L.E.P. - Ozone Magazine

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SONNY RICH // LITTLE BROTHER // SHELLY B // SHAWTY LO // JQ
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myrtle beach bike week
**special edition**

SONNY RICH
& DJ CHUCK T
cookin’ up raw music
L.E.P. // LITTLE BROTHER // SHELLY B // SHAWTY LO // RAIN
DANNY! // SNOOK DA ROKKSTARR // LE-LE // TR FLOW // JQ
myrtle beach bike week
**special edition**

9 MILLION
Words // Charlamagne tha God
Originating from Dalzell, South Carolina,
9 Million is proof that you don’t have to be
from a major music mecca to create hit
records. He’s lent his production expertise
to nearly all of the hot artists in South
Carolina, along with artists like Gorilla Zoe,
B.o.B., and Sean Paul of the YoungBloodz.
A lot people don’t know that you’re responsible
for so many South Carolina classics.
Give them a quick list of some joints you’ve
produced.
I did “Hey You Shawty” and “I’m Clean” for
CollardGreens and his new single “Heart-
Breaker.” I did “Don’t I Look Good” For Lil
Ru, “I’m a Legend” for Mr. Flip, and “Everybody
Lookin” by CollardGreens, which
Atlantic Records’ VP Kevin Liles purchased
for one of his artists. I did “Ya Know” by Mr.
Flip. I also produced Lil Ru’s second single
under Capitol Records, “I’m Spinnin It.” I
did Mr. Flip’s new single “Geek Music” and I
produced the hottest song in the south right
now, “Nasty Song” by Lil Ru.
What exactly is your title with Headhunter
Records
I’m co-CEO along with my partner Lil Bo.
I’m also the official in-house producer. I do
a little of everything, from marketing and
structuring our company, to the little things
that make our label and artists successful.
Some people think that as long as you have
a hot song you’re gonna automatically be
successful, and that’s not reality. It takes
a team of individuals with a common goal
to make that record successful, and I think
my partner did a great job putting this team
together.
How is everything with Lil Ru’s situation Is
it true he got dropped from Capitol
Everything is cool. Lil Ru is not with Capitol
Records any longer, but it was a decision
made by Head Hunter Management not to
continue with the terms of the contract.
Why hasn’t Headhunter released any full
length albums You always have a smash
single but it’s rarely anything at retail. I
know the streets are dying to know why
they can’t cop the albums in the stores.
Actually we just released Lil Ru’s album/mix
CD called Microwave Music. It has all original
tracks produced by me and my label
mate Freddie L. But before this, we just
didn’t feel like the time was right to release
any projects. We wanted to keep the streets
wanting more. I didn’t want to over-flood
the market before we had total control. Now
that we have control of the market, you’re
gonna see a lot of projects in retail stores
everywhere.
So what’s on deck for Nine Mill and Headhunter
in 2008
I’m working with my labelmates CollardGreens
and Mr. Flip right now. Their
projects will be dropping this fall so we’re
in the studio every day and night. I’ve also
been working with a lot of major and independent
artists. I got a lot of people coming
at me for tracks right now. I guess you can
say I’m hot right now, feel me
Website: Myspace.com/headhunterlabel
How do you deal with artists feeling like
they’re not getting the attention they deserve,
especially when the focus is on one
man out of the crew
That’s what’s so good about the team. The
artists on the roster are real humble. Everyone
understands business. We all know
that everybody can’t be in the spotlight at
the same time. We all made a conscious
decision to push Lil Project, and it’s been
working. Now that we’ve started getting
attention from the majors, we’ve been working
with all of our artists a lot more. I want
everybody on the label to have hit records.
| OZONE

IKE G DA
Words // Ms. Rivercity
An avid supporter of Carolina music, Ike G
brings homestate talent to the masses via
Sirius Satellite Radio. He can be heard on
CORE DJ Radio Saturdays from midnight
- 2 AM and Sundays from noon - 2 PM.
For those who don’t know, what’s your history
as a DJ
I started out under my cousin Tony Tone out
here. When I got to North Carolina he was
on the radio and basically brought me up
under his wing. I’ve been doing this since
1996.
Were you doing any other radio work before
CORE DJ Radio came about
I’ve been on the radio in Fayetteville at
WZFX and WCCG, as well as out of state:
KDOL in Iowa and WNOV in Milwaukee.
When the CORE DJs broke through and got
the Sirius show, I had done Sirius before so
I knew the format. I was one of the first DJs
to go ahead and get it poppin’.
What will you have going on for Bike Week
I got a gang of clubs. I DJ at the East Coast
Customs Bike Show. I got Shawty Lo and
Plies coming to Studebakers. I got the K9
Bike Club Welcome to Bike Week 08 Kickoff
Party on Thursday. After I leave my last
show on Saturday, I’ll be hitting up Miami.
I’m grinding the whole weekend.
I take the hottest artists I can find in these
Carolina streets and give ‘em an opportunity.
I play ‘em on my Sirius show, get ‘em
BDS spins so when they go to these labels
they got a platform. Local radio cats ain’t really
giving ‘em no spins and helping ‘em out
so I’m trying to give ‘em a bigger audience.
What do Carolina rappers have to offer the
rest of the world
We call ourselves the middle East ‘cause
we’re not really the South or the East
Coast; we’re in the middle. You’re not
gonna get just a down South flow; you’re
gonna get some cats that sound like they’re
straight from the heart of Brooklyn and
some cats that sound like they from Port
Arthur, Texas. You’ll get a little bit of everything
combined into one. Our styles are so
diverse and cultured.
Is there anything else you want to mention
I’ve got the Carolina Coalition, which is my
promotions and marketing company. I gotta
shout out the CORE DJs. We’re bringing
the CORE Retreat to Carolina next go
around. Shout out to the Wright Brothers,
First in Flight Ent., Grandaddy Souf. I’m
on the road with J. Bully and Small World
who’s signed to DTP.
Website: Myspace.com/Djikegda910
Tell me about some of the new records
you’re supporting at the moment.
I’m focusing a lot on independent artists
coming out of the Carolinas. I’m messing
with Small World real hard. As far as
mainstream artists, I’m digging Shawty Lo’s
swag, Rick Ross of course. Weezy is killin’
the game. Right along with other DJs nowadays,
I put a lot of focus on independent
artists, especially from the Carolinas.
How difficult is it to break an indie artist
versus a new record from a major artist
If the record is hot it’s gonna break. The
reason why I say I put my main focus on it
is because the Carolinas have been jumped
over for years. Look at the whole movement;
it went from New York to Florida to
Texas back to Florida and Atlanta. Carolina
hasn’t really got a foot in the door. We got a
little exposure when Petey Pablo came out
but we’re trying to take it to that next level.
| OZONE

TAB D’BIASI
Words // Ms. Rivercity
Both a radio personality and a DJ, Tab
D’Biasi got his start at Power 98 interning
and working his way up. Da Million Dolla DJ
can be heard from noon - 1 PM and 2 AM
- 6 AM every Monday through Friday.
Why do you call yourself Da Million Dolla
DJ
My name is Tab; that’s my initials. When I
started DJing I couldn’t think of a DJ name.
I was drinking one day and came up with
the name of an old wrestler who used to call
himself Tad D’Biasi. I just flipped it. He used
to call himself The Million Dollar Man. He
would come in the ring with money all the
time. I was a wrestling fan as a kid.
So if you hadn’t become a DJ you might
have become a wrestler
Hell no! I’m too little. I woulda probably
been a wrestling flunky or something.
Is Power 98 the first station you DJed at
Yeah. I did college radio back home in
Jersey. When I got down here I got the
opportunity to intern under Nate Quick. He
saw me DJing at a party and said I should
be on the radio. I thought he was playing. I
ran into him three more times and he said
the same thing. I figured I might as well go
for it ‘cause something kept me running into
this dude.
With all the changes in the radio business,
where do you see technology taking it for
both DJs and artists
Free radio is becoming harder ‘cause you
got all these other outlets. Free radio is
governed by a lot of people that don’t take
chances. As a DJ, we’re out in the streets
more so we know what’s poppin’ and what
to take a chance on. Sometimes we don’t
get the liberty to do that. With digital downloads,
I feel it’s better. It might be hurting
the industry now but the industry’s gotta
come up with ways to combat that. It’s all
about the consumer. If we didn’t have artists
only making one or two good songs on a
CD, they would be selling more units.
DJs when I was coming up and they always
said it’s politics going on. But you might not
agree with that until you’re in the loop and
see it for yourself. Radio’s main concern is
keeping listeners tuned in. In their mind, if
you play something unrecognizable, people
might turn the channel. It’s the same thing
in the club.
How do you get people to accept something
new
We have a mixshow meeting with the DJs
and our music director at the station. We
rate the new records and if we all feel
the same way about it, we’ll add it to the
mixshow rotation. It bubbles from mixshow
rotation to regular rotation. I think it goes
from the radio to the club really. The more
people hear it on the radio, the more they
want to hear it in the club. Internet is a
good kickoff too sometimes, like with Soulja
Boy. Everybody knew “Crank Dat” before it
dropped [as a major label single] so radio
was forced to play it.
Who are some artists you think will be
around for a while
I think Hurricane will be out for a while
because he can flip styles. When you try to
stay in the same lane all the time and you
dead end, there’s nowhere to go. Like with
snap music, when it died you don’t hear
from those artists no more. It’s hard for
them to get another single poppin’. The rap
game is changing so fast.
Contact: Milliondolladj@gmail.com
What’s something that the general public
might not understand about what you do
In radio you have to follow certain rules and
guidelines. I used to always listen to radio
| OZONE

CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD
Words // Randy Roper
He went from South Carolina to the Wendy
Williams Experience, and now Charlamagne
Tha God is one of the top radio
personalities in the country. Some rappers
hate, some listeners do, too. But since no
one knows what’s coming out of his mouth
next, people love listening to him.
You’ve been on the Wendy Williams Experience
for two years now. Tell me how that
whole experience has been.
As far as radio, that was an adjustment
because I come from doing my own show,
“Charlamagne Tha God’s Concrete Jungle”
in the Carolinas. I’ve never been nobody’s
co-host. So it’s not my system, it’s her system.
I had to find a way to do my numbers
and put up my points within her system. But
as far as the career aspect, it was the best
move I could’ve made at the time. My talent
is showcased on a national level now. I
went from zero to sixty in 15 seconds and in
the next two years I’m going to go from 60
to 200. It’s a beautiful thing.
Wendy has a bad rep with a lot of people.
Do people that don’t like Wendy not like
Charlamagne Tha God
I came into the situation with my own
enemies. It’s like the industry hates me
just as much as they hate her. I think it’s
just because we don’t kiss the ass of the
celebrities. Nobody’s come up to me like, “I
don’t like Wendy, so I don’t like you.” But I
have heard people say, “Wendy, I like you,
but I don’t like Charlamagne.”
he will kill newborn babies, somebody had
to check him.
You do a lot of things outside of radio. Care
to talk about that
Yo, my South Crack [Carolina] album
should be out no later than August. We got
distribution through EMI for our label imprint
Stupid Dope Moves. I got a real nice TV
situation ‘bout to go on. God is good.
Anything else you want to talk about
I just got named one of the Top 30 radio
personalities under the age of thirty. It’s a
big thing because it’s not just black radio;
it’s country, rock, and different people in the
industry under the age of thirty. In 2005 I
got named one of the top influential people
in arts and entertainment under the age of
30 in South Carolina. Now I’m saying that
to say this: WHXK Hot 103.9 in Columbia,
SC won’t let me do [my show] “Concrete
Jungle.” I asked [the station’s program
director] Chris Conners numerous times; he
says the general manager Steve Patterson
always says “no.” I think it’s funny how I’m
one of the top personalities in the nation; I
work for Inner City Broadcasting, but they
won’t let me do “Concrete Jungle” when I
come to the town and it bothers me. It’s not
like they don’t need the help; they’re number
13 in the market and their competition
is number 3. I was on one day a week after
they demoted me and now I’m one of the
top 30 under 30.
What was your problem with comments
Lil Wayne made in a recent article in
OZONE
I’m writing a book called Socially Irresponsible
and a lot of times people in general
with a voice, when you’re an influential
person like Lil Wayne--when you got a
brother like that saying, “I won’t rap about
you, I’ll murder you, your family, your wife,
and your newborn baby--that should’ve
had everybody in an outrage. We don’t get
outraged for nothing. They shot Sean Bell
50 times; we didn’t get outraged. Jena 6,
we didn’t get outraged. We saw how they
responded to Hurricane Katrina; we didn’t
get outraged. People really don’t care no
more. But when you hear a brother saying
OZONE |

SNOOK DA ROKKSTARR
COLUMBIA, SC
Words // Ms. Rivercity
10 | OZONE

Currently on the road with Boosie, Rick
Ross, Pleasure P., and Plies, Snook is
poppin’ bottles like a true Rokk Starr. It’s a
lifestyle Snook exposed long before it became
the current trend. Here Snook speaks
on the tour and how he’s finally getting the
recognition he deserves.
You’ve worked with a lot of big names in
the industry. Who all have you collaborated
with lately
My latest collaborations were with Lil
Boosie, Yo Gotti, and T-Pain. I’ve worked
with Sean Paul from the YoungBloodz, Lil
Mo, Rich Boy, and Princess of Crime Mob.
Tell me about the album American Roc
Star.
The album is set to come out late ’08. A lot
of groups came out and everybody wanted
to do the rockstar thing; they had the fad
with it. I don’t party like a rock star; I live like
one. The album’s gonna show you the life
and times of real hood rock star, like going
to the club, poppin’ bottles. That’s my lifestyle,
everything I do. I can’t really go into
depth. I’m open to a lot of different things.
Elaborate on what you mean by “groups
that came out wanting to do the rockstar
thing.”
I had a song called “Rockstar” on Myspace.
It wasn’t “Party Like a Rockstar.” It was
about living like a rockstar. I had a live
band come in and play it. I released it on
Myspace right out the studio, no mix on it or
anything. Maybe like a month or so later I
hear the “Party Like a Rockstar” song. I had
already done business with a record label
out of New York on the song prior to that.
So are you saying that you think the Shop
Boyz got the idea for their song from yours
I can’t remember what publication it was in,
but I actually read an article – I don’t like
to say names ‘cause that’s how you make
other people famous – but he was like, “I
heard the song on Myspace and I liked it so
we wanted to put our own twist to it.” That’s
where that came from.
It seems like the major DJs are cosigning
you. How did you get their support
They just like my music. I was down in
Jacksonville at Vision Sounds – shout out
to Jawad – recording a lot of my mixtapes
and Bigga Rankin heard some of the music.
One of my managers had a relationship
with Bigga and they were having a lunch
meeting one day. Bigga was telling him
that he liked it. He got behind it and put my
music out there, let other DJs hear it. The
South Carolina DJs jumped on it quick once
they heard it. It was like a domino effect, a
nice lil’ chain reaction.
Who do you consider to be the most inspirational
artists throughout history
Big Daddy Kane was the ultimate performer.
He wasn’t just a rapper; he actually
did acrobatics and all types of stuff. When
you came to see Big Daddy Kane you knew
you were gonna leave outta there sweating.
Other than that, I like Biggie Smalls. He
inspired me with his lyrical content. Nobody
can tell a story better than Biggie to me.
Jay-Z’s business mind was inspiring. He
somehow made it through the adversity and
got to where he needed to be. And last but
not least, Lil Wayne’s grind is crazy. He had
77 features last year; that speaks for itself.
When you think of your biggest dream in life
what comes to mind
Getting my mother outta the hood. However
I have to accomplish that dream, I’ll do it.
The music industry is definitely part of my
dream ‘cause I plan on that being my outlet,
but it’s by any means necessary.
Tell me about the history behind Southern
Dynasty Records.
The label was started by me and my big
homie that’s locked up right now. I’m originally
from New Jersey and I came to South
Carolina in ’99 to go to school. I stopped
going to school in ’01 to further my career
in music. I met Chris and we started the
label. I was the first artist under the label,
currently still the only artist under the label.
He got messed up with the whole Federal
thing and went to jail. We had to branch off
into ventures with other people. My homie
Mixx and Biggs came in and took over the
business side.
Do you have any upcoming events or promotional
plans you want to mention before
we go
I’m on the Hypnotized tour with Lil Boosie,
Rick Ross, Pleasure P, and Plies. Shout
out to SSP and Mon E. G. the Ghostwriter.
We’ve been to Augusta, Columbia, Jacksonville,
Indianapolis, Cincinnati, St. Louis,
Kansas City, and it’s still going so keep your
ears out for that. Watch out for the new
mixtape coming soon.
Website: Myspace.com/Snookmusic
OZONE | 11

DANNY!
COLUMBIA, SC
Words // Ms. Rivercity
Photo // Ingrid Hertfelder
12 | OZONE

Danny! is not your average rapper. You
can’t box him in or classify him. Although
several comparisons to Kanye and Little
Brother have been made, after one listen to
Danny’s music, it’s obvious he’s a one-of-akind
musician.
What’s your background as an artist and
producer
I started making beats and writing lyrics
when I was a kid. When I turned 19 I
decided to go full force with it. I put out my
first album in 2004. A lot of people were
feeling it. People were trying to compare
me to Kanye West too much so I got a lot
of flack for that. I kept working at it, trying
to get people to take me seriously. After
a while people said, “Okay, this guy has
something.” I put out my third CD and that’s
when things fell into place. Everybody was
saying it was the best album they heard in a
while. A couple of the tracks were selected
for the Grammy Short List in 2007. I got
an invitation to go to the show. That was a
testament as to how far you can go in music
if you keep working at it.
What happened after that
A month before I went to the Grammys I
got a record deal with a label in Manhattan
called Def Jux. I’m working on my album for
them right now. Before that, I’m going to put
out one last independent album on my own.
Are you doing a movie or something
That’s actually the album I’m working on
called And I Love Her, the original motion
picture soundtrack. It’s not really a
soundtrack and there’s no movie at this
point. I was trying to pattern it after this
Beatles’ movie called A Hard Day’s Night.
The cover art and song titles were based
off of the Beatles. It’s really a movie on
wax. From start to finish it’s like watching
a movie but you’re listening to it. Halfway
through it I thought it wouldn’t hurt to do a
movie, so we’re talking to a few people right
now about shooting something for it to go
along with the album release.
You’re music definitely falls in a class of its
own. If you had to title your sound, what
would you call it
(long pause) I don’t know. If people aren’t
saying Kanye, they’re saying old-school.
But I wouldn’t say that at all; I’d say
new-school, something fresh, an updated
version of what we’re all familiar with. It’s
not just one sound. I have songs that have
cymbals you’d hear on a Rick Ross song,
but I’m still doing me. I sound international. I
can’t even classify myself. The only reason
why I understand people comparing me
to Kanye is because I titled my first album
The College Kicked-Out. I did it in a joking
way, not because I wanted to be like Kanye.
At the time I got kicked out of school for
something stupid.
After that you went to the Savannah College
of Art & Design, right
Yeah, I’m still there now. I got kicked out
and moved here a year later in 2005. I lost
a lot of credits but that’s not gonna keep me
out of school. We’ll see how far the music is
gonna take me but I want to have something
to fall back on. I’m studying sequential
art, storyboarding, TV shows, movies and
things like that.
You have the right look to star in movies.
Have you thought about that
Me and my friend were joking about going
into movies if this rap stuff doesn’t work out.
We do talk about it. We could make up a
sitcom or movie and people would laugh at
it. I’ve never acted professionally but I have
thought about doing it after everything else
has been accomplished in music.
What would be the perfect character for you
to play
Some neurotic character, somebody’s who’s
wildin’ out for no reason, someone crazy.
That’s not completely me but I’d definitely
play someone funny that makes somebody
laugh, unintentionally or otherwise.
What are some other things people should
be looking out for
Check for this album. We’re working some
things out as far as distribution. Look out for
updates on Myspace. Shout out to Charlamagne
and Randy Exclusive. Randy’s kicking
around a mixtape idea with Sam King
and Charlamagne’s got me on the South
Kak album. Play my music and you won’t
be disappointed.
Website: Myspace.com/Mcdanny
OZONE | 13

