WELCOME TO ORLANDO

FLORIDACLASSIC 2010

**SpeCIAL eDItIOn**

CRIMInAL RIDAZ // GReG GJ RICH // LIL WOp // YOUnG CASHBIG KRIt // MASSpIKe MILeSG MASH // pI BAnG // SAW MOneYYeLAWOLF // YOUnG nARD & MORe

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ONE CASH & TAY BABY

WELCOME TO ORLANDO

FLORIDACLASSIC

2010**SpeCIAL eD

ItIOn**

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J RICHFROM THE BAY TO THE F-L-A

FeAtURInG

CRIMInAL RIDAZ // tAY BABYOne CASH // LIL WOp // BIG KRItYOUnG nARD // MASSpIKe MILeSG MASH // pI BAnG // SAW MOneYYeLAWOLF // YOUnG CASH & MORe

SIDE A7 OrlandOMap8 dJGreGG10 eventlistinG11 ClublistinG12-13 biGKrit14-15 lilWOp16-17 pibanG22-23 MasspiKeMiles

18-21TAY BABY &ONE CASH

SIDE B4 disCOJr6 phil4real19 dJCaesar8-9 YelaWOlf10-11 YOunGCash12-13 CriMinalridaz14-15 GMash20-21 saWMOneY22-23 YOunGnard

16-18J RICH

PUBLISHER:Juliabeverly

SPECIAL EDITIONS EDITOR:JenMcKinnona.k.a.Ms.rivercity

CONTRIBUTORS & CREW:ericperrinJeevanbrownMauriceG.GarlandMercedesMertdeezinerandyroperterrencetyson

PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR:Malikabdul

STREET TEAMS:bigMouthMarketingdJslymlexpromotionsOnpointentertainmentpoeboystrictlystreets

SUBSCRIPTIONS:tosubscribe,sendcheckormoneyorderfor$20to:OzOneMagazine644antonest.suite6atlanta,Ga30318phone:404-350-3887fax:404-601-9523Web:www.ozonemag.com

COVER CREDITS:taybaby&OneCashphotobynvdphotography;JrichphotoscourtesyofJrich.

DISCLAIMER:OzOnedoesnottakeresponsi-bilityforunsolicitedmaterials,misinformation,typographi-calerrors,ormisprints.theviewscontainedhereindonotnecessarilyreflectthoseofthepublisheroritsadvertisers.adsappearinginthismagazinearenotanendorsementorvalidationbyOzOneMagazineforproductsorservicesoffered.allphotosandillustrationsarecopyrightedbytheirrespectiveartists.allothercontentiscopy-right2010OzOneMagazine,allrightsreserved.noportionofthismagazinemaybereproducedinanywaywithoutthewrittenconsentofthepub-lisher.printedintheusa.

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MAPORLANDO, FL

GReG G KeepS tHe pARtIeS LIve In ORLAnDO. In ADDItIOn tO HIS FULL CLUB SCHeDULe, HeS ALSO MAKInG BeAtS nOW AnD pLAnS tO StARt SHOWCASInG tHeM On MIxtApeS next YeAR. tHIS FLORIDA CLASSIC WeeKenD IF YOURe nOt At A GReG G pARtY, YOURe pROBABLY In tHe WROnG pLACe.

Whats your current DJing schedule?idoantiguaontuesdayswithpower95.3.thatsthebiggesttuesdaypartyinthecity.WednesdaywedoCleos,itslikeanindustryparty.thursdayimatlimelightdowntown.itsthebiggestpartyonthursday.saturdayimstillaticon.

Do you still make mixtapes?iusedtodothestreetheatseries.itookabreakfrommixtapesforaminutetogetintoproduction.impushingmybeatsrightnow.illprobablystartmakingtapesagainearlynextyeartoshowpeoplewhativebeendoingwiththebeats.

What made the DJ game appealing to you? How did you get started?ialwayslovedmusicsinceiwasakid.ibeenanentrepreneuratheartsoiputitalltogether.backinthedayistartedinterningat102Jamz.thatwasbackwhenCedrichollywoodwasthere,andhetookmeunderhiswingandshowedmehowtogetmoney.istartedoffasapromoterandgotintodJingkindabyac-cident.someofmydJshadquitonmewheniwasthrowingparties.thatshowigotintoit.

Being a tastemaker of music in Orlando, who do you think are some of the hottest artists being played?asoflate,theresalotofOrlandorecordsheavyintheclubs.nottosaytheredidntusedtobe,trealandthemhadabunchofrecords.butinoticenowtheresalotofdifferentart-ists.pibangalwayshasahotsingleout,rightnowMaseratidreamsisrunningtheclub.lilWophaspimpshit.KevinCossomhaswentnationalnowandwerunninghissongheavyintheclubbabyilikeit.WegotartistslikeatibaandslimGoodie.lilKee,strizzoandJavonblackintampahavethehitbussitWideOpen.asfarasnationalartists,anythingJeezy,Gucci,isrealheavy.travisportersMakeit

rainisrealbig.

Where do you see the trends going in rap music?icantevencallitrightnow.asfarasmain-streamrap,itseemstobealotofhiphopmixingwithdance,house,technomusic.asfarasthestreetsgo,idontthinkthingsarereallygonnachangemuch.theresabigdifferenceinwhatWill.i.amisdoingfromwhatWakaflockaisdoing.ithinkwerealwaysgonnahaveourhardcorestreetrap.ithinkthingsaregoingbacktohowtheywerewhenitfirststartedwhenifirststarted,amajorityoftheclubswasplayingtechnoandhouse,andaminoritywasplayinghiphop.ithinkitllgobacktothat.

Do you have anything going on FL Classic weekend?fridayimatthecarshowtheyredoingbyMagicMallwithbriscoandthemithink.atnight,everyfridayandsaturdayimalwaysaticon.sundayimdJingattheGucciManeshowatClublaX,formerlyClubdestiny.

How can people get in touch with you for booking or beats?dJGregG.comandtwitter.com/GregGodzilla.Myemailisdjgregg@gmail.com.logontothesite,igotbeatsupforsale.ifyouneedproduc-tionhollaatme.

DJ Greg G Words by Ms RivercityPhoto by MQ Images

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Friday, November 19th

13th Annual Classic Greek Step Show @ Bob Carr Performing Arts Center401 West Livingston Street7pm

Battle of the Bands @ Amway Arena 600 W. Amelia St.Doors open at 7pm

Classic Wknd Kick Off Party w/ Travis Porter & Brisco Live Step Show/Battle of the Bands After Party@ Club Firestone578 N. Orange Avenue

Versatile Ent. Presents:Rick Ross Live Hosted by DJ Khaled @ LAX - 7430 Universal Blvd.18+, Doors open 10pm407-864-3271

Frontline Promotions Presents:The Classic Alumni Affair Hosted by FAMUs Almighty Joe Bullard@ Rain - 4732 S. Kirkman Rd. Doors open at 5pm with free admission until 9:30pm.Happy Hour 5pm-9:30pm with a complemen-tary buffet, 21+

Antigua Fridaysw/ 102 Jamz, La Loca & Jay Love41 W. Church St.

Phat Fridays @ The Roxyw/ 102 Jamz, Shelly Flash & DJ Nasty740 Bennett Rd.

Saturday, November 20th

Florida Classic @ Florida Citrus BowlKick Off at 2:30pm

Dawgman Ent .Tailgate Fest @ Solo Gas SationCorner of Tampa Ave. & Church Street12pm, Free to the public

Dawgman Ent., Barbie University & Morris Management Present:Classic Jamboree Party @ Imperial Swan Ball Room7050 S. Kirkman Rd.9:30pm 5am

Coors Light Presents:Florida Classic Post-Game Concertw/ Kid & Play, Dres from Black Sheep Monie Love, Slick Rick, Arrested Development,

eveNt LiStiNGFLorida CL

aSSiC 2009

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Chubb Rock & More@ The Orlando Marriott888-695-7226

Frontline Promotions Presents:12th Annual Classic Luau Hosted by DJ Khaled, T-Pain, Kevin Cossom, Ace Hood, DJ Nasty, Brisco, Trina & MoreMusic by DJ Q45, Bigga Rankin, City, CT & PLO, Skool Boys@ Roxy - 740 Bennett Rd.18+, 9:30pm 3am

Dawgman Ent. Presents: Young Money/Cash Money Party Feat. Brisco & Friends@ 11/12 Lounge 843 Lee Rd.9:30pm 3am

Classic Lockdown w/ Rich Kids, Lil Kee, PI Bang & MoreMusic by DJ Nasty & DJ D Strong@ Firestone - 578 N. Orange Avenue

Jermaine Dupri & Amber Rose @ LAX - 7430 Universal Blvd.18+, Doors open 10pm407-864-3271

Dawgman Ent. & Blue Magic Ent. Present:Grown & Sexy PartyHosted by Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald@ DeJaVu 17 W. Pine St.9:30pm 3am

Swirl Saturdays @ Tabu Nightclubw/ 102 Jamz & Shelly Flash46 N. Orange Avenue

SuNday, November 21St

Dawgman Ent. Presents:12th Annual Riding Big Car Show/ConcertFeat. Frank Lini, Fella, Bizzle, Lil Kee, YG, NMB Stunnas, and More@ Central FL FairgroundsGates Open 2pm 10pm

Gucci Mane Live Hosted by G-Money & Shelly Flash w/ DJ Greg G, Disco JR & Baby Lac@ LAX - 7430 Universal Blvd.18+, Doors Open 10pm

Dawgman Ent., Hollywood East & Flyer Promo Now Present:Car Show After Party @ Antigua - 41 W. Church St.

Sunday Night Classic Close Outw/ DJ Nasty, DJ D Strong, DJ Chino@ Firestone - 578 N. Orange Ave.

