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FEATURES MARCH/APRIL 2010

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BLACKPAGE 8-B

MIA X PAGE 9-B

ICESPAGE 13-B

MARKETING & PROMOTION

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++

SHAWTY LOI’M DA MAN

PAGE 12

PUBLISHER / EDITORAnthony Colom

[email protected]

MUSIC EDITORTodd Young

[email protected]

ART DIRECTOR

Selena Lopez

[email protected]

ADVERTISING DIRECTORYvonne Wilson

[email protected]

COVER GRAPHICSJoe Dent

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Baker, James Johnson, Njai Joszar,

Singersroom.Com, Lauren M. Walker

Advertise Your Business, Product, or Service in

our upcoming ALL-MISSISSIPPI Issue

Deadline: May 3, 2010

08 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 09

earnedessonL

Words : Njai Joszor Photo : Michael Blackwell

Courtesy Singersroom.Com

EXTREMELY

VOCAL

Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 09

AAfter parting ways with longtime label

home The Inc, R&B singer Lloyd is look-

ing forward to a stellar future with the

forthcoming release of his fourth studio

album and yet another Hip-Hop infused

single (in vein of “You”) titled “Pusha”.

Sitting down with us shortly after secur-

ing a release from The Inc and parting

ways with music mogul Irv Gotti, the

“You” and “Get It Shawty” singer talks

everything from his new single and col-

laborative works with DJ Khaled to the

state of R&B and the ever present for-

mula and love found between Urban

Pop/R&B and Hip Hop.

Now last time we spoke with you, you

had “Lessons In Love” out. What has

been the biggest change for you since the

last couple of years?

Lloyd: I officially left The INC. Records.

Personally, the biggest change… I don’t

know… my chin hair and facial hair

(laughter).

Oh okay (laughter). So in terms of

The INC, that’s official now?

Lloyd: Yes. I’m going to take the inde-

pendent route, not for an album, just for

a single, which is called “Pusha”.

Okay, so “Pusha” is the official new

single?

Lloyd: It’s a great song. I plan on releas-

ing that to create a buzz the exact same

way I did with “You.”

Each time I hear you man, you are

taking it to the next level, which is

good. What’s next for you,

sound/lyric wise on this fourth

album?

Lloyd: As far as direction I think, “If it

ain’t broke don’t fix it”… With “Pusha”

though, it shows a more mature and

more wittier side of me and writing side

of me as far as me relating ‘her’ love to a

drug. I think that it’s something for both

sides. It’s something for the hardcore

audience and it’s something for the soft-

er side of women’s ears.

Cool. Now you’ve done the collabs

with Lil Wayne, Jibbs and so many

others in Hip Hop. Hip Hop and

R&B continue to mesh so well. In

your opinion, what makes the chem-

istry between the two so sought

after…. even now?

Lloyd: I think what’s most important is

that we not try to mash up one genre and

make it sort of like “What the hell is

going on..” I think what’s cool about the

records we’ve done, me and my fellow

artist friends, is that we find a way to

show each genre in its respective light. So

the R&B meets the rap in a very witty

and very clever way. That’s half of it. The

other half is just God and leaving your

faith in the man upstairs.

Do you think we’ll ever lose that Hip

Hop and R&B sound?

Lloyd: Of course not, they’re two of the

most influential genres of music in the

world, especially right now. Just coming

from Europe I had a chance to see how

people respond to our music. It was

incredible and

t h e y

love it. They’re out there making beats,

making crunk beats, and doing gangsta

rap. Sometimes it might not necessarily

meet the authenticity we’re looking for. ..

like I guess whenever you have too much

of one thing, you get too much of one

thing, like fake thugs and wanna be

gangstas. For the most part, the music

helps people. It influences their lives in

ways you can’t even imagine.

A far as this new album, who are you

working with or have you worked with

thus far?

Lloyd: So far I’ve worked with some

incredible producers: The Runners, Jim

Jonsin, and E(Eric) Hudson but, I’m real-

ly looking forward to working with new

faces and creating new relationships

through music, which is why I went

down to Miami and spent two weeks

recording with Cool & Dre, (DJ) Khaled,

The Runners and Jim Jonsin. I feel that

this time in my life is symbolic to build-

ing bridges and opening new doors…

doors that weren’t open before. Going

out and working with new people like

Pharell and Timbaland or even Dr. Dre,

in my dream world, that would be some-

thing that would surprise a lot of people.

