t”
4. I Wayne
“Can’t Satisfy Her”
1. Teairra Mari
“Make Her Feel Good”
2. Ying Yang Twinz
“Wait”
3. Bobby Valentine
“Slow Down”
1. Ying Yang Twins
“Wait”
5. Lil’ Jon feat. ESB
“Get Crunk”
THE BUZZ FACTOR:
Shampelli
“Secrets”
DJ Carl Blaze
POWER 103.5FM
4. Bobby Valentino
“Slow Down”
5. Busta Rhymes
“I’ll Hurt You”
2. Missy feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop
“Lose Control”
THE BUZZ FACTOR:
Don Blas
3. Fat Joe feat. Nelly
“Stay On My Back”
“Get It Poppin’”
1. AZ & Nas
“Serious”
2. Med
“Push”
3. Prodigy
“Baby Baby”
118
4. Quasimoto
“Rapcats”
1. Ying Yang Twins
“Wait”
5. Fat Joe
“My Bad”
THE BUZZ FACTOR:
Strong Arm Steady Gang
“Get Cha Bars Up”
Truly OdD
Heavyweights
www.mixtapemag.com
2. Cassidy
“I’m a Hustla”
3. Lil’ Jon feat. ESB
“Get Crunk”
www.mixtapemag.com
DJ Bedz
KS 107.5FM
4. Fat Joe
“So Much More”
5. Boyz N Da Hood
“Dem Boyz”
THE BUZZ FACTOR:
Franchise
“Oh I think They Like Me”
Emperor Searcy
HOT 107.9FM
119
DJ BREAK
DJ SIR THURL
DJ DANNY S
DJ FAMOUS
1. We mean this girl can smile…Brandy and
The Incredible DJ Break. 2. Break and Master
P at the 504 Boyz video shoot. 3. Break halts his
hectic studio schedule to take a shot for you. 4. Big
Gipp and DJ Chamillionaire throw up their piece signs.
5. DJ Chamillionaire and Harlem World’s Cam’ron in PR.
6. Say cheese!!! DJ Chamillionaire, David Banner and
Swisha House recording artist Paul Wall. 7. Diamond Are
4 Eva…Memphis Bleek and Danny S. 8. Boston’s WJMN
94.5fm’s DJ LUS, Dip Set’s Juelz Santana, Sonic and
Danny S. 9. DJ’s…Fabolous, Danny S, Precise, and Roli
Fingaz at Club World. 10. Famous and his R&B cronies
Next. 11. DJ Famous and Lil’ Kim living it up…salute!
12. “Jump Off” Joe Buddens and Famous. 13. J. Period,
SCION’S “Free Up Your Mix” NY Regional Winner, and
our homie NAS. 14. Alchemist, Prodigy of Mobb Deep
and J. Period cool out in the breeze. 15. It’s your boy Lil’
Jon and J. Period……. Yeaaaaaahhh! 16. Lights, camera,
action…Grafh and DJ Kurupt. 17. The Inc.’s own…Ja Rule
and Kurupt 18. DJ Kurupt and M.E.T.H.O.D. Man!
DJ J. PERIOD
DJ KURUPT
Photos courtesy of: www.djbreak.com, www.sirthurl.com, www.tng
entertainment.com, www.famousflava.com, www.truelements.com,
www.djkurupt.com
120
www.mixtapemag.com
www.mixtapemag.com
121
MIXTAPE MAGAZINE CLASSIFIEDS
MIXED CDS
DJ WHOO KID
DJ RUKIZ
DJ BOBBY BLACK
DJ P. CUTTA
(702) 977-2319
www.nycphatmixtapes.com
(401) 255-6440
www.djrukiz.com
(770) 995-2022
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.pcutta.com
PROMOTE YOUR CD HERE!!!*
DJ SMALLZ
www.djsmallz.com
DJ FAMOUS
DJ CHAMILLIONAIRE
(713) 934-8292
www.chamillionaire.com
DJ KAY SLAY
DJ KOCHECE
FOR AD PLACEMENT CONTACT US AT:
TEL. (212) 340-1999
www.mixtapemag.com
FO
(212) 629-1969
www.famousflava.com
www.djkayslay.com
122
$10
0**
Y
L
R ON
(917) 295-5768
DJ CLINTON SPARKS
[email protected]
www.clintonsparks.com
DJ ENVY
DJ RADIO
www.djenvy.com
(917) 488-5984
[email protected]
DJ JUNIOR TEC
DJ DEXTERITY
[email protected]
www.juniortec.com
(888) 332-MIXX
www.dexterity.net
*FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS
**LIMITED TIME OFFER
www.mixtapemag.com
123
ADINDEX
To Our Readers: For more information on our marketing partners and affiliates, visit
www.mixtapemag.com and click on MARKETING PARTNERS or visit their perspective web
sites listed below.
Marketing Partners
DDMG
Def Jam
Ice Tek
A. Tizano
LRG
J Records
Triko
Old South End Records
Nu Life Entertainment
Mixwell
Atlantic Records
Avianne and Co.
Inscape Records
Miskeen
Hit List Media
So So Def Records
Sony
Panasonic
Motorola
Blanco Blanco
iBlends
Royal Blunts
E. Ent. Group & Pub.
Gemini
Numark
www.dashmusicgroup.com
www.defjam.com
www.icetekwatch.com
www.atizano.com
www.l-r-g.com
www.jrecords.com
www.triko.com
www.sullee.com
www.nulifeentertainment.com
www.mixwellusa.com
www.atlanticrecords.com
www.avianneandco.com
www.inscaperecords.com
www.miskeenoriginals.com
www.hitlistmedia.com
www.sosodef.com
www.sony.com
www.panasonic.com
www.motorola.com
www.blancoblanco.com
www.iblends.com
www.royalblunts.com
www.mixtapemag.com
www.geminidj.com
www.numark.com
Pg(s). IFC & 1
Pgs. 2, 3 & 5
Pg. 6
Pg. 9
Pg. 10, 11
Pg. 13
Pg. 15
Pg. 21
Pg. 39
Pg. 40
Pg. 44
Pg. 49
Pg. 53
Pg. 57
Pg. 70
Pg. 80
Pg. 104
Pg. 104
Pg. 104
Pg. 124
Pg. 125
Pg. 126
Pg. 127
IBC
BC
Dj Affiliates
DJ Carl Blaze
DJ Chubby Chub
DJ Camilo
www.djcarlblaze.com
www.djchubbychub.com
www.djcamilo.com
Pg. 71
Pg. 20
Pg. 41
Online Marketing Affiliates
All Hip Hop
www.allhiphop.com
Sixshot
www.sixshot.com
Allmixtapes
www.allmixtapes.com
Mix Unit
www.mixunit.com
Da Mixtape Bully
www.damixtapebully.com
Mixtape Mob
www.mixtapemob.com
Mixtape Squad
www.mixtapesquad.com
Tape Kingz
www.tapekingz.com
Exclusive Hip Hop
www.exclusivehiphop.com
Mixtape Kings
www.mixtapekings.com
Baller Status
www.ballerstatus.net
128
www.mixtapemag.com
Re-Defining The Mixtape Game.
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

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