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eveNt LiStiNG Mall listingFlorida Mal

l

8001 S Orange Blossom Trail

407-856-7700

Magic Mall

2155 W. Colonial Dr.

407-648-0779

Millenia Mall

4200 Conroy Rd.

407-363-3555

West oaks Mall

9401 W. Colonial Drive

401-294-2775

Winter Park Mall

641 W. Fairbanks Ave.

Winter Park, FL 32789

407-671-3232

Lake Buena Vista, FL407-934-BLUE

icon night-club20 E. Central Blvd.407-649-6496

koha night-club426 E. KennedyEatonville, FL407-740-0556

club laX7430 Universal Blvd.407-351-9800

the legacy club3925 Clarcona Ocoee Rd.

club liMe-light367 N. Orange Ave.

luX ultra lounge5688 International Dr.407-352-8838

MotoWn caFeUniversal CityWalk407-363-8000

rainClubWhispers.net4732 S. Kirkman Road407-290-9896

the roXy 740 Bennett Rd.407-898-4004

the socialOrlandoSocial.com54 N. Orange Ave407-246-1599

sky6064 N. Orange Avenue407-246-1599

tabu night-clubTabuNightclub.com46 N. Orange Avenue407-648-8363

tavern on the lake6996 Piazza Grande Ave.Orlando, FL 32835407-293-6233

tessa2425 A South Hiawas-see RoadOrlando, FL 32835407-373-0005

vain22 S. Magnolia Avenue407-835-3590

central Florida Fair-grounds4903 W. Colonial DriveOrlando, FL

eastMonte civic center830 Magnolia DriveAltamonte Springs, FL

eXPo center500 W. Livingston(across from TD Waterhouse)Orlando, FL

aMWay arena600 W. Amelia St.Orlando, FL407-849-2020

club listing11/12 night-club843 Lee Road407-539-3410

club 2323 W. Church St.

aka lounge68 East Pine Street 407-839-3707

antigua41 W. Church St.407-649-4270

b.b. kings9100 International Drive

bliss ultra lounge123 W. Church St

cleos gentle-Mens club1310 S. Orange Blos-som Trail407-839-8559

club status912 W. Colonial Drive407-841-1462

deJavu night-club17 W. Pine Street321-277-0412

dragon rooM25 W. Church St.407-843-8600

FirestoneClubatFirestone.com578 N. Orange Avenue407-872-0066

Fusion1 S. Orange Avenue407-650-0556

the grooveCityWalk at Universal Orlando6000 Universal Blvd.407-363-8000

hard rockHardRock.comUniversal CityWalk407-351-5483

house oF bluesHOB.com1490 E. Buena Vista Dr.

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othervenues

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When OZONE featured Big K.R.I.T. in its Patiently Waiting section in 2006, only a few people had heard of the then 19-year old rapper/producer. He was from the small town of Meridian, Mississippi, so you almost had to either be from there or have worked with him to be aware of his music. Sensing that it would be an uphill battle to get noticed in his hometown, K.R.I.T. trekked to Atlanta, where he shopped beats and handed out mixtapes from his See Me On Top series, which featured assistance from DJ Folk, DJ Wally Sparks and DJ Infamous.

While his buzz started to catch fire in the Southeast, a few obstacles set him off track professionally, personally and creatively. Al-most getting swallowed up in Atlantas heavy dance and club scene, K.R.I.T. soon found himself at a crossroads. One that he actually hinted at meeting in his 2006 interview.

I try to be positive and have uplifting music, but sometimes you gotta bring it back down to reality, he said.

K.R.I.T. sensed that he was due for a reality check and moved back to Mississippi in 2008. After getting back in touch with his family and roots, he began recording Krit Wuz Here, a sample-laden, soul-searching opus that has surprisingly become one of the most her-alded releases of 2010. Even though he gave the project away for free over the internet, he received a nice kickback in the form of a deal with Def Jam records.

OZONE caught up with K.R.I.T. to talk about his journey and the project he feels took him five years to make.

A lot of people are labeling you as a new artist, which isnt quite accurate. Youve been at this for about five years now.Yeah.in2005thefirstdJthateverputmeonamixtapewasdJfolkonFrom The Trap to the Stroll;thesongwascalledtheyGonhate.thenheputmeonhis Deep In the Gameseries.hewounduphostingmymixtapeSee Me On Top part 2.ialsodid King of the Queen withdJWallysparksandSee Me On Top part 3 withdJinfamous.sodJshavebeenshowingmelovefromthestart.aroundthattimeiwasstillmakinganameformyselfasbotharapperandproducer.ididliveandletdieforbigfloatyandworkedwithMaxMinelli.itwasallaboutworkingwithindieartists.

What happened between See Me On Top

parts 2 and 3 and then after that? It seemed like you got away from the soulful music you were producing for a minute, then disappeared.iwastryingtofigureoutthebestwaytocomeoutandbemyselfandbuildingabrand.itgottoapointwhereiwassacrificingmycreativemindframetotryandgetabuzzorbeontheradio.soiwentbacktoMississippitofindmyrootsandwhatiwantedtoputouttotheworld.ifeellikeKrit Wuz Herewasfiveyearsinthemaking.itsshowingtheworldthatiaintnewtothis,butlettingthemainstreamgetintroducedtome.

thesongthatseemedtoreeleverybodyinwashometownhero.Whenididthattrack,iwasridingwithmypotnaMikehartnettofrehab.heputmeuponadeleshometownGlory.fivemonthslateriboughthermusic,sampledit,madeasong,andjuststartedblastingit.itstartedbubbling.inJanuary,CreativeControldidthevideo.ithinkthefootagehelpedthesonggetout.

Is there a story behind that beat? two or three different artists hopped on it too. Did the beat get leaked or passed around?no,thesongisjustpopular.adelewasGrammynominated.thealbumisamazing.Whenisampleditiwasunawareofhowmanyotherpeopleweresamplingittoo.

The rest of this interview is featured in the cur-rent issue of OZONE.

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Big K.R.I.T

Words by Maurice G. Garland

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Lil Wop Words by Ms. RivercityPhoto by Ayo

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Lil Wop Words by Ms. RivercityPhoto by Ayo LIL WOp MIGHt Be In tHe BeGInnInG StAGeS OF HIS CAReeR, BUt HIS nAMe IS In HeAvY ROtAtIOn ALReADY. OveR tHe LASt YeAR, MR. SO FReSH GAIneD A FOLLOWInG WItH HIS SOnG pIMp SHIt AnD CAn nOW Be HeARD tHROUGHOUt ORLAnDO CLUBS. WItH A MIxtApe In tHe WORKS, LIL WOp tALKS ABOUt HIS GROWtH AnD UpCOMInG enDeAvORS.

Introduce yourself and let us know what you represent.itsyaboylilWop,KingMidas,everythingitouchturnstogold.imfromOrlando,fl,bornandraised.ivebeengoinghardinthismusicthangforaboutayearandahalf.imindepen-dent,imnotsignedwithanybodyrightnow.

Your name is coming up a lot right now. How have you been able to get yourself recog-nized?really,justgoingoutandbeinginthesepeoplesfaces,justhittintheclubs,promot-ing,beinginthestreets,andkeepingmyfacerelevantsotheyknowimheretostay.

What are you most known for? I know you have a pretty big club song right now, what all do you have going on?thesongigotwithp.i.bangrightnowiscalledpimpish.thatsongisgettinheavyplayintheclubs.imworkingonaradiosong.igotonesongthatsgettingaheavybuzzinthestreetswithmeandstefon4ucalledsexualChemistry.

So is this your big breaking out moment in your career so far?Yeah,thisisreallymybreakingoutmoment.ibeenrappinforalongtimebutwasntreallytryintodonothinwithmusic.Youknowhowpeoplejustmakemusicwittheirhomeboysandstuffbutarentreallypushinit.ionlybeengoinhardforayearandhalf.

What was it that made you decide to focus on the music route?Wellialwaysbeenlovinmusic.Oneofmyhomeboyshadarecordlabelcalledtrapstarentertainment.ilinkedupwithhimandwestarteddoinmusic,butthenwekindafelloutsoistarteddoinmyownthingafterthat.butthatshowigotgoin,heknewpeopleandthatshowigotconnectionsandpeopleknowingmyname.

Whats the hometown love been like? Are a lot of people reaching out now?Yeah,igotacoupleshowscomingup.iopenupfortravisporterandbriscoduringtheClas-siconthe19th.thenwegottheshowaticononthanksgiving.pibangisdoingamixtapereleasepartyonthe6th,imperformingouttheretoowithacoupleotherpeople.

Have you had an opportunity to take the movement outside of Orlando?Justtopalmbeachacoupletimes,linkingupwithCashChrisfromMaybachMusicGroup.thatsmyhomeboyandwhenhehasashow,hellcallandillgoouttheretoperformwithhim.butasinpromotingandgoingouttotheseothercities,ihaventreallystartedonthatyet.imjustgettingmymixtapetogetherrightnow,thenimagoinheadfirst.

Whats the name of the mixtape?Floridas Finest.itsalmostdone.duringthefloridaClassicimadoasneakpeakandputout6songstoletpeopleseewhatthemix-tapeisgonbelike.

Tell us about your music. What type of songs do you really like making?thatfeelgood,clubmusic,musicyouthrowinwhenyougettinreadyathomeabouttogoout,whenyoufeelinnice,musicthatgetsyoucrunk.iwantyoutothink,letmethrowinthatlilWopCd.

What do you want people to know about Lil Wop as a person? Why should people sup-port you?imdifferent.imnotonthatsametrapmusic,drugthisanddrugthat,imakeregularstreetmusic.imnottryingtobeallextrahard,ijustmakefeelgoodmusic.

Where do you want to ultimately end up? Whats the goal?tohavemyownrecordlabelandbemyownboss.tosupplymyfamilywitheverything.attheendoftheday,justtoliveoutmydreamandgetpaidforit.