The Runners did “Pusha,” how did

that come about?

Lloyd: Me and Khaled… just kicking it

from time to time. I’ve known (DJ)

Khaled for years now and we first met

through Irv, actually through Fat Joe back

when I was running with Joe and Terror

Squad in Miami. Next thing you know

he’s calling out “We The Best”. He’s put-

ting Miami back on the map. There’s just

something about that guy that is just

entertaining. He’s fun to be around and I

wanted to get that in my music. I had to

find a way to mix my sound with some

Miami hood tracks and make good stuff

and I think that’s what we did.

What world event has changed your

perspective on life or affected your

music?

Lloyd: Hurricane Katrina.. Definitely.

Born in New Orleans, and yes I rep the

“A” (Atlanta) all day but, my family’s

there and my history is there. When that

happened, it hit close to home and a lot

of family members were displaced. I real-

ly had to step up and use my blessings for

personal reasons. It was like, I got money

but, does this mean that I go out and put

the rims on the ride or do I hold this and

support my family. That’s kind of what

it was man.

Did Katrina and its effect on your

family affect your music?

Lloyd: Most definitely. When something

like that happens it makes you go harder

because it’s bigger than you now. I was

doing it for everyone in the family and I

would hope that that would reflect in the

music. I released “Street Love” (“You,”

“Get It Shawty”) shortly after Katrina. I

think the fact that I really worked hard on

the record and it showed in the response,

was just a testament to what me and my

family were going through at the time.

Now the ladies still love that hair

man, but beyond that, what piece of

apparel, jewelry or some type of

accessory makes you feel powerful?

Tattoos. You can’t buy them in a store

and you can’t change them. I can’t change

them with my shirt or with my necklace.

You know, I can cut my hair off but, my

tattoos will remain the same.

2. Sean "Diddy" Combs

$30 million

Dapper don of hip-hop contin-

ues his decade-long run of good

fortune. Diversified Diddy brings

in cash from clothing line Sean

John, record label Bad Boy, pre-

mium vodka Ciroc and reality

TV shows Making the Band and

Run's House. With over 1 million

followers and an abundance of

exuberant posts, Diddy is among

the most prolific of hip-hop's

Twitterati.

3. Kanye West

$25 million

Stayed atop the hip-hop charts

with the release of his fourth

album, 808s and Heartbreak.

Though not as well-received as

his prior effort, the multiplat-

inum Graduation, experimental

oeuvre sold nearly 2 million

copies. Moonlights as a shoe

designer, recently crafting a suc-

cessful limited-run Nike line

called the Air Yeezy; designed

another shoe line for Louis

Vuitton, due out this summer.

4. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson

$20 million, tie

Last year's highest-earning hip-

hop star has seen annual pay fall

from $150 million to $20 million.

Reason: a $100 million windfall

from the sale of VitaminWater

parent Glacéau to Coca-Cola last

year. Steep drop in earnings

makes him look like a crashing

bank stock, but Queens-born

rapper might survive future

stress tests better than most: His

portfolio includes popular G-

Unit clothing line and record

label, plus films, videogames and

a slew of platinum albums.

Launched cologne for Macy's in

June. Fourth album, Before I Self

Destruct, is set for release later

this year.

1. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter

$35 million

Reclaimed his crown as the top Hip-Hop

Cash King despite taking a steep pay cut

from the $82 million he brought in a year

ago. The reason? That figure was inflated

by a top-heavy 10-year, $150 million deal

he signed with Live Nation last April. Still

had a good year: wrapped up a huge an

international tour, made a groundbreaking

appearance at the U.K.'s Glastonbury

Festival and honeymooned with new wife

Beyoncé. Owns a stake in pro basketball's

New Jersey Nets and New York's 40/40

nightclub.

10NPM

top

Source: Forbes.Com

COVER STORY

4. Aliaune "Akon" Thiam

$20 million, tie

Split childhood between Senegal and the U.S., gained worldwide fame with 2004 hit "Locked Up." Since then,

has become one of hip-hop's most versatile artists--one of few to make more money this year than last. Can

thank diversification: writes, sings, raps and produces; makes lucrative guest appearances on other artists' songs

and tours frequently. Other business ventures include Konvict Clothing and Konvict Music, a label that boasts

pop princess Lady Gaga.

6. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter

$18 million

Started hip-hop career as a teenager with group Hot Boys, blossomed into a mainstream celebrity

with hits like "Tha Block is Hot" and "Lollipop." This year, pulled in an estimated $10 million from

his 65-show mega-tour alone; latest album, Tha Carter III, went platinum in its opening week. Follow-

up Tha Carter IV said to be in the works. Also starred alongside Forrest Whitaker in the film

Hurricane Season, due out later this year. Longtime buddy Birdman reportedly gave Lil Wayne $1 mil-

lion in cash for his 26th birthday in October.

7. Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley

$17 million

Hip-hop super-producer continues to churn out tracks at a frenetic pace; catalog of classic hits

include Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" and Ludacris' "Roll Out." More recently, produced pop songs for the

likes of Madonna and Chris Cornell. Second solo album Shock Value went platinum shortly after its

release in 2007; follow-up is scheduled for later this year. Hollywood beckons: Timba is reportedly set

to produce the soundtrack to Simon Cowell's rumored Saturday Night Fever remake.

8. Pharrell Williams

$16 million

Versatile star made his name penning hits for rappers and pop artists alike as part of popular pro-

duction duo The Neptunes. Recently produced songs for Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss. Now fronts the

funk-rock band N*E*R*D and is said to be an avid Star Trek fan. A geek with exquisite taste,

Williams designs sunglasses for Louis Vuitton and owns apparel lines Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys

Club. Reportedly owns a solid gold BlackBerry.

9. Faheem "T-Pain" Najm

$15 million

Circus-themed album Thr33 Ringz debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's chart and has sold nearly 700,000

copies to date. Dreadlocked star also cashed in on a slew of guest appearances, including Flo Rida's

"Low" and Kanye West's Grammy-winner "Good Life" last year. Nominated for three more Grammys

in 2009. Appearance on Saturday Night Live digital short "On a Boat" became an Internet sensation,

earning over 30 million YouTube views. Hip-hop's Jay Leno owns 32 cars, including the first Rolls

Royce Phantom convertible sold in the U.S

11. Andre "Dr. Dre" Young

$13 million10. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers

$14 million

14. Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean

$8 million, tie

18. Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin

$7 million, tie

18. Antwan "Big Boi" Patton

$7 million, tie

20. Tramar "Flo Rida" Dillard

$6 million

20. William "Rick Ross" Roberts

$6 million, tie

20. Jayceon "The Game" Taylor

$6 million, tie

20. Jay "Young Jeezy" Jenkins

$6 million, tie

14. Clifford "T.I." Harris

$8 million, tie

12. Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus

$11 million

13. Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges

$10 million

14. Lonnie "Common" Lynn

$8 million, tie

14. William "will.i.am" Adams

$8 million, tie

SHAWTYLO

12 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 13

LLast time we spoke,

you were riding high

with D4L off of

“Laffy Taffy.” So it’s

been a while. You’ve

had major success

since then with your

solo projects. Talk to

us about how things

have changed for you

and what you’ve got

going on.

Man, I got my new mix-

tape. I got my new alco-

hol called Stunna. I got

my new cologne called

Lo Seduction. I got a lot

of stuff I’m working

on; you know, my dia-

betes foundation. I’ve

got some new artists on

my label, and I put my

group D4L back togeth-

er also.

You received the

“Rookie of the Year

Award” a couple of

years ago at the BET

Hip-Hop Awards. We

know that you had

been recording with

D4L and weren’t real-

ly a rookie, but just a

solo rookie. What

made you step from

behind the scene and

get out front ?

Yeah, that was a big

award for me. I wasn’t

really no rap artist. I

formed D4L and just

really wanted to be

behind the scene. I

joined the group just to

add my flavor. I was a

dude from the street

who had been in the

drug game, and every-

body knew who I was.

One of my other artists

use to tell me people

were saying that D4L

wouldn’t be nothing

without Fabo, and I did-

n’t tell anyone, but I

took it kinda personal.

So I started going up in

the studio recording my

solo stuff. That’s when I

came up with my first

song, “I’m Da Man.”