JQ
ORANGEBURG, SC
Words // Charlamagne Tha God
14 | OZONE

Y’all might be sick of all these dance records
from the South, but don’t throw up until
you hear Statehouse Records’ young hit
maker J.Q. His single “Crank Dat Roy” has
become a powerhouse on both Myspace
and YouTube.
You’ve got some records and dances that
I’m betting are gonna pop off. Either you’re
creative as hell or you’ve got too much time
on your hands. How do you come up with
those joints
I’m just creative as hell. It’s just a process I
follow when it comes to making records. Every
artist has got his or her own method. I
like feel-good music, so that’s what I make.
I got dance records; I got street records; I
got sex records; it just so happened to be
the dance record that popped off big time
for me after promoting it heavy.
“The Elroy” has been bubbling in the streets
of Orangeburg for a minute. Where did that
dance originate from Someone told me
y’all got it from a crackhead named Elroy.
The dance is something a few people
where doing in O-Burg by Elroy. What I did
was come along and make a track about it
and freak the dance. Everybody needs to
go to YouTube and type in “Crank Dat Roy”
and see the views. I’ve got 400,000+ views.
You can post a comment while you’re at it.
A lot of people are gonna come at you and
say the music you make is not Hip Hop.
How are you gonna handle that when
people say that to you
I do what I do for my fans. You can’t win
everybody, and I’m not trying to. One thing
I learned is you can’t take what critics say
too seriously or you gonna end up at the
doctor’s office getting pills for a bunch of
migraine headaches.
Are you getting any groupie love off of the
success of “The Elroy”
(laughs) I’m nowhere close to what you getting.
I’m tryin’ to catch up though.
What’s your situation with State House
Records
I’m signed to State House Records. Shout
out to Mo – The People’s CEO. But I got
other responsibilities that deal with the
label. I’m personally invested in it so I know
everything that’s going own. I’m in the business
of making money.
I hear y’all have been getting approached
by a lot of labels trying to sign you. Who
are the labels that have been trying to sign
you for pennies and sell your publishing for
millions And what do you expect from a
major label
Some labels approached us already. We’re
just tryna get in a situation where both parties
benefit. The right situation will present
itself soon.
You need to sign with Stupid Dope Moves,
Inc. If you’re gonna get raped, at least get
raped by people you know.
(laughs) When you find good people who
are willing to do anything for you before the
money, you keep ‘em. It’s like Lil Wayne
and Baby; it’s all about loyalty at the end of
the day. Money comes and goes but real
people are hard to come across. I’m happy
with my situation.
Naw I’m just fucking with you, but I really
like what you dudes are doing; that’s why
“The Elroy” is the first single off of South
Crack The Album. I’m expecting some real
major moves from y’all. Tell the people
where State House is going.
Stupid Dope Moves has been making
moves in South Carolina for a minute and
we all respect the work you put in, Charlamagne.
The album is gonna be a success.
In the mean time, everybody can pick up
my mixtape/album Brand New in stores and
online. You can check www.myspace.com/
shrmuzic or www.myspace.com/jqmuzic for
more info. I just wanna thank every person
that plays the record at home, school, iPod
and everything. I also want to thank all the
DJs that play my music. I will keep delivering
hot music for you; just keep supporting
your boy. South Carolina I got you for life.
Website: Myspace.com/shrmuzic
OZONE | 15

L.E.P.
CHICAGO, IL
Words // Eric N. Perrin
16 | OZONE

No disrespect to the West Coast, but Chicago
started this gangsta shit--yet, looking
at most of the city’s current successful Hip
Hop acts, you’d never know it. Backpack
and skateboard rap have dominated The
‘Go and may give many outsiders the wrong
impression of the city home to the most
infamous gangsters since Al Capone.
Make no mistakes: Chicago is a criminal
city. If the current violent streak continues,
it will be without question 2008’s murder
capitol of America, and at times can make
Compton look like Connecticut.
And while Lupe Fiasco and The Cool Kids
can kick push through parts of the city
with ease, they certainly weren’t frolicking
around The Bogus Boys Low End neighborhood.
Count, Moonie, and Big Rugg, also
known as the Low End Professionals give
a new meaning to the word “real.” Straight
off the streets, these three don’t attest to be
anything they aren’t, but even though they
do gangbanging music, they’ve proved that
you can do so without promoting violence.
“They blamed Hip Hop for everything that’s
going on in the streets and in the gangs,”
says the Infared Records CEO who just
goes by the name E. “But [no gang] is
worse than the government. Right now
Chicago is the murder capitol. We’re talking
about what’s going on down here.”
Not only is the group talking about
what’s been going on in the crime riddled
Chi-Town, but they’ve also transcended
Chicago’s recent reputation for friendly rap,
and are representing the city their way.
The Low End is a very distinct hood in Chicago,
but for people that aren’t as familiar
with the city, can you give a little description
of what it’s like out there
Count: It’s grimy on the Low, real grimy,
that’s where all the projects are—State
Street. The whole South Side, really the
whole Chicago is grimy, but the Low End
got a whole ‘nother story to tell, it’s the
grimiest.
“Bogus” is a trademark word in the Chicago
vernacular. Can you explain why you guys
call yourselves Bogus Boys
Moonie: Chicago started the whole gang
banging movement, and we feel if you gon’
be a part of something you should at least
know the history behind it. In Chicago back
in the 80’s and 90’s [Gangster Disciple
leader] Larry Hoover had a hit mob called
the Bogus Boys. When he had a problem
with m’fuckas he would send them Bogus
Boys to do his murdering. My cousin was
an official member of that, and I grew up
around him. The Bogus Boys got so big
that they basically revolted and told Larry
Hoover, “Fuck you,” in a sense. Of course
Larry Hoover didn’t like that, so he had
anybody who said they were a Bogus Boy
killed. Most of them got annihilated, but
there are still some that are around now,
like my cousin Andre Gill. They call him Billy
the Kidd. So that’s where the name Bogus
Boys comes from; it was a hit mob from the
GD’s.
Tell me about the movement
Count: The movement is going well. We all
kinda came up together. We from Inglewood
on the Low End of Chicago, and we
all came together, and decided to do music.
We would be in the projects just messin’
around, man, and eventually we got serious.
We first had a deal with Interscope,
and then we got out of that and we got
signed to Sony, but then my little brother got
killed, so that kinda scared them, so we got
outta that deal. Now, we’ve been grinding
independently, we got like 100,000 mixtapes
out in the street. We got that fanbase
going, and we got songs out here on the
radio now on like 40 stations. We got songs
with Jim Jones, Young Dro, Fabolous, and
we got a song with Rick Ross called “Thug
Girl.” We definitely gotta buzz going, especially
in Chicago.
Moonie: The movement is strong. We get
like 10,000 hits a day on Myspace. We’re in
the new Kanye video, “Homecoming,” and
the new Yung Berg video “Do Dat There.”
We get love from all the DJ’s: Ferris, V-
Dubb, Sean Mac, all the Violators, we mess
with all the DJs. We got a serious movement;
I can go to Cabrini Green and get 100
niggas out here. I can go to West Side—to
the village, K-Town and get a hundred niggas.
I can go to the south side and get a
hundred niggas.
Who does most of your production
Big Rugg: We got two producers that do all
our production: Low Key and the Fly Boyz.
In your opinion, what is Chicago’s role in
the national Hip Hop scene right now
Count: Man, Hip Hop moves around from
this coast, to that coast, to down South, but
Chicago has always been on something
different. We weren’t really about Hip Hop
OZONE | 17