Do you have a website or contact info?followmeontwitter.com/lilWoporlilwopt-sent@gmail.com//

PI BangWords by JeeVan Brown

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PI Bang

Bang 4 MayOr IS p.I. BAnGS neW SLOGAn AnD tItLe OF HIS MIxtApe HIttInG tHe StReetS On DeCeMBeR 6tH. p.I. BAnG HAS MADe A tReMen-DOUS nAMe FOR HIMSeLF SInCe tHe ReLeASe OF HIS StReet SInGLe tRAp Keep JUMpInG, AnD FROM tHe LOOKS OF tHInGS, He DOeSnt pLAn tO Let Up AnY tIMe SOOn.

Youve had a lot of things going good for you. What are you currently working on?JustgettingreadyforClassicWeekendandmynewmixapeBang 4 Mayor.

How did you come up with that title? imfromOrlandowherealotofrappersaintreallymakingnonoisetome,everybodyrap-ping,butimtheonlyonethatsmakingthemostnoise.everybodyhastheireyesonme,soifeellikeimtheMayorofthecity.improb-ablygoingbetheonethatsgoingtoputthecityon.icameupwiththewholecampaign.ivehadt-shirtsandposterspostedevery-where.theelectionwasnovember2ndanditriedtobaseitaroundthat,butimactuallygoingtoreleaseitdecember6th.

I saw that people actually thought you were running for Mayor because of how much campaigning you were doing.Yeahtheydid.theyreallyweregoingtothepollsandlookingformynameontheballot.everybodybackhomeknowsigotalittlebitofbreadsotheyprobablythoughtiwasreallygoingrunforMayor.itwasjusttohypeupthemixtapeandhypemeupasanartist.

What is your current label situation? Are you signed or are you independent?nahimsignedtomyself.MyrecordlabeliscalledfreshOffdablockentertainment.afewlabelsholleredatme,butiguesswiththecur-rentstateofhiphoptheynottryingtogiveupalotofmoney.theyreonlytryingtogiveoutsingledealsandimnotlookingforthatkindofdeal,immorelookingforalabeldeal.theydidnttrytogivemeenoughmoneyandifeellikeimalreadyworthenoughmoneyonmyown,especiallythemoneytheytryingtooffer.tomeitschumpchange.

What do you think its going to take for Or-lando to get that major Hip Hop look?

ithinkitsgoingtobeme.itsacoupleofoth-erartistthatsreallytryingtodosomethingrightnowandweallaffiliated.Wegotmyduded-boy,lilWop,theseniggasisspendingmoneyandtryingtomakemoves.imintheleadrightnowbecauseimgettingthemostplayintheclubsandontheradio,soifeellikeoncesomebodysignmeitwillprovidemoreopportunitiesforotherrappers.peopledontexpectOrlandotohavestreetartists.thelastrappersthatcameoutwassmilez&southstarandtheykindofgaveusabadlook.

You recently put out Banglando with Disco JR. How was it perceived in the streets? everybodysaiditwasoneofthehottestandcraziestmixtapestodroponthestreets.WegotacoupleofcriticsasfarasJrtalkingontherecord,butallaroundeverybodysaiditwasarealclassicmixtape.imactuallyre-releasingthemixtapeonClassicWeekendwithnodJ.imgoingtoputallthefeaturesididonitinthelastyear.itsgoingtobecalledBanglando Reloaded.

How will Bang 4 Mayor be different from your other mixapes? WestillgotdiscoJronitbecausehesmypersonaldJ,hedJsallofmyshows.andweredoingitwithdJdstrong.igotafewdiffer-entfeaturesonthisone.ididntputalotofOrlandoartistsonthisone.thistimeireachedoutofOrlando.igottomG,YoungCash,andafewotherartists.

Your website recently got hacked. What exactly happened with that and did you ever find out who did it? noididntfindoutwhodidit,butimalmost100%guaranteedthatitwasanotherrapperfrommycityhatingonmebecauseimget-tingalltherecognition.itgottobearapper-slash-internetgeekthatdiditbecauseitjustcameoutofnowhere.ivebeenpromotingmywebsiterealhardwithposterseverywhereandalotofpromo,sotheytriedtostopmyshine,butyoucantstopadudelikeme.ivebeendoingthisfortoolong.

Where are you performing during Classic Weekend? imgoingtobeatfirestoneonnovember20th.//

CASH &DA BABY

Words by Julia BeverlyPhoto by NVD Photography/

NVDOnline.com

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TayBaby

One Cash

ORLAnDO RepReSentAtIveS tAY BABY, FROM OAKRIDGe, AnD One CASH, FROM LAKe CAne HILLS, ARe tWO SOLO ARtIStS WHO HAve teAMeD Up FOR A JOInt ALBUM. We SAt DOWn WItH tHe CentRAL FLORIDA nAtIveS tO FInD OUt WHAt MAKeS tHeM DIF-FeRent FROM tHe ReSt.

What made you decide to work together on a joint album?Tay Baby: basically,weretwosoloartists,butwedecidedtocometogether.Werehome-boysandwererealclose.Wevebeenrappingforawhilesowejustsaidfuckit.WemadeabunchofsongstogetherandtheywerehardsowedecidedtoputtogetheralittleCd.itscalledCash and Da Baby.

Of course Miami has had a lot of success putting artists on the national scene and T-Pain made it big out of Tallahassee and Plies made it big out of Ft. Myers, but Orlando hasnt had many big rap artists. Why do you think that is?One Cash:ithinkalotoftheartistscomingoutofOrlandoarerappingaboutthesamestuff.Wealltalkaboutthesamesubjectmatterbecauseweallcomefromthatsamestreetlife.ithink[artists]shouldtrytobringsomekindaoriginalitytotheirmusic.everysongcantbeiselldope,iselldope,ishotanigga.thatswhatithinkislacking.Weallexperiencethesameshit,butweretryingtogiveafreshtakeonittomakesomethingalittledifferent.

What are some of the topics you rap about that are different from what were hearing from other artists?Tay Baby:itsprettymuchthesametopics,itsjustthatweretryingtobemoreoriginalanddifferentaboutthewayweapproachit.One Cash: Weputourownswagonit,soitsdifferent.itaintnecessarilythemostgangstamusicyoueverheardinyourlifetowhereitmakesyouwannagoshootabitch,butatthesametime,itsnotcommercialeither.itsawholenewtwisttothesameshit.everybodymakessoupbutyoucanputyourownflavorinsidethesoupandmakethatbitchtastedifferent.Wereputtingourownflavorinthesoup.

One Cash:nigga,isaidthatyesterday.Youtakingmyquotes. (laughs)

A lot of people that arent from Central Florida have the perception that its like Happytown, because of Disneyworld, but that really isnt the case. How would you explain it?One Cash: theyneedtocheckthemostdan-gerouscitieslist,causeimprettysureOrlandowaslike#7onthere.ithinkthatmisconcep-tioncomesaboutbecausedisneyhasalotofmoneyandtourismisabilliondollarindustry,sotheyregoingtodoorsaywhatevertheyneedtodoorsaytomakeitseemmoretourist-friendly.buttherealityisthatanytimeyoustickawholebunchofniggastogetherinonearea,theresgonnabeproblems.Orlandoisverysegregated;divideddownthemiddle.Ontheotherhalf,idontknowwhatgoesonoverthere,butwereoverhereonthewrongsideofthetracks.theresdefinitelyawrongsideoftown.

What have you put out to get your buzz up musically?Tay Baby:iputoutamixtapewithdJd-strongcalled Black American Dream.ididthatandthenistartedgettingonafewmagazinecoversanddoingacoupleshows.iwasactu-allyheadliningtheshows,itwasntjustmeopeningupforthenextnigga.itwasmyshit.ipassedoutmymusicandthesingleimpush-ingnowiscalledWelldamnnow.One Cash:ivegotanalbumthatiwentaheadanddidmyself.ididntgetadJbecauseifeltliketheywerentreallytryingtodoanything,theywerejustaskingformoney.WithsomeofthesedJs,ifeelliketheyreallyjustbefeelingthemselvesalot.iunderstandtheresalotofgarbageoutthereandthisshithasbeenpollutedandalotofpeoplehavewastedtheirtime,soiunderstandwheresomeoftheirattitudecomesfrom.buttheybetrippin,soididthatshitmyself.itstitledGrind Moneyandthatsprettymuchlikemysecondmixtape.itsoutinthestreetsnowanditsavailableoveratWildsideonuniversalblvd.

Do you feel like its not effective to have a DJ hosting your mixtape, or is it more that they

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dont really believe in your project?One Cash: ifeellikeitsabitofboth.ifeltliketheywerejustgivingmetherunaround.itriedtospeakwithacoupledifferentdJsandijustdidntreallylikethewaytheywerecomingatme.itwasntgoodbusiness.imprettynewtothemusicindustryandnormallywhenidobusinesswithsomebodyifeellikethereshouldbemutualrespect.ifeellikethesedJsdonthavethatrespectforeveryartisttheyrespeakingtojustbecausetheyrenotknownyet.Tay Baby: Youknowwhat?thatissomerealshit.Mepersonally,thatswhyidontevenbeintheclubslikethat.idontbeouttherelikethatbecauseivekindagotatemper.imwellknowntosnaponabitchsoijusttrytokeepmyselfawayfromallthenegativityandfuck-erybecauseimighthavetoslapmeabitch.theybetryingtodisrespectaniggaspocketsandshit.idontlikethatshit.ifipayyousomemoneyiwanttogetwhatipaidfor.

Are there any particular DJs you had an issue with or are you just speaking in general? One Cash:ingeneral.therewasoneparticularniggabutidontfeellikeputtinghisnameoutthere.iainttryintostartnoproblems,itsjustthesimplefactthatidontwannagivethatnigganofreepromotionbecausehedontwannadoitfornobodyelse.

Tay Baby: Youknowtheybewiththatbullshit.theyspinningthemusicandtheybasicallyfeellikeyouvegottokisstheirass.