People were like, ‘Lo,

that’s the kinda music

we wanna hear from

you, right there.’ That’s

pretty much how my

career came off as a

solo artist.

Talk about your new

project, I AM CAR-

LOS, that’s coming

soon.

Carlos is my real name,

and basically I’m just

talking about what went

down with me before

this whole Shawty Lo

thang. Carlos is a dude

that’s been on his own

since he was 17. Since

my grandmother died

from cancer, and my

mother was on drugs

when I was young. How

as an individual, where I

came from, and how I

came to be successful.

I heard that your song

“Supplier” is gonna be

on that CD. It was, but

since it’s been out so

long now, I don’t think

it’s gonna be on there. It

was on my mix tape.

Do you know what

track will be released

first ?

Umm... I’m not sure

because I don’t have a

set date. Everybody’s

kinda confused right

now about what to go

with. Right now, I’m just

trying to get my name

hot in the streets again.

When D4L first hit, a

lot of people laughed

at yall and called you

one-hit-wonders and

figured no one in the

group would be heard

from again. Has any-

one ever come to you

and apologized for

something they said,

and admitted to being

wrong about you ?

Cause you’ve been

doing your thing for

the last couple of

years.

I never heard anyone

say anything, but I

always heard about folk

saying something. I

never heard the one-hit-

wonder thing, but I

heard that we wouldn’t

be anything without

Fabo. 50 Cent did apol-

ogize and say he was

wrong about us. By the

way, people think me

and Fabo got beef with

each other, but we don’t.

He’s back with the

group for the new

album.

Words : Anthony Colom Photo: D4L / Asylum Records

Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 13

I’M DA

MAN

II’m well known in the

industry as Ices. I’m

from Illinois, and con-

sidered throughout the

entertainment industry

as down to earth and

100% focused.

I discovered my love for

dancing at an early age. I

live for breaking down

doors as a next -genera-

tion vixen.

I’ve hosted countless

mix-tape parties, to

being featured on flyers

and promo ads.

Occupation: beautician/

model/entertainer

Measurements:

34C - 24 - 34

Contact me at:www.myspace.com/bookices

13-B l The New Power

T

CHRISTELLELET THE PARTY BEGIN

Talk to us a little about who you are and where you're from. I'm Christelle from Gabon, which is on the equator in

West Africa. Gabon was a French colony, so I spoke French and my native language Fang. I am now a singer based in Las

Vegas.

At what age did you realize that you wanted to be a singer ? I always enjoyed singing from when I was very young. I can

remember singing at age 3. I never thought I would have the opportunity, so never considered this as a possibility until I

arrived in Las Vegas and was given the opportunity at age 17.

From your photos, I get the impression that you love party and dance music. I don't party a lot, but I do enjoy dancing

at home with my family and friends. I love dance music, but I also like R&B and pop music. I like all sorts of music. Dance is

special in Gabon, so of course music with a good dance beat is special to me. My album to soon be released is called Club

Christelle, and definitely makes you want to dance. I love that music.

What genre of music do you perform ? Everything from dance-pop to pop to R&B. I'm an international artist, so I really

feel I would enjoy singing any type of music. When you travel as much as I do, you realize that there are many kinds of music

that make you feel good.

Tell us about the singles that you have out right now. My current single is "Crush on you", which is about a girl having a

crush on a guy and telling him in song that she has a crush on him. The spell-out is so the guy can hear me loud and clear. I also

have had three other singles released in 2009. "I'm a Tease" is about a girl who knows she is beautiful and teases guys. She does

not want a relationship, she just wants to tease them. "Excess Vibration" is about a girl meeting the guy for the first time, feeling

the shakes and anxiety of that experience. And the first single, "What you gon' do wit it", is about a girl on the dance floor who

sees a single guy on the side just watching, obviously attracted to her, but cannot make the move. "Crush on you" and "What you

gon' do wit it" have raps from the southern rapper Dizzy D, who does a great rap.