here, we were more about the organizations
in the streets. Rap hit hard around here
like everywhere else in the country, but in
Chicago, we don’t have any major labels,
so people just have to get their buzz up and
perfect their craft. We’ve got the momentum,
and we’re pushing down the door
and creating opportunities out here. The
Chicago story needs to be heard and that’s
what we’re here doing.
There definitely seems to be a distinct connection
between the culture of Chicago and
the South.
Count: Well, Chicago has a little bit more
of an edge to it then down South does.
People up here are a little less friendly than
cats down South, but there are definitely a
lot of similarities. The South is as gangsta
as it gets, and so is the Chi. But Chicago
has a lot of different musical styles, and
some music from the Chi is really similar to
Southern music. The Bogus Boys get love
everywhere we go, whether it’s the East
Coast, West Coast, or Down South.
What type of fans come to your shows
Count: Our fanbase is diverse. We keep
it in the streets, but the females do what
they do, too. We gear some of our music
to the females. We got some songs for the
guys, and some for the lil’ juvies, ‘cause
they be out in the streets, too. Basically, we
make music based on the last 6 months of
our lives, so what’s currently going on the
world, you gon’ hear in our music. We make
music for the streets, for our hood. I wish I
could tell you something different, but we
ain’t in the corporate buildings downtown,
so I can’t tell you about that. I’m in the
streets every day. We’re in the streets right
now while I’m talking to you.
As Chicago artists, what attracted you guys
to Bike Week in Myrtle Beach
We just wanna be a part of whatever’s
going on. That’s how we’re getting our
music and our movement out there. We go
everywhere that’s poppin’.
What it is about L.E.P and The Bogus Boys
that makes y’all different from the legions of
other independent rap groups
Our story. We’re different. Our streets is
different—they’re more structured. You
need to hear about our political prisoners.
We structured these organizations, and had
these neighborhoods under control where
it wasn’t all wild out here like it is now. They
took the structure out of the streets when
they locked up our chiefs and our leaders.
It wasn’t all this random killing before
then. We got a serious story to tell; this is a
Chicago thing, and plus we’ve got some really
good music. We’ve got cool production,
nice features, and it’s real professional. It’s
on point, and it’s industry ready.
Big Rugg: We don’t advocate violence, we
only talk about what we see. We put out
120,000 copies of our mixtapes last year,
we got 60,000 out in the streets right now.
We’ve done the Raw Report, The Source,
and a couple of other small magazines. Our
grind is so ugly. We’ve got our wrapped
vans, a hundred miles moving. A label is
gon’ really have to come get it with us, and
put they money where they mouth is.
Not too long ago, you released a Yung Berg
diss. Where did that come from
E: Yung Berg used to be on our label.
He tells everybody that DMX signed him,
but actually we were in a meeting in New
York with DMX. I wasn’t gonna go with the
deal they were trying to offer us, because
we weren’t getting enough from the label.
[Yung Berg’s] dad lied and said he had left
his bag in the meeting room; he went back
in and got DMX’s number. Once we got
back to Chicago we didn’t hear from Berg
again. Then we found out he had went
back up there and signed a deal with DMX.
Shorty feels he’s in a good situation right
now, but we’ll see where his career is when
the real gangstas come through. We’re in
his video, but we still dissing him. He knows
he can’t come to the city without letting us
in his video.
So do you still have animosity with him
E: Until he straightens it out with Moonie I
ain’t got nothing to say to him. I put $50,000
dollars into him for he and his daddy to be
where they are. Yung Berg wanted to be on
so bad, he would cross his mother or father
to get in the game.
Okay, so getting back to L.E.P., tell me
about your current label situation
Moonie: We’re independent now. Infared
is our label. We were with Sony, but when
Larro got killed, the label kinda got scared.
We got off the label and started pushing the
music ourselves. We’ve had a few labels
call us offering 360 deals. We don’t want a
360 deal. We’ve been good by ourselves,
why would we get into a situation where
somebody can control our music
Website: www.myspace.com/bogusboyslep
18 | OZONE

YOUNG S DUB
Words // Ms. Rivercity
S.Dub enjoyed a brief record deal under
Russell Simmons Music Group. With the
label now out of commission, Young S.Dub
reveals plans to further his own label as the
Mayor of Charlotte.
You look pretty young. How long have you
been in the rap game
I’m 22 now. I’ve been doing this seriously
since I was 18. I’m from Charlotte, NC and
I performed a lot to build a buzz in my city.
I really didn’t expect it at first coming out
on my first local album called Official Take
Over. I opened arenas for big artists at
the time. I got signed to Russell Simmons
Music Group and I was on the Waist Deep
soundtrack – the movie with The Game,
Larenz Tate, Tyrese, and Meagan Good.
What happened with the label situation
The label kinda crashed and I started my
own label called Everything Profit – ETP.
I’ve just been promoting that and doing
shows. Last night I had a show at the old
Comedy Zone. They’re bringing that back. I
did my hit single “I’m Fly” produced by Krazy
Figgz. He’s gonna be a big problem for
the industry. Krazy’s gonna be the executive
producer ‘cause he’s got every sound – the
rock, the Hip Hop, whatever. He can adapt
and make any type of track, not just Down
South records. Basically, when it folded, I
took the songs that were in my possession
and put ‘em on other producers’ beats.
Were you pretty disappointed when your
first big break didn’t go as planned How
did you bounce back from that
When I got signed, I was working on the album
in Atlanta. I had about eight songs with
production from DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy,
and a couple of Charlotte producers. I don’t
really know what happened with the label,
but it didn’t have nothing to do with me as
an artist. It wasn’t like I got dropped off the
label or I didn’t have no singles. The song
that was on the Waist Deep soundtrack had
a buzz in my city and rotation on the radio.
We was waiting on a video to be shot for it.
Technically I’m still signed under that label
under Def Jam.
What are you planning to do about that
I want to get released off the label ‘cause
I’ve got people that want to do other
situations with me. Some people might
say they’ll buy me out of the contract and
re-sign me, you got people that believe in
me like that, but what if something doesn’t
come out right I’m trying to get released so
I can do my own thing and promote my own
label. I want to bring my people in with me
but I got to get through the dirt first. I know
I’ve got what it takes to be on the next level,
win awards, be in movies, and all that. I’m
still a young ass dude and the man in my
city, the new face of the South.
Website: Myspace.com/Sdubthegreat
You have a mixtape coming out with Chuck
T. How did you link up with him
It’s called I’m the Man in My City. I’m
still putting the finishing touches on
it. I’m looking forward to putting it out and
letting ‘em really know who I am and why
I’m at this point, and why I have the right
to call myself the Mayor of My City. I got
another mixtape coming out before the
Chuck T tape called Kings of the Queen
with my dawgs Sport E. Odie and DJ Cease
Fire. I’m trying to have both mixtapes in
the streets at once. Sport E. Odie is a big
party promoter out here. He’s got the college
crowds and with DJ Chuck T being
known all around the Carolinas and having
relationships in other cities, I thought it was
a good idea to go with him too.
OZONE | 19

LE-LE
Words // Ms. Rivercity
The new blood of DTP, Le-Le is a writer and
artist from Jackson, MS. After finishing a
degree at Howard University in D.C., Le-Le
came to the A to pursue her goals. Less than
a month later she became an official Disturbing
Tha Peace family member.
When you were growing up did you ever
imagine you’d be an entertainer
Actually, I did. Me and my sister would listen
to songs and make our own renditions of
them. Singing and music was always in the
works. My daddy had his own band. I always
wanted to be an entertainer; I just never
planned it out or nothing like that.
How did you go from Le-Le the regular chick
to Le-Le the rapper What was the turning
point
Probably when I went to school. I majored in
radio, television, and film. Being in the studio
and utilizing the music really helped me to
hone my skills and get my weight up on the
writing tip. I’ve always been a writer but getting
in a real studio didn’t happen until I went
off to college.
What made DTP want to sign you
Actually it was on some fate shit. An A&R
from DTP heard some music I had done in
D.C., and Chaka heard some music too.
They called each other like, “It’s this chick I
heard that’s tight. She got a fire ass song.”
Come to find out, the same chick was
me on both ends. It just took off from
there.
to be closer to home but I wasn’t ready to
go home yet. Anybody’s who has been to
Jackson knows nothing positive is coming
out of Jackson right now. My roots are in
Jackson and when I die I’ll be in Jackson,
but I feel like it doesn’t have the opportunities.
In order for me to help somebody, I’ma
need to get myself right first. If you look at
Mississippi, it’s at the bottom of everything
– education, even the mayor himself.
I know DTP has several other artists. Where
do you fall in the timeline for releasing an
album
DTP is very music driven. I think the more
music we put out, the better they can
decide who to drop first. I’m not tripping.
I’ve learned patience. I want it to be right
and not rush nothing. My other labelmate
Willy Northpole has something coming out in
Summer 2008.
What’s next on your agenda
Check for the movement titled The Get It In
Girl Click. That’s a group of women that’s
about their business and making the best out
of situations. Check for my album coming up
this summer, as well as some more singles
we’re trying to put out as soon as possible.
Website: Myspace.com/LeLeonthemic
Did they sign you off the “I’m Da Shit”
song or is that new
That’s the one I got the single deal off of.
I’m trying to make this the ladies’ anthem. I
think female power has been lost in the industry.
If you think back to the days of Salt
N Pepa, that’s when female emcees were
fly. I think we’ve lost that over the years. I’m
trying to bring that aspect back to the game.
Did you move to Atlanta prior to signing with
DTP or afterwards
I was already here. That’s why I just know
that it’s destiny. I moved here on August
6th and my situation with DTP happened in
September. I was planning on moving to Atlanta
to see where that would take me. I was
living in D.C. for like seven years. I wanted
20 | OZONE