One Cash:ireallyfeellikeinthiswholemusicindustrybeinginthestreets,ivereallybeenouthereforaminuteanditsnottoknockthenextmansayingthattheydonthustle,everybodydoeswhattheydo,butifeellikethesefolksareperpetratingthingsthattheyrenot.itsabunchofsmokeandmirrors.everybodystryingtobegangstaandputitouttherelikeeverybodysgotkeysofthisandpoundsofthat,butitsreallyjustridiculous.iknowalotofthesefolksandtheyaintgotnomoneyandtheyaintoutinthesestreetslikethat.ifeellikeinthiswholemusicindustry,mostoftheseniggaslocally,ivemetthemandwejustaintthesame.imdifferent.idontcomefromthatshitandidontunderstandwhythesedJsactlikethisissomeplay-playass-kissingshit.itaintreallyaboutthat.nig-

gasarereallyfromthisshit.

Tay Baby: basically,takethemoneyandspinthemusicortakethemoneyandhavethemixtapedonewithinareasonabletimeandeverybodywillbehappy.dogoodbusiness.

One Cash:ijustfeellikeitsafraud,man.alotofpeoplereallybetryingtosellniggasdreamsandmakepeoplethinkalotofstuffisonewaywhenitsreallynot.theyretellingabunchofkidstoselldopeanddothisanddothatandcomeupandyouregoingtohaveallthisiceanddiamondsandallthat,butreally,itsalotmoretoitthanthat.itsalotharderthanthatandmostoftheseniggasaintgonnamakeitandaregoingtoenduplockedup.theseniggasareactingliketheyrethedopemansdreamandhavebeensosuccess-fulinthegamewhenreallyiaintneverheardofemandiaintneverseenem.

There arent a lot of outlets in Orlando for local artists to get their music heard. What are the routes youre taking?Tay Baby: honestly,thisismyplan.imjustbuying1,000Cdsaweekandpassingthemoutinthemiddleofthehood,slidingaroundinthecarandgivingonetoeverybodythatsmoving.ifyoure7yearsoldor74yearsoldimthrowingyouaCd.ifimonthecoverofthemagazine,everybodythatsmoving,imthrowingthemamagazine.immyownstreetteam.idoallthatmyselfbecausetheradiostationisnotgonnahelpyououtuntilyouveactuallygotsomekindofnamebehindyou,andthentheyrestillskepticaldependingonyourimageandwhatyouretalkingaboutandwhoyouknowandhowyouknowthem.reallyidontknowtoomanymuthafuckers,sofuckit.igottamakemyowncontactsandgetoutthereinthestreetsandpassoutmymusic.Weaintgotnoundergroundstationsanymoresofuckit.Youvejustgottaspendawholebunchofmoneythatyouaintgonnagetbacknotimesoon.lotsofit.

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Thats an interesting answer because it seems like in 2010 a lot of artists just sit at their computers blasting off MP3s on Twitter all day and think thats gonna work.Tay Baby: honestly,ihatethatshit.personally,everytimeiseesomethinglikethat,idontevenlistentoit.ideletethatshit.Youdontwannaforceyourshitontoapersonlike,bitch,yougonnalistentomyshit.thatsgon-namakethemnotevenwannahearitifyoureharassingthem.iftheylistentoyourmusicontheirownandyourshitisfire,theyregonnastickwithit.somepersonally,ifeellikethatshitistheworststrategyever,andiprobablywillneverdothatshit.idratherbeahands-on,real-lifetypeofperson.imoldschool.iliketogooutandmeetandgreetandtalkwiththepeopleandgetpersonalfeedback.ifeellikethatworksbetter,causemostoftheserappersdontdothat.theyactliketheyrescaredofregularpeople.theyrescaredtobeoutthereinthescenebythemselveswithouthavingabig-assentourageof100peoplecausetheymightgethurtorsomething.somebodymightgettheirfeelingshurt.

With that said, even though youre not rely-ing on internet promo, how can people get in touch with you?Tay Baby: shit,youcanhitmepersonallyonfacebook.com/taybaby407ormyspace.com/taybaby407ortwitter.com/taybaby407.hitmeontheemail,sendmesomepicturesandletmeseewhatthatbootyislookinglike(laughs)attaybaby407@gmail.com.fuckwithme.imeverywhere.

One Cash: imOneCashMusiconfacebook,Myspace,andtwitter.iveonlygotlike200friendscauseidontreallybeontherelikethat.imjustkindagettingintotheswangofthisinternetthang.

Tay Baby:ivegotanewmixtapeabouttodroptoo.iwasgonnahaveadJdoitbutithinkimgonnajusthostitmyself.ithinkimgoingtostartmyownlineofmixtapes.

Are you doing any shows during Florida Clas-sic weekend?Tay Baby: Weweregoingtohaveonebutduetomyrecentincarcerationwedidntgettodiscussthatbusiness.

One Cash: WeregonnabeouttherewithGucciandantoniofromhardlyferecords.

What were you incarcerated for? Did you get your situation handled?Tay Baby: itsalreadyhandled.itwasntthatlong.theyhadmeinthereforalittlebitbutnowthatimback,iaintworriedaboutit.alilviolationofprobationbutdababyisback.ivebeendoing100push-upseverynighttryingtogetbacksexyfortheladies.

Is there anything else you wanna tell people about the 407?One Cash: ifyouwannahearsomethingdif-ferent,checkmeout.themusicthingmeansalottome.idontjustgethighandfreestyleandmakesomebullshit.tome,iwantmymusictobesomethingyoucanputbackinandplayitoverandoveragain.itsgotsomereplayvaluetoit.ifyouwannahearsomemu-sicfromaniggawhosoutheremakinggoodmusicandnotjusttryingtohustleforthewrongreasons,checkmeout.itaintaboutthemoneyornoneofthatothershit.itsjustaboutrespectandthemusic.shoutouttothe305andmybrotherbrandonMarshall.shoutouttomypatnainprisonOneJit,bigJit.shoutouttomybrotherskullyandmysister.

Tay Baby: shoutouttomymama.ilovemymama.shoutouttoYoungJonesandJuliamuthafuckinbeverly.shoutouttoJ-beezy,youknow.andletmegiveashoutouttoalltheladiesintheworldthatstillbehittinmyphonetalkinabouttheymissbigdaddy.shoutoutstoJudedawg,MirraMan,felixthepaintmanatMachosandprincewithsevendeeppromotionsandmymamaagainandmyniecesandnephews.

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MasspikeMiles Words by Julia BeverlyPhoto by Derick G

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Words by Julia BeverlyPhoto by Derick G

OZONE | 23

After a childhood stint in a boy band, Boston-bred artist Masspike Miles reinvented himself as a business-savvy singer with a bit of Hip Hop swag. Now boasting some powerful allies, like Rick Ross and DJ Drama, Miles is prepared to take his art form to the next level.

Do you think coming out of Boston is a chal-lenge for an artist?Yeah,itsalwaysachallengecomingoutofboston.ivebeendoingmusicfordamnneartwentyyearsnow.iwassinginginagroupcalledperfectGentlemenbackin1993.thatwasduringthenewKidsontheblock/neweditionera;iwascaughtupinthat.ComingoutofbostonisdefinitelydifferentthancomingoutofatlantaornewYork.itshard;itsdifficult,iaintgonnalie.butnowthatimmovingaroundandadaptingtomyenvironment,nomatterwhatitis,theyunderstandthatthepersonisMilesasopposedtoMasspike.theygettoknowwhoMilesis.

Masspike is your alter ego?Kindof.Milesismygovernmentname,sopeoplewhoknowmecallmeMiles.ifyoudontknowme,youcancallmeMasspike.(laughs)

So the boy-band situation back in 93 didnt work out?iguessyoucouldsaywehadmediocresuccess.bytodaysstandardsselling150,000wouldbegreat,butbackthenitwasntgreattotheWarnerbros.staff.theyexpected[more]becausethenewKidsontheblockwereworthabilliondol-larsinmerchandisingalone.iwasonlyeleventhen.iaintevengonnafront,iwasdancing,sing-ing,whateverittookformetobeapartofthegroup.iwastheleadsingerofperfectGentlemensoihadtodowhatihadtodo.

Did that discourage you from continuing in the music business?forafewyearsiwasdiscouraged.iwasstilldevelopingasayoungmanandtryingtocomeupsmoothlyintheindustry.beingayoungdudeinthestreetsfromroxbury,Massachusetts,ihadtodealwithalotofdifferentthings.iwasachubbylightskinneddudesingingina[boyband]wheniwas11and12yearsold,anditdidntreallypanout.Mypeersandpeoplewhoithoughtwerefriends[ultimately]madefunofthefactthat[mygroup]didntdowell.thatkindadeterredmefromsingingforafewyears.Onedayiwasontvsingingandthenthenextdayimontheblock,13yearsold,tryingtosellweed.itwasdiscouraging.icouldstillsingthough.Whatmademegetbackintoitwasmyhomiesinthehoodwhowerereallyfriends.Wewerereallyclicking;theywererapping.Mymanused

tohaveamicrophonehangingfromthelightsandtheceiling.hewouldhaveamicrophonepluggedinwiththetapedeckandtheboom.Wewouldjustfreestyle,butthefactthaticoulddoitsowelljustinfluencedthem.iwasrap/sing-ingbackthen,kindalikewhatimdoingnow.icando[rap]battlesandpopmusic;icandoallthat.throughthem,igotintothebeat-makingandsongwritingaspectofthemusic.thatshowimadethetransitionbackintomusicwheniwasaboutfifteen.

After your transition back into the music game on the songwriting and production side, what have you been working on?igotintobeat-makingandiworkedwiththisartistnamedsmokebulgaoutofboston.Weendedupgettingadealwithsony/epic.ipro-ducedhisfirstsingleandwasheavilyinvolvedwithhisprojectontheexecutivesideofthings.itjustinfluencedmecreativelytowanttomoveforward.iknewiwastalentedenough.imnotthegreatestsingerordancer.imnotgonnasitaroundandserenadeyourgirl;ifyoumeetmeyoumayneverknowthaticansing.ijustwantedtodomusicregardlessifitwasworkingassaproduceroranartistorbeingintheback-ground.ijustwantedtobeapartofthemusicbecauseiloveditsomuch.