Being that you're not from the United States, how does your being marketed and promoted here differ from how you're

marketed and promoted overseas ? In my country of Gabon, there was no marketing or promotion done, but everyone knows

who I am by talking. The country is small, and I am famous there because I have been successful in America. In Europe, they are

just getting to know me from what has happened here in America. They learned about me through the internet. Here in America,

the promotion has been very basic. People talking at music meetings, websites, distributing information fliers, my performances,

and radio. It is very special to hear your song on the radio! The record stores that have been selling my music have been very help-

ful in spreading the word. I remember the special time I spent at Nikki's music in Cleveland when I was performing at the

Rock and Roll hall of fame and museum. Sanders was so nice to me and was really promoting me. Thank you!

What kind of an impact have you made as an artist in Europe ? I mean .... do the people respond well to what you

do? So far the impact has been small as they are just now learning about me as a group. The music on my Club Christelle

album has many European producers, so the sound is very much what they like. I enjoyed meeting so many people from

around the world when I was at the Midem music conference in Cannes, France last month. I am looking forward to being

known in Europe.

What are some of the things you're doing here in the U.S. to increase your visibility ? I am doing performances,

attending some industry meetings and events. Networking at the Grammy's was fun. Performing for TJsDJs, Columbia record

pool, and Core DJs was a special time for me to show DJs who I am. I met so many people at these events that hopefully

will become my fans.

Who were your musical influences growing up ? I listened to American music when I was in Gabon. I remember

especially Mariah, Brandy, and Beyonce. There were also artists with African and French music that of course built the

sound of music in my body.

What can we expect from you in the near future ? A full length album that is really, really good. More singles and more

of my music on the radio. I of course hope to be a name you and everyone else knows. My upbringing teaches me to be

humble and I will hopefully get to meet you or anyone else personally in the future. I am looking forward to meeting you

and all those attending the SEA awards. I will be performing at the awards ceremony and a club that weekend, March 4-7.

Thanks for your time, and we wish you much success. Thank you for giving me to the chance to tell about myself.

11-B www.newpowermagazine.com The New Power Magazine i 10-B

CoverStory

Words:Anthony

Colom

The New Power Magazine i 10-B

IIt’s been so long since we’ve heard

from you (musically). Just how long

has it been?

Mia X: Eleven years I’ve been gone. I’m

excited that the fans are accepting. It is

beautiful. I’m honored and humbled.

When it comes down to sites, you have a

choice. There are so many others in the

game.

Now if I’m recalling correctly, you lost

both your parents in the same year,

which is what took you away, right?

Mia X: My parents passed after I dropped

Mama Drama. First my mother, then my

father. I lost like 14 family members in 18

months. My mom was the caregiver. My

kids were in grade school at the time. I

had to be a full time mom. I wanted to

make sure my sister finished her educa-

tion. I’m happy to say she is now a doctor

of internal med and molecular genetics.

My kids are grown now. They have their

own places, and are productive citizens.

I’m so proud to be their mom. Now I’m

ready to return back to my first love. I got

my first itch at a time when Gangsta Boo

came over, and I had made dinner, and

she said I should go to the studio. I met

Gucci Mane, and he reminded me so

much of P. He suggested I get on a song

with him. Then Boo and I decided to go

in with Drama Boy and did a song. I was

feeling really ready. I started reaching out

to people on Myspace and Facebook.

When it got up to 70,000 people saying I

should, that was all I needed. That was my

core audience. My first record hit in 1992.

I sold 77,000 records, The Payback.

Do you worry about the nay-sayers, or

the people who will say that it’s past

your time?

Mia X: I don’t worry about

that at all. I have my core

fans, and I aim to please them. I sold

70,000 twice. At the same time, I know

who the core audience. Anyone else who

comes along, it’s good. I don’t run to the

red carpet. I bang the beats out in the stu-

dio, and take it to the fans in concert.

Anyone who knows me knows I put the

music down and am about my business.

Many are going to ask, what has

changed with Mama Mia now? What

do you feel has kept you relevant for a

return?

Mia X: Lyrically, I walk it like I talk it. I

have so much more subject matter than

before. I’ve grown as an artist, and as a

woman. That sums it up. There’s been a

hell of a lot of growth, and I’ve sharp-

ened my skills. I’m in the game, and I’m

doing this with no nonsense and no fool-

ishness.

How long has this return been brew-

ing? How long have you been working

on the new material?

Mia X: I started working on this two

months ago. I have been talking over a

year and a half honestly, and doing tracks

with various people. About 7 months ago,

I started reaching out to producers and

artists for my project.