YOUNG SWIFT
Words // Randy Roper
While other rappers his age “Crank Dat
[insert dance name here],” 17-year-old,
Durham, NC rapper Young Swift is the
anti-crank. He has NC hitmaker 9th Wonder
proving him with the sounds and Raw 66
on XM radio spinning his songs on heavy
rotation, making him a young dude the
Carolinas need to be familiar with.
At 17 your music is lyrical. Why aren’t you
doing dances like other artists your age
When I first started listening to music, that
wasn’t really the type of music I was listening
to. I listened to Nas, Jay-Z, Pac, Biggie,
stuff like that.
Your buzz is coming through XM radio 66
Raw. How’d you get your music played on
XM
XM has been a blessing for me and my
whole career. Leo G and Nina 9, they’re
like the greatest things since sliced bread.
I got love for them. Nina peeped it out first
over Myspace, then she let Leo G hear
it and he started playing “The Cool Dude
(Slow Motion)”. He started playing it; people
started liking it, putting it on regular rotation
or whatnot. And now, I just gave [Leo G]
another song called “Amen” that he’s been
running a couple times.
What opportunities have come from getting
your music
played on XM
It’s a lot of things going on for me right now.
I just signed a management deal with Nina
9. We got a lot of things in the works, as far
as me and her and what we’re gon’ do outside
of the station. We shot a video for one
of the tracks and we’ve been in the studio,
trying to work on some new music.
You’ve done some work with 9th Wonder.
How did you hook up with him
I met him when I was 14. I was in a group
and we met him at a Hip Hop conference.
My dad told him that we rapped and whatnot,
but he wasn’t paying too much attention
to us. But he actually did a remix for us,
so we were all excited about that. Last year,
I had a Hip Hop class that he was teaching,
so I met him again. I went up to the studio,
and he remembered I rapped, and he was
giving a tour of the studio, showing people
this and that. So, he asked me to hop in the
booth, so I rapped for him. We did a couple
tracks together and we’ve been cool ever
since. I got a track [produced by 9th Wonder]
called “Young Love,” got a song called
“Thinking of You,” “Magic Show,” “Competition
Is None,” a bunch of stuff.
It’s been hard for artists to get on out of
the Carolinas. What are you, being a new
younger artist, bringing that’s different than
the Carolina artists that came before you
I’m just bringing more of a balance to it. A
lot of people say Hip Hop is dead, and
they blame Soulja Boy’s type of music.
I’m not blaming that, I’m just saying there
needs to be more of a balance between the
Soulja Boys and real Hip Hop.
What projects are you working on now
I’m working on a new mixtape called The
Return. That’s gonna be complete by the
summer. I got beats from E. Jones; he just
did Talib Kweli’s new album. A cat named
Gotti who’s worked with T.I.; I got BQ Music
on it; I got a new cat named Picasso. He’s a
monster. I got a guy named Kwes the Beast
on it.
How does it feel to be so young and making
a name for yourself in the music business
It feels great. Outside of my youth, just doing
it, period, feels great. Being young and
doing it is just a plus.
OZONE | 21

TR FLOW
Words // Ms. Rivercity
Along with the Carolina Pathfindaz, TR
Flow has created a resume that includes
promotion, clothing, and an all-around
movement with his “Baby Mama Real”
song. Here he speaks on where his inspiration
comes from and what it will take for the
Carolinas to pop off.
What’s been going on with you over the last
year What’s new
I dropped a new mix CD called Child Support
Money talking about being out here
hustling and feeding the kids. My “Baby
Mama Real” song is still strong in South
Carolina. I just opened a nightclub out in
Walterboro. Everything is going good.
Have you been through some baby mama
issues yourself
Yeah, I’ve got kids and a couple baby mamas
so I’ve been through those situations.
The “Baby Mama Real” song came from another
song that was real popular in the city.
I got the inspiration from the guy that had
that song. We put it together and that’s what
made it successful. I was going through a
situation dealing with child support with my
baby mama. One day I was thinking to myself,
“Man, this would be a good connection
to take it from being a fun dance song, dealing
with the ladies, and digging deeper into
the issue of child support money.” I know a
lot of people can relate to it.
dollar amount do you think you’d be worth
If you give me $300,000 I’ma be alright.
If you asked me five years ago when rap
was really making money, I’d need a million
dollars. Put my song anywhere and they’re
gonna love it. I’m telling you from experience,
not to be arrogant. Put me in the
studio for three months, and I’ma get you
paid.
What else do you want to mention What’s
going on with the Carolina Pathfindaz
I got the video for the remix with Petey
Pablo. I got some other remixes coming.
I got some new joints called “Check that
Hoe” and “Hands on Your Hips.” As far as
these rappers and DJs who say they’re riding
around in Phantoms and Bentleys and
think they all that, you need to pay attention
to what’s going on in Florida and how they
coming together. DJ Khaled brings all the
powerhouses together. These dudes here
claiming they getting money and they hot
but they ain’t showing me nothing. We need
to come together. You ain’t gotta get together
with someone that don’t got a buzz;
come together with people that got movements.
I’ve been out here with the Carolina
Pathfindaz. Look at the club promotions,
clothing, CDs, anything around here, we
started that. That’s why I got the right to say
what I said. And if anyone has a problem
with it, come see me.
Why do you think the Carolinas are
often overlooked in the music industry
I can’t tell you why they don’t give us
credit. If record companies would do
their research and analyze it, they’ll see
that it’s some top-grade talent here. They
just haven’t made it down this way to
really look. I listen to a lot of things in the
industry, and a lot of stuff where I’m from;
a lot of stuff is weak compared to the stuff
going on here. We got some hot music.
People outside of the Carolinas move to it.
We don’t be fakin’ with it. We respect real
talent, real money, real rappers. The thing
I don’t like is a lot of dudes sitting in the
government of the rap game come to the
Carolinas and they don’t really know how to
support, push another man up, or give ‘em
knowledge. Why they can’t open the door
If somebody opened a door for you, what
22 | OZONE

CARLOS CARTEL
Words // Charlamagne Tha God
You’ve probably seen his ads in OZONE
and thought to yourself, “Man, this dude is
crazy.” But honestly, there aren’t too many
artists who market themselves better than
Carlos Cartel. Let’s find out why:
When I first saw your ads in OZONE I
called Chuck T, like, “What the fuck is
wrong with Carlos Is he trying to sell CDs
or cocaine” What was your thought process
behind that
First of all, that wasn’t a smart thing for me
to do, but it was necessary. It was a story
behind the brick of cocaine I put in the
two-page ad in the mag. On the first page, I
sat a brick of cocaine on the table and told
you about the positive things I could do out
of something negative – as far as my own
wrapped van, ads in magazines, songs with
major artists, rather than buying unnecessary
things that would not help once my
run is over in the dope game. Look at it as
motivation for niggas who rap who don’t
know what to do with dope money.
I also saw you on so many street
DVDs I was like, damn, Carlos is on his
grind, but you were showcasing your arsenal
of guns more than your talent. Why
For a while I was the triggaman in my city;
niggas know to call me for straps. Also, who
would you rather listen to, a nigga holding a
mic or holding an AK with a hundred round
drum You’re a smart man if you said the
nigga with an AK. So I went that route and
it worked. Every DVD you see me on, after
I floss the AKs, I drop a freestyle. That’s the
part where I speak and y’all listen.
One thing I started to appreciate is the
fact you seem to invest in yourself a lot
with wrapped trucks, flyers, ads in national
publications. What motivated you to start
doing that
Simple. I play chess, not checkers, and by
saying that I use my mind a lot more.
You’re also known as “Cause Hell Cartel”;
you’ve had altercations with Juvenile and Lil
Wayne, among others. Has your reputation
ever caused any doors to shut for you in the
industry
I run and make money on the streets of
one of the hardest streets in America. I’m
around guerillas all day; so if I’m around
guerillas all day I’ll know when I see a
monkey. But as far as them hurting my
career, let’s just say this is my third year
in the bike week edition – so you answer
that.
Why do you think the Carolinas haven’t
popped off in the industry yet
Because you got a lot of fuck niggas who’s
in position to help niggas out going for self
and picking favorites.
Tell people what to look for from Carlos Cartel
in the future.
Look for the new album The World is
Cartel’s. Check me out on Myspace.com/
Carloscartel and Myspace.com/Causehellcartel.
I’m also on BlackPlanet and me and
my dawg T Drumma got the new clothing
line called Everythang Mix coming soon.
Website: Myspace.com/CarlosCartel
OZONE | 23

PUBLISHER:
Julia Beverly
GUEST EDITOR:
Charlamagne Tha God
CONTRIBUTORS:
Earl Randolph
Eric Perrin
Jen McKinnon
Jason Cordes
Randy Roper
PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR:
Malik Abdul
Distributors:
DJ B-Lord
DJ Chuck T
Rob-Lo
Strictly Streets
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
To subscribe, send check or
money order for $11 to:
Ozone Magazine
644 Antone St. Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-350-3887
Fax: 404-350-2497
Web: www.ozonemag.com
Section A
6 GUEST Editorial
7 Myrtle Beach map
8 Event Listing
9 Club Listing
10-11 Little Brother
12-13 Shelly B
14-15 Shawty Lo
16-17 Rain
22 PIMP
18-20
19-21
Sonny Rich
DJ CHUCK T
Section b
4 9 Million
6 Ike G
8 Tab D’Biasi
9 Charlamagne Tha God
10-11 Snook Da Rokk Starr
12-13 Danny!
14-15 J.Q
19 S Dub
20 LE-LE
21 young swift
22 TR FLOW
23 carlos cartel
16-18 L.E.P.
COVER CREDITS:
Sonny Rich & DJ Chuck T
photos by Jay Black.
DISCLAIMER:
OZONE does not take responsibility
for unsolicited materials,
misinformation, typographical
errors, or misprints. The
views contained herein do not
necessarily reflect those of the
publisher or its advertisers.
Ads appearing in this magazine
are not an endorsement or
validation by OZONE Magazine
for products or services offered.
All photos and illustrations are
copyrighted by their respective
artists. All other content is
copyright 2008 OZONE Magazine,
all rights reserved. No portion
of this magazine may be
reproduced in any way without
the written consent of the
publisher. Printed in the USA.
OZONE |