So in working with Smoke Bulga, you got more of a feel for the business side of the industry?Ofcourse.imheavilyinvolvedwith...

The rest of this interview is featured in the cur-rent issue of OZONE.

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DISCO JR IS An IMpORtAnt COMpO-nent OF ORLAnDOS nIGHtLIFe. He DJS In CLUBS 5 nIGHtS A WeeK, At SpeCIAL eventS, AnD HOStS MIx-tApeS FOR Up-AnD-COMInG RAppeRS. We GOt HIS InpUt On ALL tHe HOt pARtIeS FOR CLASSIC WeeKenD, AnD WHAt It tAKeS tO Get nOtICeD In HIS CItY.

For those who dont know, give us a run down on what all you do and what clubs youre at.Im in the urban clubs 5 nights of the week. I do just about any event the radio station does, but Im not actually employed on the station. Tuesday Im at Cleos. Wednesday Im at Legacy. Some-times on Wednesday Im also at the Coliseum for special events. Thursday you can catch me at Tavern. Fridays Im at Firestone. Saturdays you can catch me in Daytona at Club Aqua.

How did you come up in the music game?Disco Sr. is like a father figure to me. He was a very close friend of my mother. I came up under his wing and just came up from there.

How long have you been in the clubs?Since I was 15, I started doing Heros under Disco Sr.s wing. Id sneak into all the clubs back then.

What was it like being an underage teen run-ning around in the clubs?It made me mature. It got me way ahead of my time. Im 25 now, I just did my 10-year anniversary in October. It made me a little better and put me ahead in the game, and ahead of people my age. Ive seen club scenes go from good to bad and from worse to good. It was a learning process.

What mixtapes do you have out?I have a mixtape Ive done with 1090 Block Boyz, PI Bang, Heavi Boi Ent, and I also just dropped a mixtape with Florida Fresh.

How do you decide which artists to work with?I pick artists I feel like are serious, and if theyre putting money behind themselves and trying to make it themselves first. Before I step in to do a mixtape with em I like to see how they work. I dont like putting my time behind artists that arent really trying to put time behind themselves.

Which local rappers have a buzz right now?1090 Block Boyz, of course PI Bang, and Fella is getting big in Florida. Theres also a hip hop dude, thats very underground, making a lot of noise he goes by the name Two.

What are some outlets for artists trying to get known and promote their music in Orlando?The radio is kinda messed up as far as playing independent artists, their hands are tied. So the biggest thing I can tell everybody is just hit the streets hard and youll force the DJs to get behind you and your music.

What events do you have for Classic?Wednesday Im doing a kick-off party which is also a charity event to feed the homeless. Thats at Tavern on the Lakes. Friday I got Rick Ross at Club LAX, formerly Club Destiny. Saturday well be downtown at Firestone with The Rich Kids and Brisco. Sunday we got Gucci Mane at LAX. We also got the big Car Show on Sunday at the Fairgrounds. We got the only after-hours spot in Orlando on Friday, Saturday, Sunday at Sante Fe on Colonial and Kirkman. We party until 6 in the morning. //

DISCO JRWords by Ms RivercityPhoto by Cas of Colourful Money

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DISCO JR

6 | OZOne

Orlandos beat-master Phil 4 Real has pro-duced for many recognizable names like Rick Ross, Triple Cs, Lil Boosie, and more, but he didnt land these placements over night. We talked to Phil about his humble beginnings, and how he went from working for free to becoming a professional.

Who all have you worked with so far?Ive worked with Triple Cs, Rick Ross, Pastor Troy, Cash Chris, Marquis Daniels, Haitian Fresh, Lil Boosie, Wyclef, Kevin Kendricks, TREAL, a lot of locals in Orlando. I produced Gon Jock. I produced Duffle Bag for Triple Cs. Rick Ross just did a video to White Sand that I pro-duced. I got one with Cash Chris called Cold As Ice. Pastor Troy did the remix to it on his tape with DJ Scream.

How did you get to the point where people started coming to you for records?I learned that a lot of people arent gonna pay for beats from people they dont know. So back in 06, I basically started doing records for free. People seen the reaction my records get. And I network. People know me, they know Im a nice guy, Im cool, Im a well-rounded person. A lot of people tried to screw me over cause Im nice, but I dont have to worry about that now.

So how did you get into music in the first place?I started making music out of my house when I was 15. At the time, I didnt know anything about studio quality or the professionalism of the music industry. Scarfaces manager was the first person that told me my music was garbage. He was like, Your music sucks, the quality sucks. He just straight up told me. I didnt take it as a diss, he knew what he was talkin about. I was sure he was hearing more than I was. I decided to do my homework. A guy named Pimp J was running Mo Music

Entertainment and a studio. He thought I had talent and so he took me out of the hood and put me in school. Next thing you know, Im doing business with millionaires.

You went to school for production?Nah, I always had production skills. Pimp J al-ways told me a good producer is a good audio engineer too. So I became a certified audio engineer. He also taught me you need to have an ear for music and quality. When you make music in the house you might think it sounds good, but when you take it to a real DJ, it dont sound good, itll sound distorted. I had to learn mixing and mastering.

Thats a good story about starting from the bottom and working your way up.A lot of people are afraid to say they started from the bottom. I dont know why cause thats the whole point of hip hop.

It seems like youre doing a lot of upbeat sounding records. Is that your usual style?Well, the type of beats I make that are chosen by these rappers are what they like. My style is more of a slower tempo as far as produc-tion, but as far as the records youve heard, I make what the rapper asks for because I want to be heard. A lot of rappers like the speed to be more up-tempo, they like it really fast, especially in Florida.

Do you have anything else to let the readers know about?Im working on Cash Chris mixtape. Im looking forward to doing more with Triple Cs on their album Color, Cut, Clarity. A lot of local artists dont like to leave their city and network. But thats what it takes to make something hap-pen. If not, youre gonna be stuck forever. I had to learn to network with the right people doing things.

Phil4 Real

Words by Ms Rivercity

OZOne | 7

You know how dudes say Im really not a rapper, ima street cat that happens to rap? asks Atlanta lyricist J-Mac, sitting on a leather couch in his studio blowing a smoke cloud in the air. Me, I really AM a rapperan artist in every sense of the word. Music is my lifeand my future!! With his unique southern-fried edgy street vibe, laced with infectious melodies and hard-hitting punch lines, the GA. native has made that life a good one. In 2006 Mac hooked up with a fellow artist and friend, Lil One, to pursue music full time as solo artist with pooled resources. After tire-lessly working Atlantas open mic scene since 2007, the hard work paid off in 09 when J-Mac got the opportunity to open up for Atlanta legends DJ Taz and Raheem the Dream. Since then, he has been doing shows con-stantly, establishing a solid fan base along the way. Hooking up the with the time tested production duo of Shawn Blount and DJ Kermit, a.k.a. BK Productions, the team began to make quite a bit of noise locally. Macs two BK Produced singles, the lady- friendly single Lemme See and the raun-chy straight-to-the-point ode Right Now are quickly gaining momentum. With me, you get the gangster of Tony Montana with the smoothness of Sinatra, he says. Thats why my appeal is so diverse. That diverse appeal is apparent in the music, as well as the crowds that he draws in his frequent shows. I can rock with the streets, the kids, the divas, the frat boys, and the pop party girls says Mac. Every crowd has different energy and its a different show each night. Now, with excitement about his long-awaited mixtape project with Atlantas Hot 107.9 DJ The Poster Child J1, 4th quarter 2010 is looking ripe for the taking. The mixtape, en-titled Live From Ya Baby Mamas iPod features a rock-rap remix of the hit single No Hands by Waka Flocka. That shit is insane, Mac says of the remix. So really, yall mediocre rap niggas got like 3 months to get it together. Then Im taking over. If that seems incredibly arrogant to you, then you are not alone. People tell me Im cocky as hell all the time. I say, if Im just flexing, outrap me then dude. Otherwise fall back and watch me do me. Dont say you havent been warned.

J-MAC

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Phil4 Real

Words by Ms Rivercity

YelawolfWords by Randy Roper

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not to boast and brag or anything, but OZOne was probably the first major Hip Hop publication to interview YeLAWOLF back when he joined our patiently Waiting ranks in October of 2007. Admittedly, over the years, plenty of artists with patiently Waiting cosigns are still, in fact, patiently waiting. But in the case of this Gadsden, Alabama MC, when his Trunk Muzik mixtape spread through the internet like oil in the gulf, it led him to a deal with Interscope (and a collective I told you so came from the OZOne headquarters).

Since it has been well over two years since he graced this magazines pages, now is as good a time as any to catch up with Jimmy Iovines newest signee. Here, Yelawolf speaks on the direction of his music, his new situation with Interscope and ongoing comparisons to eminem.

Youve been on the rap scene for a few years, but it seems like people are just start-ing to catch onto your music. Why do you think people are starting to listen now?After we put out Trunk Muzik, people were waiting to hear me rap over 808s and raw shit. We put out Slick Rick E. Bobby, and we put out Stereo, which was a Hip Hop tribute to classic rock. OZONE nominated that for an award [and] we got 5 [blunts] for that mixtape [review]. It made a lot of noise on the underground. I went from there and did this experimental project called Arena Rap. We put a band together, and we were doing shows around Atlanta. Then, just me and my team sat down and we were like, lets just do some raw rap shit for this next project and lets see how it goes. After we put that out online, obviously the feature [I Run] with Slim Thugthats when people started turning their heads, like, This kid might have something. After Slim ran that single for a while, Kane Beatz hit me up to do the Mixin Up The Medicine hook for Juelz Santana, and that was my first official video look. Then we dropped Pop The Trunk, and that started getting a lot of attention. Then we put out Good To Go, featuring Bun B, and then Raekwons feature for I Wish, and by then we had a lot of attention on blogs. By the time we dropped Trunk Muzik, it was like people were just waiting for me to rap.