Now you have two projects, the

album, and the mixtape. How has the

time been split between the two?

Mia X: I’ve been working on both togeth-

er. I’ll do one for Unladylike Forever, then

one for Betty Rocka. I’ve also been doing

different things for other artists.

I think we would all expect your chil-

dren to be your number one support-

ers. What are their comments and

thoughts?

Mia X: My kids love it. They were so

young, and because my subject is so raw, I

didn’t have them involved before. My son

says I have punch lines from 12 years ago

that still cant be touched. My daughter

likes alternative and neo soul. She likes

what I do, but she’s not a real hip hop

head.

So have you been fielding offers and

ideas for deals?

Mia X: Yea, I’ve been dealing with a cou-

ple of offers. I am entertaining it, but I

want Betty Rocka Locksmith and the mix-

tape out to the fans so they have some-

thing dope to listen to. Give that feeling

that I gave to women long ago. My first

record in 92 was about designer labels and

whatnot. It’s a lot of females that go to

school and work everyday, balancing

being moms and wives, dealing with boss-

es. I want to bring that back to them. Now

is the time. I represent the ladies that

struggle, and make a dollar out of 15

cents.

How does it feel to be back in this?

Mia X: You know what, the thing is, shout

out to Mannie Fresh. We were kids in

1984, we met a guy, and started a group. I

loved rocking the mic then. We had the

privilege of opening up for several big

acts. I cut my first record in 92. Shout out

to Angie Stone. She’s one of the first

female rap pioneers. She was in the group

The Sequence. I was like, girls do this? I

wanted to do this. I’m in a happy place. I

love being creative, love making music

that makes you laugh, cry, shake, and have

sex. I love creating and giving to the peo-

ple. I’m eager to give the fans something.

I’m so honored. It’s a blessing because

people are checking for me. This is a

blessing. It’s the best birthday, Valentine,

or Christmas gift. I’m on my grind.

MIAX

MAMA’S HOMEWords: James Johnson

9-B l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 8-B

BBlack, you’ve developed a buzz

around Atlanta lately. Tell us your

story.

Shit, you know ...... Duct Tape

Entertainment..... that’s my company. I

started it in ‘05. It’s your regular street-

nigga story. You know ....... success com-

ing. I got like 7 artists signed to me

already. Alley Boy, I got him signed with

a 50/50 joint venture between Duct Tape

and Atlantic Records.

Your track, “Try It Out,” got a lot of

play in Atlanta. Talk about that.

Yeah, I originally recorded it at Kandi’s

house (Kandi Burress). Then I put her

on the track and went down to

Patchwerk (studio) to boost it up, and put

that shit out in the streets. I started with

the muhfucka at ground level; went to

the clubs like every night with it. Shit

started picking up. Radio got on it after

that, and it went from there.

How did you and Kandi hook up ?

Well you know, A.J., rest his soul, that was

his

his old lady. A.J.

was from my

neighborhood.

Me and him use

to kick it before

he died, and

Kandi was like

family. Like I

said, before I

went to

Patchwerk to

really record, I

was at her house

fucking around

with it. She

heard it and

liked it. I put her

on it.

As CEO of

Duct Tape,

what made you step up to the micro-

phone ?

Well, my brother, Alley Boy, he got

locked up back in December of ‘08, and

I took it upon myself to start a FREE

ALLEY campaign. So I ended up picking

up the microphone in the clubs and

shoutin’ him out. Then I decided to drop

a song. But my main two artists got

locked up, so I took it upon myself to do

something. Ya feel me ? I had been pro-

ducing and helping em write hooks and

shit; but this was my first time just really

recording a record myself.

Do you plan to keep persuing it, or

was this just something to keep your

label and it’s name afloat until every-

one got out of jail ?

Naw, I’m a hustler. I’m gone keep on til

it slows down. If it does, I’ll accept my

lick and move on.

As far as your artists, who will we hear

about next ?

Alley Boy ! I ain’t gone say next. Alley

Boy droppin’ now ! We did his deal with

with Atlantic in July, and I did my deal

with Def Jam in October. That’s two

major accomplishments for Duct Tape. I

got a roster of people from Atlanta. It’s

the home team; everybody’s from the

same neighborhood. We all grew up

together.