Guesteditor
E
very year artists from South to North
Carolina look forward to this magazine
because there aren’t any national
publications that give the Carolinas a
“Good Money” look like OZONE. Last year
my homie Randy “Mr. Exclusive” Roper was
the Guest Editor for the Bike Week Edition.
In case you haven’t heard, Randy is busy.
Between OZONE, writersblockmedia.net,
and smashing blogger groupies, he just
doesn’t have time (careful about picking up
groupies, Randy, because if you give an inadequate
performance in the bedroom, the
next blog you read might be about you).
When Randy told me he wasn’t doing
the Bike Week Edition, I got at JB and
requested to take the reigns on this one.
She agreed and Ms. Rivercity and I got
together and BONG, here it is! Truth is,
this is a bittersweet situation. On one
hand, I love when my state gets a look on
a national level. It feels like we’re one step
closer to our goals. On the other hand, I see
a bunch of individuals but they aren’t one
collective unit like they should be. Artists in
Columbia don’t drive that hour and a half
to see what’s going on in Charleston, and
Charleston artists don’t take that ride to
Columbia. Why
We have two cities that could benefit tremendously
from fucking with each other, but
they don’t. We have to come together and
make this music thing happen for ourselves.
The majors have never given us anything
and truthfully we don’t give enough of ourselves
to each other. How can you expect
from someone else what you’re not giving
to yourself
I have something I call the Carolina Nine
Point Theory. If executed properly, a Carolina
artist can’t help but win. The Carolina
Nine Point Theory is that there are certain
areas that--when infiltrated--artists can
enjoy tremendous success:
Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Spartanburg,
Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Charlotte,
Raleigh, and Greensboro. Imagine your
song spinning on all the stations in these
markets. Imagine your record causing the
club to go crazy. Imagine your mixtape
bumping in whips throughout all these markets.
Imagine having an independent album
in stores of all of these markets.
Your name would ring bells! Not just in the
Carolinas, but in the South and eventually
the country. I don’t understand why
our artists run to Atlanta, Miami, or NY
when they haven’t even made it shake in
their own backyard. With all this prime real
estate here, why are y’all trying to cop land
somewhere else I need DJs and radio personalities
from both states to let each other
know which Carolina artists are bucking off
in their respective cities. We have to play
each other’s records, both on the radio and
in the clubs.
Individually there are a few people in the
Carolinas making it, but that’s not doing
anything for the Carolinas as a whole. It’s
about a collective effort to turn the Carolinas
into a brand we can all benefit from.
Think about that when you’re busting Stupid
Dope Moves on the strip during Bike Week
in Myrtle Beach. When you see me, South
Crack’s Prime Minister, salute!
Streetfully Yours,
Charlamagne Tha God
| OZONE

mYRtle beach map
OZONE |

MYRTLE BEACH BIKE WEEK
EVENT LISTING
Thursday, May 22
Thirsty Thursdays f/ DJ Ike G @ Studebaker’s 10 PM - 3 AM
2000 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 448-9747
Friday, May 23
East Coast Custom Motorcycle Show
@ Myrtle Beach Convention Center
2101 N. Oak St. (714) 513-8409 (Sarah Timleck)
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blackout Party @ Myrtle Beach Convention Center
2101 N. Oak St. 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
DJ Ike G and The Carolina Coalition Presents…
The Welcome to BBW 08 Hosted by K9 Bike Club
@ Myrtle Beach Drag Strip 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
George Clinton and the Funkadelics @ Hard Rock Park
www.HardRockPark.com
Plies Performing Live @ Studebaker’s 10 PM - 3 AM
2000 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 448-9747
Friday Night Freak Off @ Club Kryptonite
Music by DJ B-Lord, Doors open @ 9 PM, ladies free until 10
2925 Hollywood Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 839-9200
Saturday, May 24
East Coast Custom Motorcycle Show
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM @ Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Music by DJ Ike G
2101 N. Oak St. (714) 513-8409 (Sarah Timleck)
Comedy Show @ Myrtle Beach Convention Center
2101 N. Oak St. 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Precious Metals Bike Fest 08 Party @ 2001 Night Club
920 Lake Arrowhead Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 449-9435
Shawty Lo Performing Live @ Studebaker’s
2000 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 448-9747
10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Supastar Saturday @ Club Kryptonite
2925 Hollywood Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 839-9200
| OZONE

Sunday, May 25
East Coast Custom Motorcycle Show
@ Myrtle Beach Convention Center 11 AM - 4 PM
2101 N. Oak St. (714) 513-8409 (Sarah Timleck)
Ruff Ryder Concert @ Myrtle Beach Convention Center
2101 N. Oak St. 4:00 PM
Othaz Records, Rico Barrino, & DJ Ced @ Studebaker’s
2000 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 448-9747
Sista Girl Sunday @ Club Kryptonite w/ DJ B-Lord
2925 Hollywood Dr., Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 839-9200
Doors open @ 9 PM, ladies free until 10
CLUB LISTING
2001 NIGHTCLUB
920 Lake Arrowhead Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
(843) 449-9435
THE AFTERDECK
9719 Hwy 17 N. Myrtle Beach, SC (843) 449-3655
DERRIERE’S GENTLEMENS CLUB
804 Seaboard St. Myrtle Beach, SC
(843) 946-6615
THE G SPOT (After Hours Spot)
3636 Highway 90 Longs, SC 29568
Club Isis
9578 S. Ocean Hwy Pawley’s Island, SC 29585
Club Kryptonite
2925 Hollywood Dr. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 839-9200
Liquid City
504 Yaupon Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 626-4919
Planet Hollywood
2915 Hollywood Dr. Myrtle Beach (843) 448-7827
Studebaker’s
2000 N. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 448-9747
OZONE |

LITTLE BROTHER
DURHAM, NC Words by Randy Roper
At one point you dropped the Separate but
Equal mixtape with Drama. Are you starting
to feel like it’s more of an equal thing now
Phonte of Little Brother: Things are always
lookin’ good. For me, it ain’t really so much
about getting on the Grammys and shit like
that. I’m always getting hit up from people
I respect, telling me they respect my work.
That’s what it’s all about. As far as us being
equal, I don’t think that’s ever gonna
happen. I think we’re always gonna kinda
be the underdogs, the odd-men-out. But
we’re still able to make a living doing what
we love. We’re still able to tour and see the
world. We can put out records whenever we
want, so I can’t complain.
Would you ever trade that for one hit record
that blows everybody out the water
I personally wouldn’t. Hindsight is always
20-20. If I was 19 and you said, “Do you
wanna have one hit and make $10 million
dollars or have a career for 25 years”, who
knows how I would answer. Going through
the industry over the years and seeing what
people go through, I wouldn’t trade places
with nobody. I’m always working to achieve
more, but I’m good where I’m at. Once you
get a big hit record, they don’t even know
you anymore; they just know your record.
10 | OZONE

Y’all released The
Get Back with ABB
Records. Are y’all
done with major
labels all together
Personally I’m
done. I think for
his solo record
Pooh may look into
distribution with
some majors. For
me, it doesn’t make
sense to sign my
life over and give
up all that control.
I’m doing all my
projects pretty
much on my own
with just distributing.
I personally
don’t see the need
to sign to another
label again. For
me, it would be the
kiss of death.
Is that the main
reason you leaked
The Get Back
album
Nah, the album had already leaked and it
was missing a track. I didn’t want people
hearing the incomplete record. So that’s
when I was like, “Fuck it, let’s just put the
shit out. Let me give it to the fans and see
what they say.” It turned out to be a real
good thing. A lot of fans were surprised,
like, “I can’t believe this motherfucka just
gave his album away; that’s the most
gangster shit ever.” A lot of cats were like,
“Just on the strength of this, I’m going to
buy two copies.” Nothing says that you trust
your product more than you giving it away.
It’s saying, “Yo, this record is so dope, I’ma
give it to you and y’all are still gonna wanna
buy it ‘cause this shit is quality.” It’s all about
making a product you can stand behind and
be proud of.
importance of that
It’s the life blood of any artist. It’s more important
to talk to that kid that hits me up on
Myspace than it is to reach the kid listening
to the radio. That’s a person that, if you reel
them in and keep giving ‘em quality product
and treat them right, you’ll lock them in for
life. If somebody hears your song on the
radio, that’s just a casual listener. But with a
person that’s reaching out to you, checking
out your site, signing up to the mailing list,
that can be the difference between paying
your mortgage or not. I tell my fans all the
time, “I’m not in business with any record
label. I’m in business with y’all.”
What’s the difference between the Little
Brother sound now as compared to when
9th Wonder was your producer
The main thing we always keep in our
music is the essence of soul, that raw
unbridled honesty. To me, it’s just something
that hits you in the heart. It strikes a
chord of truth in you and you’re like, damn
I can’t even front on that. That’s the main
thing that has remained the same with 9th’s
absence. As far as differences, our music
has become a lot more vibrant, a lot bigger.
The tempos have gotten faster. When we
do shows now, you can feel it really shaking
the floors.
What’s next for Little Brother
I just finished up the album with my man
ZO! out of Detroit. We’re doing a project
called ZO! and Tigallo Love the 80s. After
that I got the Foreign Exchange album with
Nicholay called Leave It All Behind. Pooh
is gearing up for his second solo album
called Dirty Pretty Things. He’s got a crazy
record with Young RJ. And we’re releasing
a DJ-free version of the And Justice For All
mixtape with some new songs.
Website: Myspace.com/Littlebrother
You do a good job connecting with your
fans, whether it’s through Myspace blogs
or YouTube videos. Can you touch on the
OZONE | 11

SHELLY B RALEIGH, NC
Words // Ms Rivercity
Photo // Oak Street Photography
12 | OZONE