Was raw rap and 808s the direction that you wanted to go with your music? Or did you want to go in another direction?After Stereo, I really wanted to evolve into a band, so I did the Arena Rap shit. It started doing really well around Atlanta, and we threw

a show out there with a band. I had a fiddle player, a banjo player, guitar, drums, turn-tables; it was just a crazy fucking show. L.A. Reid came, DJ Khaled was there; there were a bunch of people there to see the show. There were 2,000 people in there, and they still were like, I dont know and passed. L.A. Reid said, No, Im good. Khaled was like, I dont get it. So, we kept doing shows, and nobody was showing signs of giving us any help. You cant keep continuously doing this as an indepen-dent label. You run out of money. It gets to the point where you cant even do shows any-more because it costs a lot of money to have a band and all that shit. So my team was like, Do a rap project. If you dont have a deal in six months, you can do whatever you wanna do. And Ill be damned; they had deal for me in six months, after I put out Trunk Muzik. Ob-viously, Ive always loved and will always love Hip Hop, but there was a point when it started getting taintedI just thought nobodys ever gonna understand what Im doing, so I might as well be underground forever. When we put out Trunk Muzik I got excited again and real-ized a new potential that I had.

So you signed with Interscope. Why did you choose to sign with them?We had just got off tour with Wiz Khalifa and we went straight to South By South West. And we did like nine shows in five days, and we killed SXSW. Everybody had...

The rest of this interview is featured in the cur-rent issue of OZONE.

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YoungCash

Words by Ms. Rivercity

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tWO DAYS BeFORe tURnInG HIMSeLF In tO pRISOn FOR An 18-MOntH StInt, JACKSOn-vILLeS FLAGSHIp RAppeR/SAnGeR YOUnG CASH tALKeD WItH OZOne ABOUt tHe CASe, SnItCHeS, AnD FACInG tHe MUSIC. HeRe He CLeARS Up SeveRAL RUMORS, AnD OFFeRS SOMe InSIGHt On WHAt tHe FUtURe HOLDS FOR tHOSe WItH One FOOt In tHe StUDIO AnD One In tHe StReetS.

By now, most people know you have to go away for a little while. Can you explain the situation?My brother was notorious in the streets so the Feds always been watching us, and the music shit put the spotlight on us. When my brother got shot they wasnt really fuckin wit him cause they thought he wasnt doin nothin no more. Thats when I took over. The indictment papers say in 2003 me and 2 of my patnas went to Brownsville, Texas, which is the border of Mexico. And from then on it says I was distributing kilos of cocaine and marijuana from Texas to Florida from 2003-2006. They didnt arrest me until 2008.

What happened from after they got you? They take all your shit, all your money, anything they think came from drug money, and basically leave you naked out here, unless you got some money hidden somewhere. I had a few dollars put away from the music shit. So basically, they had 5 C.I.s on my paperwork C.I. is a confidential informant it was 2 Mexicans I knew, another Mexican I met later, another Mexican from down here, and they say Dirt Diggla, which is one of my patnas. At first I was like, they ever never caught me wit shit, its just they word against mine. I never thought they would tell on me. I was under them, they was my connect, so I thought the Feds were trying to go up. So I was like, Ill take it to trial. The Feds was like, Go ahead and take it to trial, we got your homeboy from Texas, and we got 2 Mexicans with the same story. I said fuck it, I aint even gonna play myself cause the Feds got a 98% conviction rate.

Basically you had to plead guilty because they had witnesses.I pled guilty and laid myself at the mercy of the courts. The judge showed leniency because it was so long ago. And then, the Feds only had evi-dence from 2003-2006, so for 2 years before they arrested me I was an upstanding citizen. Another factor of why he was lenient on my sentence is I have a 7-year-old autistic son. I had a sweet ass lawyer, the judge was real lenient and seen I was a changed nigga, I aint never got caught wit shit it was just a bunch of muthafuckas tellin on me to get their time reduced. I only got a year and a half. Coming from a street perspective, thats real good, but coming from a music perspective, miss-ing a year and a half is real bad.

Do you think rappers are targeted by the police?

Naw man, they aint even worried bout no rap-pers. Rappers fuck theyself up. Some of these rap niggas wanna get in the game and then try to do all this wild shit for publicity or for their image. In reality, the real niggas dont want no part of that shit. I dont want no part in going to prison, be-ing away from my family, my little boy, my music. This shit is ridiculous. I was reading an article on 50 Cent and he was saying rap is missing authen-ticity. Nobody real is coming out. It aint been a nigga like 50 Cent, a nigga that done been to jail, been shot up, his story was so real thats why people took to him.

So theres no authenticity in rap these days?I love Rick Ross, Ross is my nigga, but tell me what nigga can lie about being a Correctional Officer, come back and still be on top? Aint noth-ing against Rick Ross, we all in the same camp, he had his reasons for lying, but I never thought Id see something like that in our generation where everybody claiming real shit.

How can people get in touch with you while youre gone? Is there an address to write?Its gonna be posted on my Facebook and Twitter.com/YoungCash. I got a team thats gonna keep my shit running. Im leaving my computer with my people so Im still selling hooks and beats.

Is there anything else you want to let people know about?Im going in a dog, Im coming out a beast. God speaks to me all the time, he told me and my brother that eventually I was gonna have to face the music on all this drug shit. Its a whole gang of rappers in the city runnin they mouth saying, He aint a real street nigga, he aint this, he aint that. Then the shit hit the fan and it really shut niggas the fuck up.

How do you deal with hate in your own city?I never fed into that type of shit. I never retaliated or did a diss record on niggas I know was talkin shit. A lot of people talk down on me and my nigga Lil Henn, and our whole movement, but niggas really should be applauding a nigga like me. Im the first nigga in Jacksonville with the state of mind like these Texas niggas that support they own shit. If it wasnt for me, DJs still wouldnt be playin yall shit. Nobody was showing love. I showed niggas how to market theyself and get on in they own city. After Young Cash had 2 or 3 songs played in the Jacksonville club, which was unheard of, then you had T-Rones shit bammin in the club, Bread Boyz, Saw Money, Hustle House, they all have shit playin in the club. One nigga started that. Youre welcome.

For the entire interview visit OZONEMag.com

YoungCash

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CriminalRidaz Words by JeeVan Brown

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SOLO G, tRIGGA, pROJeCt pIMp, AK, AnD HUStLA ARe ALL ABOUt LOYALtY. COLLeCtIveLY KnOWn AS CRIMInAL RIDAZ enteRtAInMent, tHe LABeL IS AtteMptInG tO FOLLOW tHe SAMe FOOtStepS AS eMpIReS LIKe nO LIMIt AnD CASH MOneY, WHO ALL StARteD OUt AS A FAMILY AnD Went On tO MAKe MILLIOnS.

How did all you end up coming together and forming Criminal Ridaz?Solo G: We all are family and old school friends. Me and Project Pimp been best friends for a long time, and AK is his sister, so she came into play. Also me and Trigga is good friends, so his little brother Hustla came in. Its like one big bloodline with us.

I know youve done a few showcases with Mercedes Streetz. How have the showcases been turning out?Solo G: We showed up to the showcase and rocked that shit. We had plenty of people in there repping us and we got the trophy. Ever since then, me her have been talking often and she shows me a lot of love.

What is Criminal Ridaz current label situa-tion?Solo G: We are our own record label, Criminal Ridaz Entertainment. We got 5 artists on the label. My album Solo G is coming out, then you got Project Pimps solo album coming out. Were all just an independent label trying to put it together. We have our own studio, we record our own stuff, promote our own stuff, and do our own videos.

Are all of yall from Orlando?Solo G: Yeah all of us are from Orlando.

With 5 artists on the label, when all of you are in the studio, what is the process like and where does the inspiration come from? Solo G: Were not a rap group. Were all indi-vidual artists, but we are all family so we come together when we get inspired. I might be working on a hook, then AK will come out of nowhere and say she want to be on that song, and thats how we get down.Trigga: Sometimes we might go listen to old stuff we did in the past just to remind us of where we started off and didnt have shit. We

get inspired by the hard work we took to get the studio that we have. We also keep a bottle of vodka and some brown in here.AK: We go ham on everything we touch, we aint fucking off!

Have yall experienced any jealousy or hatred coming up? Solo G: At first it was a lot of love, then we started taking it off and it was some hate going on. We experienced it, but not really, we did lose a couple of homies that was down with the camp, they kind of fell off, but fuck them.

Have any of the artists put out any mix-tapes?Solo G: Yeah, me and Project Pimp put out a mixtape called Criminal Ridaz. It was earlier this year in January, before I had to do a little bit of time. I had to do like 3 months, so when the judge gave me that deadline we went in Tupac mode. When we had the mixtape ready I had 3 days left before I went in. My team kept it alive by pushing it in the streets and stuff. Were also going to be putting out a lot of different volumes of Criminal Ridaz.

When is the next mixtape coming out? Solo G: The next mixtape is going to be the Project Pimp mixtape which is going to be called Hogmawlz, Collard Greens, and Corn-bread. Were trying to have it ready by Janu-ary. We have a lot of heavy promotion for it.

What did you get locked up for?Solo G: It was ugly at first because it started as a trafficking case, but when the lab results came back it was less than 28 grams, so they just dropped it to a possession. I paid 10 stacks for a lawyer and he got it all the way down to me paying a heavy fine and doing 3 months. I paid that fine just to get those 3 months. My lawyer held me down.

