The New Power Magazine's March / April '09 Issue

WWW.NEWPOWERMAGAZINE.COM

i’m lovin’it

Tel: 254.913.0611e-mail: [email protected]

myspace.com/254YAPBOYZ

Contact Tony Johnson

FEATURES March /April 2009

NPMNPMThe views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily theviews and opinion of Colom Media Group, LLC, The New Power Magazine, norany of our advertisers. Colom Media Group, LLC does not claim any respon-sibility for stories, photographs, interviews, audio, video, nor any other adver-tising or promotional material sent to us that has been misrepresented. TheNew Power, the diamond fist, and all related logos are trademarks of ColomMedia Group, LLC. This publication may not be reproduced in whole nor inpart without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2009,Colom Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Editorial, advertising, subscrip-tions, and reviews: P.O. Box 8465 Columbus, MS 39705.

ANTHONY HAMILTON

PAUL WALL

GORILLA ZOE

WHERE READING IS FUNDAMENTAL.

GORILLA ZOE

PAG

E 1

5

PAG

E 8

PA

GE

7

HEALTH MATTERS PAGE 14

PUBLISHER’S POINT PAGE 10

MARKETING & PROMO. PAGE 13

CD REVIEWS PAGE 18

DJs TO CHECK FOR PAGE 19

NEW POWER CHICK PAGE 21

BUSPAGE 22

DANGEROPAGE 24

GANGSTA TPAGE 25

JODY FLOYDPAGE 26

THERIGG:PLA BOILIL� T.PAGE 27

THUR�ODAHUSTLERPAGE 28

VISITURBAN-CONNECTIONZ.COM

MORE FEATURES

06 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com

Let’s Face It

Whose face is this ?Answer on page 12

WHAT’SKamikaze

andDJ Phingaprint

VisitGhana, Africa

Photos by Carol O’Connor

Jackson, Mississippi’s

T.I. feat. Justin Timberlake

Dead and Gone

HOT

KANYE WEST

Heartless

Soulja Boy Tell em feat. Sammie

Kiss Me Thru The Phone

Yung LA feat. T.I. and Young Dro

Ain’t I

W

EXTREMELYVOCAL

Where Reading Is Fundamental (662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com 07

Point Of It All

ANTHONY HAMILTONWords: James Johnson

What’s been going on during yourtime away?

Just doing the record, working onputting it out.

It’s definitely a good thing to see youback with a new album. I think thebiggest thing this time around is youseem to be in a much happier place.What things have transpiredbetween the first album, and nowthat put you in the place you’re innow?

Well, I got married. I’ve got a greatwife. That brings a lot of happiness.I stopped worrying about a lot ofthings.

There didn’t really seem to be toomuch promo for this release.Obviously, you want as many peopleto know about the album as possi-ble, but why was there so littlepromo this time around?

Once it was finished, the dateswere set, I put the dogs on em’then. It wasn’t anything that wasintentional.

For your single “Cool”, you join withDavid Banner. I don’t think that’s aunion that many people would haveexpected, but it works very well.How did you two come together?

Just, you know, being a friend ofeach other, talking, me needing thatrap, and that urban connection andthat youth that we both have.

Right now, my favorite track is‘Diamond In The Rough”. The harmo-ny on the hook stands out like a sorethumb, and overall, the track is justgreat. What kind of other feedbackhave you been getting on the albumthus far? I know it really just cameout, but have you hear much yet?

A lot of people like “Her Heart”,

“Soul’s on Fire”, and “Fallin in Love”.I’m allowing people to like it howthey like it, and fall in love in theirown time.

Do you have any favorite tracks onthe album?

I like em’ all. I have my days, “Soul’son Fire, I love “Fallin in Love”, thetempo and drive stand out to me.

Clearly, you would want the bestoutcome for any album you release,but what specifically are you look-ing to do for your brand and careerwith this album?

Just to take it as far as possible,and touch as many people as I canthis time around.

So I know things are still fresh, withthe album just coming out. Whatelse do you have going on rightnow?

I’m just focused on that right now,and my wife’s project. We’re build-ing our label, and we’ll presentsome artists soon.

Are there any Final Thoughts?

Just allow people to get it. If youare a fan, then you will surely loveit.

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

IT�S BEEN 4 YEARS SINCE HIS DEBUT ON SWISHA-HOUSE RECORDS, AND NOWTHE SELF-PROCLAIMED PEO-PLE’S CHAMP� IS BACK WITH HIS 3RD ALBUM, NEW CLOTH-ING LINE, AND A BRAND NEWHUSTLE.

PAUL WACOVER STORY

WORDS: ANTHONY COLOMTHE FAST

LIFE

THE FAST

LIFE

WALLWhat’s good with ya ?

What’s going down ?

Talk about that newalbum that’s about todrop.

Yeah, It’s coming outMay 12th. It’s call FastLife. We got a good listof superstars on therewith me. We got TravisBarker; he producedabout 3 0r 4 songs onthere. Also, Akon pro-duced a track, and PlayN Skill produced atrack. We got YoungJoc, Gorilla Zoe,B a b y B a s h ,Chamilionaire,Lil’ Keke,Z-Ro, Pit Bull, Webbie,and Too Short on thealbum.

How does this albumdiffer from your lastone: Get Money-StayTrue ?

We stepped it up. I’vegrown a lot. I thinkeach one of my albumskeeps getting better.We did about 50 tracksthis time around, butonly about 16 aregonna make it onto thealbum. We been want-ing to put an album out

since last Summer.