YThe HBIC – Head Bitch in Carolina
– believes strongly in the independent
grind and not settling
for second best. We spoke with
Shelly to find out what’s next in her busy
schedule and why it’s important to build the
right relationships.
What’s your label situation like at the
moment Have you had any offers on the
table
We’ve had some offers, but definitely not
what we’re looking for. I’m not one of those
artists that’s just gonna jump the gun on
the first thing that comes to me. I take my
career and everything I do very seriously.
Right now I’ve got a situation with Official
Entertainment as far as management,
marketing, and promotions, and also Stupid
Dope Moves with Charlamagne tha God.
We’re releasing an album under his label
soon. When the labels come correct with a
situation, that’s when we’ll make a move.
What makes you the “HBIC”
Over the years I’ve been able to capitalize
on marketing right here in North Carolina.
I go out there in the streets and do the
footwork; I do the promotions; I distribute
my own projects; I do shows. I’ve really
been recognized for my stage performance.
And I don’t have to go outside of my state
to get that recognition. A lot of attention is
starting to come to us now because of the
grind that I have and a lot of other artists in
North Carolina.
What makes your shows so talked about
I heard you’ve opened up for a lot of major
artists.
I put all my shows together myself. I don’t
have a DJ or hypeman. The fact that I am
a female and I can get on any type of stage
– I can go to a college, or a show in the
hood – it doesn’t matter what type of crowd
it is, I can move it myself. I think my energy
and the way I interact with the people draws
them in.
From listening to your music it’s clear that
you have a strong personality. Where does
that come from
I think it comes from everything I’ve been
through and experienced, and things I’ve
learned being in the industry. I’m a people
person. I’ve learned how to build and
maintain relationships. That’s a key factor
in being an artist. Other than just recording,
writing, and performing, you have to
know how to be a people person. I enjoy
everything that I do.
What are some important things in life you
try to make time for
To be honest, I don’t do anything else but
music. I haven’t quite gotten to where I
want to be in my life so there’s no time for
sleeping or playing or clubbing. I don’t even
do the club unless I have to be there for an
event or show or have to interact with the
people concerning my music. Outside of the
music, family is very important to me. Me
and my mother are very close. She’s my
best friend and a huge supporter.
What else do you have in the works
I’m working on Shelly B Promotions, an
event promotions company specializing in
mainstream and commercial party experiences,
and at the same time bringing the
up-and-coming sounds and artists to the
forefront. I’ve been putting together a lot
of my own shows in North Carolina and
giving unsigned artists a chance to get they
shine on. I got the HBIC mixtape out right
now. That’s hosted by DJ Barry Bee. I’m
working on a few video shoots and a DVD.
I’m looking at releasing a couple of albums
within the next few years. I’m just gonna
keep grinding.
Website: Myspace.com/Shellyb1
OZONE | 13

14 | OZONE
Words // Eric Perrin
Photo // Earl Randolph

R
ight now Shawty Lo is blatantly
breaking the law. He’s a block
away from his beloved Bankhead
Highway, on an abandoned street, home to
dope fiends and hood urchins—-and he is
standing on about 40,000 bricks. His everpresent
army of white-tee clad soldiers are
all paranoid that the police are on their way,
but Lo doesn’t muster an ounce of concern.
“Man, calm down! The police ain’t worried
about us!” yells a defiant Shawty Lo,
motioning the photographer to continue
with the photo shoot from the remains of
a recently bulldozed building. Lo’s voiced
disregard doesn’t ease the anxiety of his
nervous crew (seconds earlier, the owner of
the demolished building threatened to call
the police for trespassing on private property),
but when Shawty Lo gives an order,
his generals follow, so they remain quiet.
“They just wanna be around they king,” Lo
later says about his loyal laborers.
And right now, Shawty Lo certainly feels like
a king. It’s late afternoon on the west side
of Atlanta and even though the sun is hiding
beneath the overcast sky, Carlos “Shawty
Lo” Walker is basking in the bright lights of
a flashing camera. It’s no secret that Carlos
Walker was a once prominent drug lord who
served time in prison for his dealings, but
now he’s paid his dues, and done his time.
He and his “generals” have been moving
units in this city since 1993, and today is no
different.
Lo’s Units In The City still come packaged
in plastic, but now they’re distributed
through Asylum and peddled by pushers
such as Best Buy and Sam Goody. Shawty
Lo maintains that he never intended to be a
rapper, but that’s exactly what he’s become.
Like it or not, his hit single “Dey Know,”
which samples the classic 1970 Edwin Starr
hit, “War,” has undoubtedly become one of
the hottest songs in the South, and if you
add that to his growing resume including
tracks such as “Dunn Dunn” and 2005’s “I’m
Da Man,” it becomes apparent that Shawty
Lo is quickly becoming a staple of the ATL
music scene.
Hollowell Parkway. The official name was
recently changed, but is still referred to by
natives as “Bankhead Highway.”
“I don’t need no security guards or nothing
out here,” says Lo. Even amidst his
growing fame and success, he refuses
to relocate his D4L studios and bounce
from Bankhead. “All you see is me and my
homeboys.” The Bowen Home hero adds,
“No matter what kinda money I get, I’ll still
be right here.”
Minutes after his photo shoot in the
demolished building, Shawty Lo sits in
the backseat of his chauffeured Cadillac
Escalade outside of his Bankhead studio.
He has a fresh order of Chinese chicken
wings and a lingering hangover from the
night before (Rocko’s album release party),
but for Shawty Lo, life doesn’t get much
better than this. He is making his mark on
the world from the very same street he grew
up on, surrounded by lifelong friends and a
comfortable setting. Shawty Lo is in his element,
and there’s Lo Limit is sight.
You get a lot of love in the streets. How
were you able to acquire so much respect
around the hood
Look around you. We’re right here on my
street, Bankhead...
For the full interview, log on to ozonemag.
com or pick up the April issue of OZONE
Magazine featuring double covers with
Shawty Lo and B.o.B.!
Lo’s life is essentially similar to many of his
predecessors who transitioned from trapper
to rapper, but one element that makes
Shawty Lo truly unique is that if you want
him, you really can find him in the A. He’ll
be on the west side, more specifically, right
in front of his studio at 2610 Donald Lee
OZONE | 15

RAIN FAYETTEVILLE, NC
Words // Randy Roper
16 | OZONE

Over the last few months Randy
“Rain” Watford has been seen
on every medium available for
an up-and-coming artist, so his
face may be familiar. Expect heavy Rain in
the foreseeable future, and we’re not talking
bad weather or a stack of ones in the air.
Coming out of Fayetteville, NC, has it been
harder for you to get heard
Yeah, it makes it harder because Fayetteville
is a military base city. The problem with
that is, people from the city are always coming
in and out. There’s always new people
moving in and people that have been here
for years moving out. So it’s kinda hard
to get your buzz up, ‘cause the people
that relate to you and know you, let’s say
you’re putting in a two year grind out here,
those same people might not even be here.
So, it’s harder to build your buzz out here
versus a place like New York or Atlanta.
That’s why it forces me to hit other markets
to promote my music.
At one point you moved to New York. Is that
the reason you moved there
I moved there because I wound up dropping
out of school. My mother basically told me,
“You can’t stay here with me if you’re not
gonna be in school.” I figured I’d go to New
York. My father was staying there at the
time; I didn’t really know him ‘cause he was
locked up for the majority of my young life.
I thought it’d be a good time to get to know
him and at the same time pursue my career.
How did New York work out for you
My mother wasn’t there and my father
wasn’t helping me. As far as the music
goes, I had to get out there and grind on my
own. I didn’t know anybody up there. It put
me in a situation where I was forced to grow
up a little bit quicker and be more mature at
an early age.
You have been able to establish a buzz. But
your buzz is more internet and DVD related.
The buzz I got now is from me keeping
up on what was going on. As soon as the
DVDs started poppin’, I made sure I jumped
into that. A lot of people catch on to things
late. I was always a person that keeps my
eyes open, and my ears open, to see what
the next thing was. Every opportunity that
opens, I make sure I attack it. What a lot of
artists do nowadays is, they come out and
release records but nobody knows their
story. That’s why you might see somebody
with a hit record on MTV and BET, but they
won’t sell no records when their album
comes out because nobody knows them.
People don’t really buy into your music;
they buy into your character. People like
Jeezy because of his persona, so the
people that were relating to him bought his
music. And that’s what I’m doing right now.
I’m giving people me, who I am. That’s
why you see me in different magazines, on
DVDs, I’m giving you a chance to see me
before I present all my music.
You were recently on Rap City’s “Spit
Yo Game.” How’d that opportunity come
about
BET reached out. That was crazy. I don’t
have a record deal. So for me to be doing
all this with no deal, this has nothing to do
with me; this is God pushing opportunities
to me and I tackle them. For me to be
on BET and come back to my hood, and
people see me like, “Yo, I just saw you on
BET,” it motivates me ‘cause I’m one of
theirs. They didn’t grow up with the rappers
in the game now; they grew up with me.
Seeing me on TV shows them that there’s
something else they can do.
Not too long ago, you dropped a mixtape
with Don Cannon. What kind of response
did you get from that
The mixtape with Don Cannon was like
the classic for the streets. The CD’s called
Highly Unanticipated and I did that to basically
clown and joke on my situation. Most
artists come out and be fronting like, “I’m
the hottest dude out, they’re anticipating
me,” and I felt the exact opposite. I feel like
I’m hot and putting good music out, but
nobody’s waiting to hear a Rain CD. So, I
feel like the theme we were going with, we
tackled it pretty good.
Are you going to be at Bike Week this year
Yeah, any situation like this, you gotta be
there, especially when it’s your town or your
state. I’ll have the whole team with me,
First in Flight Entertainment. Best believe
you’ll see me out there with like fifty people.
They’re gon’ have Rain t-shirts on, passing
out Highly Unanticipated CDs and we’re
gon’ try to make an impact out there.
OZONE | 17

18 | OZONE
SONNY
RICH

& DJ
CHUCK T
CHARLOTTE’s
TRAPMAN and the
CAROLINA KING
link up to share
their recipes for
COOKIN’ UP RAW
MUSIC...
Words // Charlamagne Tha God
& Ms. Rivercity
Photo // Jason Cordes for
Uimages Photography
OZONE | 19