Are any of the artists performing for classic weekend? Solo G: Were free all weekend during the Clas-sic, but we got shows all month. We are going to be at Icon on the 17th then we going hit it again on the 27th. //

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G MashWords by JeeVan Brown

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FOR ALMOSt A DeCADe G MASH HAS Been GRInDInG AnD MAKInG A nAMe FOR tHeMSeLveS tHROUGHOUt MIAMI. AFteR pRODUCInG FOR SOMe OF tHe BIGGeSt MIAMI RAppeRS SUCH AS tRICK DADDY AnD tRInA, tHe RAp/pRO-DUCtIOn DUO IS nOW GOInG HARDeR tHAn eveR BeFORe.

So what do you guys have going on right now?Supa: Right now we got the mixape coming out called Ground Work with DJ Froggy with Coast-to-Coast DJs thats going be on the internet. Were doing a street mixtape and were going to definitely hit the streets hard with that.

When will it be released?Chevy Boi: It should be out at the end of next month.

How long have you two been rapping?Chevy Boi: Supa and me have been doing this forever, since we was shawtys. Since 11 or 12 years old we have been running around the projects trying to rap.

How did you two meet?Chevy Boi: We stayed in the same area called Brown Sub and they use to call it Pink and Green, now its called The Carter. We use to be running around the projects.

Are both of you originally from Miami? Supa: Yes, straight from Miami.

What other artists have yall worked with? Supa: Under Surveillance, Trick Daddy, and weve worked with Trina. Were also producers, we were with Slip-N-Slide Records/One Stop Records back in our younger days. We were already in the game when we were young. We produced songs with Trick, two on his album, we were on the Drumline soundtrack. We did the song Trina and Missy had together, we worked with a lot of Miami artists. We worked with 21 GSC. Were working with Young Breed from Triple Cs. The list can go on, especially with the buzz we got going on right here in our hometown. Everybody is fucking with us right now.

When yall were producers coming up, were yall under the same name G Mash? Chevy Boi: We were under Young Hustlers Pro-duction and Supa Production.

Do you like rapping or producing more? Chevy Boi: I love producing, but I like rapping more. Supa produces more than me.

Being in the game so long, what struggles have yall overcome in the music business?Supa: Thats a good ass question, we blamed our position in the game on other motherfuckas without really knowing the things that we can do ourselves, as far as promoting ourselves. Now you have all types of internet sites, and were from the streets so wherever we go we make sure we have our CDs with us. If were in Carroll City, we drop it off somewhere on a corner store. Thats what we learned from the game and now its paying off.

What are your signature styles?Supa: I cant really pin point a style because we dont stick to a certain style of music. We make all kinds of music, but we definitely have the southern swag, everything about us is all southern. We could be rapping fast or slow, with metaphors, we can rap some deep shit like Pac.

What do you think G Mash can bring to the table that other rappers arent bringing?Supa: First and foremost, G Mash means get money and stop hating and thats the move-ment. Its not a movement thats just meant for rap, its a movement that we bought to rap. Ev-erybody fucks with us in our city, our music ac-tually brought us respect and let people know that we aint hating on nobody. Were going to do what the fuck we want to do regardless. We live by that code: get money and stop hating.

Are you guys signed to anybody? Whats your label situation? Supa: Were independent right now, G Mash En-tertainment. We just trying to take it to the next level. We hitting the streets, doing mini tours, doing club tours, thats what were doing, trying to make this movement stronger. //

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J RichWords by Julia Beverly& Randy Roper

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At tIMeS, An ARtIStS HOMetOWn ISnt tHe IDeAL BReeDInG GROUnD tO CULtIvAte tHeIR vISIOn. In tHIS SItUAtIOn, An ARtISt IS FORCeD tO ReLOCAte tO GReeneR pAStUReS In SeARCH OF A HIp HOp SAFe HAven. tAKe SAn FRAnCISCO-BReD RAppeR J. RICH, FOR exAMpLe. LIKe LeBROn JAMeS, He DeCIDeD tO tAKe HIS tALentS tO SOUtH BeACH. AnD WItH A CItY KnOWn FOR YeAR-ROUnD BeAUtIFUL WeAtHeR (AnD BeAUtI-FUL WOMen), HOW COULD AnYOne BLAMe HIM? In tHIS InteRvIeW, J RICH SpeAKS WItH OZOne ABOUt HIS MOve tO tHe 305, HIS UpCOMInG In-dependenTly Major 2 pROJeCt, AnD BUILDInG WItH YOUnG MOneY.

Do you want to start by introducing yourself?J. Rich, out of that Bay Area, San Francisco. One of the pioneers out there for a lot of shit. Been around the game for about six years now, put out about five projects, straight out of my pocket, all the way independent, never went deal shopping as of today.

So youre in Miami now?Yeah, Im living in Miami, contemplating moving back out to New York early next year. Basically I took my whole game all over the world. Im in Texas as we speak, on tour with my boy Slim. Ive been on the road the past year and a half.

How has all that traveling affected your musical style?Definitely get to see a whole different side of the music industry. Get to see how everybody views music differently. Different slangs, you know. Different beats, different producers, so me traveling is why I think this project is what theyre looking forward to hearing, cause I got a different diverse sound. Im not sounding West Coast, I dont sound Down South. You cant put my sound in no region.

Whats the name of the project youre work-ing on now?Its Independently Major 2, this is the follow up to my last project, which actually did pretty good on the downloads off my website. I did like 30,000 downloads, and this is the follow-up.

How does the music scene in Miami compare to where youre from?Down South, people know how to get

together, have a good time, and sell out the club. When Im in the Bay Area and its a big venue, its always a fight, its always a problem, so big artists dont really come to the Bay Area. Little artists dont really fill up the venue cause its too much drama. Down South it could be 2,000-3,000 people in the club without no problem. Plus the club goes until 4, 5 in the morning. An artist can get paid to perform cause the club is actually making money. When the club is not making money, they cant pay an artist to perform. Local art-ists in the Down South region make money off performing songs that arent even nationwide but they generate enough money off of a regional song that they can eventually get nationwide. In the Bay Area, you can have a hot song and be on the radio buzzing, but you cant even generate money off your single.

You mentioned youre on tour, what else do you have coming up?Im dropping Independently Major 2 in late December, hosted by DJ Drama. Im doing at least seven videos. A Young Money tour is definitely coming. Not sure what slot Ill have yet, but Ill definitely be on the tour. And were opening a studio on South Beach.

Whats your affiliation with Young Money?Ive been rocking with them for like two years now. Since I moved back down to Miami, weve just been rocking, as more friends than on a business level. Now that they see that my business is where it needs to be, theyre like, if you put this project out the right way, we gon talk about taking it to the next level. So as far as affiliation were more on a friendship level. As far as actually doing business together, we havent crossed that line yet.

Is there anything else youd like to say before we finish?What Im bringing to the game, off top, Im bringing reality rap. What Im tired of hear-ing and tired of seeing is a bunch of niggas screaming a bunch of shit, and I dont see none of that. Ima start calling peoples bluff, so Im bringing reality rap. If you see me screaming it or talking about it, Im living it or Im actually doing it, and thats my life. //

J RichWords by Julia Beverly& Randy Roper

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LIKe MAnY DJS, DJ SLYM WeARS MAnY HAtS. In ADDItIOn tO CLUB AnD tOUR DJInG, SLYM ALSO HOSt MIxtApeS, pROMOteS pARtIeS AnD DOeS SOMe ARtISt COnSULtInG.

Where all do you DJ?As of now Im DJing at Fat Tuesday at Antigua & Thursday nights at Limelight. Im working on add-ing some more nights soon. Im also DJing a lot of shows in the city. Were bringing Travis Porter on the 19th to Firestone, and putting together more shows and events so be on the lookout. What other ventures are you involved in?Marketing my Street Buzz brand and the DJ Slym name. I have a few big mixtape projects Im about to release. One is the 4th installment of the Florida Classic Weekend Street Buzz 2k10. The mixtape release party is Thursday Nov 18th at Limelite. Im also working on releasing a few records off my upcoming DJ album. What are your some memorable moments?My most memorable was working on the Reces-sion Tour featuring Young Jeezy, Lil Boosie, Tay Dizm, Ace Hood. It was my first tour. Being in front of thousands of people in these big arenas is almost better than sex. It was my first time ever on a plane or seeing snow. Everyone was cool as hell and down to earth. Boosie stayed smoking good. Free Boosie. Where are you from originally?I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, raised and earned my stripes in Palm Beach County, Delray to be exact. Im currently in Orlando. Youre known for your promotions game. Give us some insight into what makes a promotional campaign successful.A successful promotions campaign takes time and planning. Know what your target market is, know how to reach them, what they like, have a clear message about what youre trying to tell them. And have a budget.

What are some qualities in an artist that make you want to work with them?This is a business first, you have to handle that before you can talk about anything else. I also like seeing artists who go hard themselves, not just their staff and homeboys. People like that are more focused on win-ning than being Hollywood. I want to feel like if I get behind the proj-

ect youre not just relying on me to make you a super star while you sit home eating potato chips. Get your ass out and grind too. Who are some artists you predict will blow up in 2011?Travis Porter has been going hard for a while now. What theyre doing by themselves inde-pendently is undeniable. Its also going to be the year of KC, Kevin Cossom. This dude is a hit maker. He just released a single Baby I Like It featuring Diddy and Fabulous which is going to smash clubs. DJs need to support it now and not jump on when hes unreachable. Also Tity Boi, Scrappy, and Iceberg because they have big hits which will be all over soon. Wrekords Ent. out of my home town Delray are making a lot of noise too. How can people get in touch with you for your services?My services include mixtape hosting, club DJing, tour DJ, artist consulting and way more. You can reach me via email at Mystreetbuzz@gmail.com or phone 561-542-8444. Hit me on twitter @DJSLYM. On Facebook search DjSlym Mr Street Buzz.