Describe your sound for those who’ve

never had the opportunity to hear

your stuff.

I call it “Street Soul.” Sometimes I might

rap, and sometimes I might harmonize

on that shit. It all depends on how I feel

that day. Ya feel me ? I can’t really

describe it. A lot of people are already

pickin’ up on it though. I got a lot of rap-

pers calling me asking me for hooks. I

done sent hooks and verses to all type of

rappers. It’s overwhelming really. I can’t

believe people are acting like that. Even

Bow Wow wantin’ to jump on a track. It’s

just a new sound....... I guess.

What area of Atlanta are you from ?

East side of Atlanta: Zone 6.

Zaytoven produced “Try It Out.” Do

you have in-house producers ? How

do you get your tracks ?

I listen to a lot of tracks. If I like it, then

I like it. It don’t matter if it’s a local joker,

or a major cat. I ain’t on that big name

shit. I been knowing Zay for a long time.

He use to cut my son’s hair at the mall.

He’s a personal homie of mine. I had the

harmony in my head for a while. You

know, we been saying, “Fuck wit my

pimpin’: Try It Out” for over 2o years

now, right ? I been hearing that all my life.

I just put the “Try It Out” on there, went

over to Zay’s and was vibin’, and put it

together just like that.

What’s behind your label’s name:

Duct Tape Entertainment ?

It ain’t no negative shit. It just describes

how me and my partners stick together.

You know, at the end of the day, it can

be. But it’s just about stickin’ together.

BIG BANK BLACKAtlanta, GAWords: Anthony ColomPhoto: Diwang Valdez

Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 8-B

1. Rumblefish - Licensing for tel-evision, film, advertisements,websites, videos, games, pod-casts, and sonic branding - e.g.your music inside your local Gap.www.rumblefish.com

2. Gamecues - Licensing for thegaming industry.www.gamecues.com

3. YouLicense - Music licensingmarketplace - essentially, theirsystem enables artists and thoseseeking music to conduct busi-ness directly with each other.www.youlicense.com

4. Pump Audio - Artists canlicense their music in televisionand advertising without giving upany ownership.www.pumpaudio.com

5. BeatPick - Music licensingprovider. www.beatpick.com

6. Ricall - Music licensing mar-ketplace, connecting users want-ing to license music directly withthe relevant copyright owners.www.ricall.com

7. SoundReef - In private beta,this service exchanging musicfor promotion in television, film,a d v e r t i s i n g , e t c .www.soundreef.com

8. Renommee.net

9. Sentricmusic.com

10. magnatune.com

11. soundlounge.co.uk

These companies are not listed in any particular order.

TOP MUSIC LICENSING SITES

MARKETING & PROMOTION

Branding has been a business buzzword for many years.

But the term has implications far beyond corporate

logos, slick packaging and commercial jingles. Effective

branding is all about telling customers who you are, what

you do and how you do it. Despite a sluggish economy

and uncertainty throughout the world, more people are

spending time and money online than ever before. That's

why it's vitally important for small businesses and solo

entrepreneurs alike to use the Internet to make an

impact.

Here are four tips to help you carve a focused identity

online.

1. Define your brand up front. When visitors arrive at

your web site, let them know immediately what you do

and why they should care. Far too many web sites shroud

their identity in flashy graphics and ambiguous slogans

without telling people what the company or person actu-

ally does. View your site through the eyes of a new visi-

tor. Does it spell out exactly what your brand stands for?

If not, redesign it so your purpose and identity are

unmistakable. For example, Terri Lonier's Working Solo

site at www.workingsolo.com does a good job of estab-

lishing her as a resource for freelancers. The opening

paragraph lets visitors know exactly who the site is for.

2. Lead with what you do, not who you are. It may defy

logic, but making your company name the most visible

element on your home page may not be the most effec-

tive way to reinforce your brand. A web-based or e-mail

marketing message should state a benefit right off the

bat. Which of these paints a clearer identity: The busi-

ness name "Dog Owner Central" displayed in large let-

ters or the more specific description "Training tips for

busy dog owners"?