His videos look like he’s got a
major label budget; he’s been
featured in XXL Magazine;
BET.com voted him to be one
of the breakthrough artists
in the music industry and all I keep asking
people is, “Who the fuck is Sonny Rich”
Well, let’s ask him.
Sonny Rich, who the fuck are you
Nigga, I’m me! I’m just a nigga tryin’ to
make it, bra. I’ma straight 704 soldier.
Keep Lock Entertainment is the label you
rep. They’re indie, but they promote you
like a major, so who is selling all the kilos of
cocaine that’s funding the situation
Man I don’t know nothing ‘bout no kilos. I
rap homie! (laughs) You won’t catch me on
no DVDs talking about I sell dope, or done
sold this and that. It’s only in my music. It’s
entertainment, baby.
I asked that question ‘cause I have heard
you refer to yourself as Da Trapman and
the whole trapper-turned-rapper thing is
kind of corny for the simple fact that rappers
be lying. Is that your life for real or are you
just following the current trend
On some real shit, bra, I’ve traveled down
every lane in life, from the streets to a regular
9 to 5, to the military, so when you hear
me speak on the trap it’s nothing fabricated.
There was a time in my life when I was out
there doing what I thought I had to do to
make a decent living in this fucked up world
we live in. Does that name define who I
am No, it’s just a part of my life that I’m
not proud of, but at the same time I’m not
ashamed of it either. The name itself “Da
Trapman” came from my partnas when I returned
home from the military. They always
used to say, “The city’s gotta voice now that
the Trapman is home.”
Charlotte, NC is not known for its Hip Hop
scene. How did you establish such a big
buzz in this city And how did that buzz go
from the city to the industry
To be truthful, it’s a lot of talent in Charlotte
as well as the whole Carolinas, North and
South, but as far as me, I didn’t sound like
anybody else so it made me stand out. The
city as well as the industry took notice of
that fact.
SONNY
RICH
hood superstar like yourself
Well, the chicks have always been there,
homie. The fame from music ain’t make
Sonny Rich. I been pimpin’ since pimpin’
been pimpin’. (laughs)
What’s the reason you think the Carolinas
haven’t popped off in the industry yet And
how will your upcoming album The Virus
make sure it does
I can’t really say, but I know when the
album drops I’m going to shock a lot people
and these labels will start to take notice
of the Carolinas ‘cause we really go hard
down here.
You got a hell of a name. It makes me want
to ask you to borrow some bread. How Rich
are you, Sonny
My ribs ain’t touching or nothing but I ain’t
where I wanna be by a long shot.
What’s your relationship with the Carolina
King DJ Chuck T
That’s my nigga! I’ve been a fan of his work
for a minute and I always wanted to work
alongside him on a project and we finally
did it. That’s one DJ I can honestly say if he
needed me for anything I would go all out to
help anyway I could.
Let the people know what to expect from
Sonny Rich in the future.
The future looks very promising for ya boy,
ya feel me But the people can expect me
to keep dropping that 704 music, a classic
album on in May, and a voice that’s going to
ring bells in this music industry.
Website: Myspace.com/Sonnyrich704
Charlotte has got some bad broads and
I know they’re recognizing your status.
What’s the groupie love like for a neighbor
20 | OZONE

& DJ
CHUCK T
The self-proclaimed Carolina
King has rightfully earned his
title over the years. Consistently
releasing CD after CD, DJ
Chuck T has received a number
of awards and accolades which he himself
cannot even count. We spoke with the
Down South Slangin’ mastermind to find out
what else is up his sleeve for 2008.
You drop a ton of mixtapes. How quickly
can you finish one
It depends on what type of mixtape it is. If
it’s a blend tape, then it will take anywhere
from two weeks to a month to put it together.
If it’s a paying artist’s mixtape, then
it takes me about two to three days to mix it,
bring some records back, blend it together
and make it sound real professional. If it’s
an exclusive tape, where the focus is on the
music and not so much skills, that can take
me a day or two max.
What else is new with you
Right now my main goal is my new company
Publicity Stunt Marketing. I’m trying to
make the transition away from the mixtape
game because at the end of the day it’s still
illegal. No matter how many label reps call
me wanting me to play their artists, it’s illegal.
It’s nothing we can really do until labels
decide to make mixtapes legal and regulate
them. Publicity Stunt Marketing/Management/Consulting
is the new company.
I’m focusing on taking some artists from
the Carolinas and showing ‘em how the
industry works; really trying to take some
Carolina artists to the top.
Who are some artists you’re working with
My main goal is staying neutral, helping
anybody who’s talented and making moves
in the Carolinas. I’ve even blasted out music
from artists who I didn’t see eye to eye
with. I look at it like I’m one of the pioneers
in Carolina music and I have a responsibility
to set aside personal issues.
I see you’re promoting your brother, P.I.M.P.
Yeah, P.I.M.P. is my older brother. He’s
been rapping since we were children. He
used to have the turntables in his room.
My other brother would play like he was
the DJ. I was the youngest so they used to
make me control the volume. They gave
me the bullshit job. We’ve been honing
our craft since we were little. He recently
started taking rap seriously when he came
home from jail in 2001. He did a five year
bid for drug trafficking. I just recently started
working with him ‘cause I just saw him take
things seriously. I’m his younger brother,
so I understand it’s hard for him to listen
to my [advice[ when it comes to the music
industry. Recently we were able to get past
the egos and start working together.
It seems like you’d have a successful radio
show. You say whatever is on your mind.
I’ve been on radio before and to be honest,
it’s not a road I want to go back down unless
the station is willing to give me some
type of control. Radio is an industry where
the jock is never supposed to be bigger
than the station. We saw that when my
homeboy Charlamagne Tha God became
bigger than the station and they got rid of
him. Thank God he already had something
in the works with Wendy Williams. It was
like a big “fuck you” to jump from market
number 50 to market number 1. It shows
you the mentality of radio. I don’t have time
to sacrifice sitting at a computer at a radio
station for pennies. I’ve built my stock up
enough for people to know what I bring
to the table. Look at all I’ve accomplished
without radio. The radio PDs and General
Managers should be throwing the checkbook
at me but they’re not. I’m one of the
top mixtape DJs in the world without radio.
What are you killing the streets with next
I’m working on Down South Slangin’ 50 and
I just released Sexxxplicit R&B 40. My longevity
in the R&B mixtape scene is equal to
my longevity in dirty South mixtapes. I just
finished the Sonny Rich mixtape which will
hit the streets around Bike Week. I’m about
to put out my brother’s album. I’m working
on a CD with Black Jerus from North
Carolina, who has produced for G-Unit
and Snoop Dogg. We’re getting together
with Jozeemo to do an album called True
Identity. I’m about to get into executive
producing, marketing and promoting artists,
management, and label consulting, just
using a lot of knowledge I’ve gained over 10
years in the business to help out my people.
Website: Myspace.com/Djchuckt
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P.I.M.P.
Words // Charlamagne Tha God
One thing about Charleston is that a lot of
artists in the booth are really in the streets
living what they spit. One artist is trying to
be known more for the records he writes
than the criminal record the system has
written up on him.
P.I.M.P. Peace G! What the Mixx Is
I’m good family, just chilling, keeping it real,
and staying as fresh as I can.
Glad to hear that, homie, especially since
the day we’re doing this interview is a day
before you’re scheduled to go in and do a
six year bid. How much is that weighing on
you
Any time away from your family and close
friends is gonna fuck with your mind a
little but I knew what I was doing and the
consequences, so like the real G that I am,
I man up and take my charge, keep my
mouth closed, and come home. It doesn’t
deter me at all because I never gave up on
anything. I’ll always follow my dreams and
rapping is one of them. Six years is a long
time but I don’t fall under the 85% law so I’ll
be eligible for parole after a year. Plus I only
get better with time, like some good wine.
You are one of the more socially conscious
rappers in South Carolina. Are your experiences
in the system what prompted you to
put some truth in these babies’ brains
Yes, because I’m a real dude. If I said it,
I’ve done it, but it ain’t about that. I know
young black kids listen to my music. I have
3 kids from the ages of 4
to 14 and I would never let
my kids do some of the shit
I’ve done. It’s my obligation
to give them some real
game that’s gonna benefit
them. A muthafucker told
you a lie if they said being
in jail is cool or being
dead or being somewhere
strung out on drugs is
cool.
as your brother
Chuck T is a real good dude. I love him
to death and if anyone fucks with him I’m
do something stupid and go back to jail.
(laughs) I’m joking, but I respect his opinion.
He never tells me something I did was
straight tight; he always lets me know what
I can improve on. I believe that has helped
me become a well-rounded rapper, because
I know how to take constructive criticism.
So you’re featured on South Carolina The
Album with one of my favorite records, period,
“Fishhead.” Explain “Fishhead” for those
outside of Charleston who don’t understand
why that’s a term we don’t like.
People outside of Charleston use it in a
negative way because they say we eat
fish with everything. Charleston is a port
city, so you could expect that. But come to
Charleston and get some of this good fish.
Try Ernie’s downtown on Remount Rd. or
Bertha’s Kitchen, but just don’t call nobody
Fishhead or you might get hurt.
I know that you have a lot of material that
you’re planning to release while you’re
incarcerated. Give us a rundown of what to
expect.
You can expect that real music from me
– fire lyrics, stimulating tracks, unique
swag. I’m tell you ‘bout the game, not only
the good side but the bad side as well. I’m
touch on some political issues. I consider
myself intelligent so I’m always talk about
something positive. Communication rules
the nation. //
DJ Chuck T is your blood
brother. What are the
benefits of having one of
the most influential DJs
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