Words by Ms RivercityPhoto by D Suave

DJ SLYM

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DJ SLYM ORLAnDOS KInG OF tHe OLD SCHOOL DJ CAeSAR HAS A LOnG HIS-tORY BReAKInG ReCORDS. StARtInG OFF AS A BReAK DAnCeR In tHe LAte 80S, He LAteR JOIneD DJ KHALeD AnD DJ nAStY tO FORM HItMen pRODUC-tIOnS. nOW He SpInS On 102 JAMZ AnD ALL tHe ORLAnDO nIGHtLIFe HOtSpOtS.

Where can people catch you spinning? Give us your line up.Every Monday thru Friday I do the Back in the Day Buffet on 102 Jamz from 12pm-1pm. I do the Friday Night Jump Off from 10pm-12am. For the club scene, on Tuesday nights Im at Cleos Gentlemens Club for VIP Tuesdays. Thursday Im with DJ Q45 at Club Rain, which used to be Club Whispers. After I do the radio on Friday, I go to Ja-maican Me Crazy at Club Luxe. Saturday I DJ and Im the promoter at Tavern on the Lake, called The Life, brought to you by The Firm.

How long have you been DJing and how did you get your foot in the door?I started in 1989, so Im looking at 21 years. Ive always kinda been involved in the music scene, but I started off as a break dancer. We had crew and it just fell into place. I picked up DJing from there. I started off with DJ Khaled and we joined DJ Nasty for the crew Hitmen Productions.

Who are some artists in Orlando really grind-ing?Ill go back to the TREAL days when they started bubbling out here. More recently, Ive been hearing a lot about PI Bang. I havent re-ally done a project with him but he can holla at me anytime. I show love and respect when its due. Some other cats doing their thing are Wes Fif, KC, Atiba, Haitian Fresh, ProteJ, Dynasty, Truth, 1090 Blockboyz, and DirtyGee.

With years of experience, how have you seen the music in Orlando change over the years?The style of music has changed a lot. When I came up as a DJ with Khaled and Nasty, hip hop as we knew it was Tribe Called Quest, Gang Starr, thats what was on the radio back then. The southern movement would have been 95 South, 69 Boys, or Luke, but thats what it was limited to. Of course now you have a lot of artists coming out of the ATL. Rick Ross is doing his thing in Miami, back then his vibe was different. Now the east coast movement isnt there like it used to be. Its coming back though, and its more unified now, with east coast artists working with southern artists, which is cool. Its definitely changed.

Do you have anything else going on Florida Classic Weekend?On Saturday Im doing a real big old-school show with Coors Light at The Orlando Marriott with Slick Rick, Monie Love, Dres from Black Sheep, Arrested Development. On the new-school tip were throwing a real big party at Tavern on the Lake for Bethune Cookman as well as FAMU.

What other projects or side ventures do you have going on?Im working on a mixtape series called Get Used to It. Im up to Volume 5. Being at the radio, I get music in advance and a lot of stuff doesnt always get played. And theres a lot of local artists trying to get exposure, so as a DJ I try to provide an avenue to get the music heard. I cant always play it in the club or on radio so I have the mixtapes.

Do you have a website or contact info?Twitter.com/DJCaesar and you can send music to djcaesar1919@gmail.com.

Words by Ms RivercityDJ CAESAR

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SawMoney

Words by Ms. RivercityPhoto by Roosevelt

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SAW MOneYS MUSIC tOOK OFF eARLIeR tHIS YeAR WItH tHe ReLeASe OF tIGHt JeAnS, A SOnG nOW In ReGULAR CLUB ROtAtIOn In JACKSOn-vILLe. SInCe tHe SUCCeSS OF HIS FIRSt SInGLe, SAWS MUSIC HAS tAKen OveR SURROUnDInG CItIeS WItH OtHeR SOnGS LIKe tHeY WAnt MOneY, WeAtHeRMAn, AnD SeveRAL OtH-eRS, WHICH CAn ALL Be HeARD On HIS neW MIxtApe HOSteD BY BIGGA RAnKIn.

Tell us about the new mixtape you have out called You Already Know.Yeah, its my Real Nigga Radio hosted by Bigga Rankin. I just been goin hard with my songs. I started off with my first single Tight Jeans, which the streets have been feeling. I got They Want Money. I got a bonus track thats featuring Lil Phat from Trill Entertain-ment. I also got that new single that they feeling called Grab Me. Its one of my favorite mixtapes I ever did. I only really dropped two tapes in the streets, but this is my best one.

What was the name of your first mixtape?The first mixtape I dropped was called Dia-mond in the Rough. It was hosted by DJ Byrd of Point Blank Entertainment.

How long have you been rapping?I been really rapping for like a year and a half. I started promoting myself back in January of 2010. Thats when I officially dropped my first single. So I been goin hard for the last 10 months.

Its nearly unheard of for a new rapper to just come out and already have a hit or two on the radio and in clubs, especially in Jackson-ville. How were you able to accomplish that?You cant deny real. I been doing music for a while, I just been behind the scenes. I did some stuff with Pit, but I decided this year that no-body could run my label like me so I stepped out of the background.

How did you come up with your rap name?When I was growing, going from project to project, fighting in the hood, everybody used to call me Hacksaw. I was nicknamed off a couple wrestlers from t.v. Hacksaw Jim Dug-gan and Hacksaw Butch Reed. I got kicked out of school when I was real young because they said I was using wrestling moves on kids. Later I just put Saw with Money and ran with it.

I heard youre on a promo tour. Whats going on with your upcoming shows?Right now Im going anywhere they pay me. Im trying to get show money in these little outside country towns. But Im also going on promotional tour with Bigga Rankin. I open up for all the events he has. Right now hes doing a tour with Trill Entertainment. I was on the Waka Flocka tour and Yo Gottis tour. My next show is in Trenton, FL and I just left Pensacola.

So Tight Jeans is pretty much like a club banger/hood anthem. What about this other song you have buzzing, They Want Money?Thats something I did for the females. The beat was produced by Frost. I had the beat in my computer for a while, and one day I listened to it and just heard a whole bunch of females on it saying They Want Money. Its about money, but its also like they want me too. I used it as my intro song on the mixtape since my name is Saw Money. They love it.

What other songs do people hit you up about?They like that D.O.P.E.M.A.N. and Smoke Wit Me, Grab Me, I Got Fire. They feeling that Lil Phat song Weatherman And they love Dia-mond in the Rough, thats a popular song. I got my homeboy Trump Tight on the chorus. Its real positive, its personal, its for the hood, its for people goin through things to let em know dont give up. Everybodys a diamond in the rough in they own way.

So youve definitely been getting a lot of love?A lot of DJs in the city are showin me love right now. Everybody be talkin bad about the city, and people hatin, but if you a good per-son and you put your all into it, you gon have more people that love you than hate.

Whats it like when you go out now, are people recognizing you more?I always had a name before I started rappin. This rappin dont make me. Im a real street nigga. People been knowing me, I been doin positive things. But I dig my fans though. //

SawMoney

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YoungNard

Words by Ms. RivercityPhoto by KJ ofRespek Phresh Photos

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WHILe GOInG tHROUGH HIS SHARe OF tRIBULAtIOnS, BROWARD COUntYS YOUnG nARD DeCIDeD tO FOCUS HIS eneRGY IntO MUSIC tO HeAL HIS LOSSeS. WItH tHe ReLeASe OF HIS neW tApe CLUB LIFe, nARD tALKS ABOUt HIS InSpIRAtIOnS, InFLUenCeS, AnD FUtURe pLAnS.

Introduce yourself and tell us where youre from.Im Young Nard, straight out of Broward County, Florida. Im reppin Big Boyz Music Group and I run with P.M.P. Young Stunnas.

How did you start rapping?I started rapping after a major incident when my best friend got shot. It was just a way for me to get away from pain that was going on personally in my life. That was around 2004.

Were you even interested in music before that happened?I was already in the music scene with my friends. We started P.M.P. We been running since 1999. We used to throw parties and do a few shows, but I got real serious around the time my best friend died. I just had to go hard.

You have a tape out called Club Life. Tell us a little about the project.Club Life is my first solo project. Its hosted by Beni Boom, whos part of the Cool Runnings DJs. The tape is basically me taking people to the club in less than an hour. I start with a mel-low beginning, and it speeds up, it has some songs for the thugs, songs for the ladies, then it goes back to slowing down. Its different. Its just like youre in the club, from the beginning to the end. It basically tells the story of how Ive been for the last 2 years.

Club Life is the name of the mixtape, and it also describes the lifestyle of where youre from in South Florida. Does the party and club scene down there have a major influ-ence on your music?Yeah, it has a big influence. My tape basically tells how the club life is in South Florida, like around in Miami, Broward, and West Palm Beach area. It also explains a lot about me and how I am in the club. I got a song on there

called DJ Booth which is like Im in the DJ booth the whole night. One of my singles, Rollin Smokin, talks about how I get to the club and be drankin and smokin. I have a record called First Friday, which is one of the biggest things down in South Florida. First Fri-day is like the most packed night at the club.

How have you been able to get your music heard by the people?I talk to a lot of DJs in Florida. Every city I talk to at least 5 DJs. I talk to a lot of people online, through Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, even through BBM. I interact with everybody any way I can. I tell em to check out my mixtape and they love it. I build a relationship from there. I respect all the DJs I talk to. I go in the studio and do their drops and always keep in touch with em.

What are you trying to get out of the rap game? Is it the money, cars, and all that? Or is there something else youre trying to achieve? Or both?Its not even about the money or cars. To me its about being successful and building some-thing more than what it is. I came from damn near nothin and Im tryin to build an empire. I wanna be at Diddy status. I want people to know who we are and what were doin. Its also about helping people and putting people in better situations, like my family and friends.

Whats next for you? Any big shows or new projects?Im planning a tour right now with the Young Stunnas. Starting in January, were trying to hit all the major cities in Florida. Then well ex-pand more to Atlanta, Alabama, New Orleans, Texas, places like that.

Is there anything you want to add?Just let people know Im out here grinding. Ima always be a humble person. Ima always talk to whoever talks to me. Ima always make good music for the people, and the game dont stop. //

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