3. Use a real person as a figure head. The online world

can be a cold, mechanical place. Your branding efforts

are more effective when you add a recognizable, consis-

tent human element. Think of the way Dave Thomas

used to promote Wendy's. If your company has a CEO

or spokesperson who is closely identified with the com-

pany offline, make sure that connection carries to the

cyberworld. If you run a business by yourself, by all

means, put your name, photo and personal message on

your web site. Nothing creates mystery and distrust more

than a site that is void of a human contact and asks visi-

tors to send e-mail to the "webmaster."

4. Develop a fan-club mentality. Most online marketers

try to generate readers, visitors or users. I encourage you

to switch gears and create fans. "Users" are people who

visit your web site, subscribe to your newsletter or buy

your products and services. "Fans," on the other hand,

cheer you on, rave about you to their friends, and eager-

ly follow everything you do. Which would you rather

have? [Bob Baker is the author of "Branding

Yourself Online: How to Use the Internet to

Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field.” ]

4 Ways to Create

a Rock-Solid Brand

Identity Online

By

Bob Baker

7-B l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com

P

Pleasure P, the former

crooner of Pretty Ricky we now all know

as “Boyfriend Number 2” was just nom-

inated for three Grammy awards.

However, the celebration of his nomina-

tion was deterred amid a firestorm

caused by a recent Twitter leaked rumor,

painting the “Under” singer as a dis-

turbed Child Molester. Not one to take

the allegations lightly, Mr. Cooper

reached out so that he can set the record

straight. You heard the story, now let’s

get it straight from the source.

Do you know what lead to the cir-

cumstances of the recent allegations?

Pleasure P: Honestly, I don’t know what

led to anything, regarding something

that’s not true, something that’s false.

You know the person that page it came

from is not a person at all, and it’s crazy

and it’s a vicious nasty lie.

How did you hear about the “vicious

lie”, as you say?

Pleasure P: I think I just got off of stage

or something and I was on my tour bus,

and I just started getting phone calls and

stuff and I was like: “Are you serious?!?”

So, I went on Twitter and I just started

reading comments. I was like: “Wow!

People actually…are you serious?” I

immediately left my tour and began to

stand up for myself and fight back?

How did you feel?

Pleasure P: I mean I felt hurt. It was the

day that It was announced I got nomi-

nated for three Grammys. It was the

same day so it kind of like ruined it, like

it happened around the same time.

Actually I found out about [the rumor]

first before I found out I was nominated

for 3 Grammys. And of course I’m very

upset about it because I have a 5-year-old

son that looks up to me, which I care

about dearly. He has to go to school and

hear stuff like this. Stuff that’s not true

and I take it very seriously.

Was there any animosity between you

and Pretty Ricky?

Pleasure P: I mean I don’t have any rela-

tionship with them, none whatsoever. So,

I couldn’t tell you when it comes to that

kind of stuff, I don’t speak to them, I

don’t talk to them we don’t have a rela-

tionship, so…

To your knowledge, was it them

(Pretty Ricky) that released the story?

Pleasure P: I can’t say that it’s them, and

I can’t say that it’s not them. But my liti-

gation team is working on this night and

day, and we’re getting to the bottom of

this. We went to Twitter and Twitter sus-

pended the page, and they actually inves-

tigating the fake person, or person who’s

not a person…its things called IP

addresses and stuff like that that you can

actually find out the person that did it.

So, I don’t see how people can believe a

no-face Blogger, a person that don’t

exist, a person that won’t show there face,

a person that’s not a person. And for a

person to present false and fake docu-

ments is just absurd.

How did this affect your family and

your career?

Well it does not affect anything. If people

believe lies then I don’t know what to tell

them. But I’m just going to keep doing

me, I’m going to keep making good

music, and I’m going to keep getting

nominated for Grammys and I’m going

to stay positive. I’m going to take the

high road every time. I’m better than

that, if I didn’t take the high road I’ll

probably end up in jail or something. So,

you have to stay away from the negative

stuff in life.

What’s your plan to move on?

Pleasure P: I already moved forward. But

I have to keep doing interview after

interview after interview and I got to let

people know…all over something that’s

not true, it’s crazy. Hopefully, a lot of

music overshadows all of this nonsense.

PLEASURE P.

FIGHTING VICIOUS LIES

WORDS: Lauren M. Walker COURTESY: Singersroom.Com

(662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 6-B

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