I heard that you andTravis Barker have anew clothing linetogether.

Yeah, it’s calledExpensive Taste. Ourwebsite is igotexpen-sivetaste.com. Me,Travis, and SkinheadRob, we own the linetogether. The three ofus also have a newgroup called ExpensiveTaste. We do all of therapping and Travisdoes all of the produc-tion. We started offjust making t-shirts topromote our group, butthen the shirts startedto pick up.

When can we expectan album from thegroup?

We got 3 songs on mynew album, and had 1on my last album. Wecan’t really put out analbum until my recordcontract is up.

A lot of people knowyou from your jewelryand grillz. Is thatsomething you’re stillinto?

Yes sir! Me and my boyJohnny got a newstore in the Gallaria inHouston. We got grillstores in a lot of cities.We got accounts allover America, and overseas.

It seems like forawhile, Houston, Texas’rap scene was hot allover the world, then itkinda cooled off.What’s happening?

I think everybody’sbeen at the drawingboard coming up withnew music. Slim Thugcomes out March 24th.I’m out May12th.Chamillionaire’s gotone coming. Lil’ Ke Kejust dropped hisalbum. I think Bun B. isworking on a soloalbum and a U.G.K.album. I guess the waywe been doing in Texasis...... We put out analbum, then we hit theroad and go grind realhard. Everybody’s justat the drawing boardright now trying tocome up with some hotnew music. Just leteverybody know to beon the look out for thatbrand new Paul Wall.

JJanuary marked The New Power Magazine’s 6th anniversary, and what’s beenso amazing is that after all this time, I’m still finding out that people who playkey roles in billion-dollar corporations, and in the lives of platinum-sellingartists, actually don’t know what they’re doing.

Here’s a real example. I receive many e-mails from people wanting the coverof my magazine for their platinum-seling artist (many of them haven’t had ahit song in 2 to 5 years), but he or she can only be the cover story, not just afeature inside. I tell them that we’re an advertising and subscription-basedpublication, so I’m gonna try to sell our covers cause that’s how we eat. Theyproceed to kinda get an attitude, but I don’t pay it no nevermind (LOL). I ain’t

the one. I’ve told a few publicists and marketing consultants how ignorant I think they are in the past 6 years. I don’t knowif this thinking is coming from the artist or the publicist / consultant. Either way it’s a dumb career move.

Here’s how I see it. This is strictly my opinion. If you’re an artist, you want your face on anything printed (that’s legal andreputable) and given to the masses. I don’t care if someone is selling advertising space on 10,000 rolls of toilet tissue.Exposure is exposure. You’re never too big to purchase the cover or advertising in a magazine if you truly want to be seen,or want the one you’re representing to be seen. Put that ego crap aside, because in this business, the job that you havetoday may surely be gone tomorrow. I guess that’s why a lot of publicist / consultants go thru so many clients, and execu-tives at major labels are losing jobs: because they’re all not getting the job done. And once an artist or label hears what aterrible job he or she did for an artist who’s sold millions of units in the past, why would they mess with them ? When 50Cent first hit with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Interscope behind him, his face was everywhere and on everything. Yeah, sure, hismusic career isn’t where it use to be, but he still earned $150 million dollars in 2008. Being seen so much, so early, helpedhim make the transition into other business ventures that will pay off long after the recording and performing stops. It wasa smart-ass move.

Artists, labels, studios, clothing companies, producers, DJs, etc...... here’s what you do: stop wasting money in these maga-zines charging you $5,000 to $30,000 for a one-page ad that sits on the shelf in bookstores and record stores collecting dustand never gets purchased. Take your money and find the hottest regional magazines or magazines that cater to their state,spend $250 to $3000 for an ad , and actually reach consumers willing to purchase your product. Most of these publicationsare in the streets and at events putting magazines in hands. In 6 years, I’ve never seen anyone from XXL or Vibe passing outmagazines at any event I’ve attended. The New Power’s there. I’ve seen Ozone, Down, Hood, Block 2 Block, The Leak, Get Em,DV8, Ace, Street Talk, Street Report, Real Talk, Hot Block, Play, The Niche, 916, The Connecx, and XPOZ. Remember, in this busi-ness, it’s either Be Seen or Be Forgotten.

publisher’s point

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

Be Seen or Be ForgottenBY ANTHONY COLOM

PublisherAnthony [email protected]

Managing EditorKevin [email protected]

Music EditorAlan [email protected]

Art DirectorJoe [email protected]

Advertising DirectorYvonne [email protected]

Marketing & PromotionBobby Colvin, [email protected]

ContributorsJimmy Biggs and James Johnson

LET’S FACE IT

Answer from page 6 - David Banner

RFOR THE INDIE IN ALL OF US -

Recent surveys show that YouTube has become the#1 place online for music discovery; and assumingthe major labels don't screw it up by muting all thegood stuff, this trend will continue.. After all, whyjust listen to a new band when you can also watchit?

But how do you stand out in the crowd and makesure potential fans are left with a strong impres-sion? How do you make YouTube work for you?

- Create your own YouTube channel. - Point fans to the best videos on your web site and

blog. Not only will they get to see the best stuff, but their views will help increase the count and help push those video up the rankings so its more likely that oth ers discovering you will watch those videos first.

- Encourage fans to tape things and post them. - But don't just rely on the fans. Upload your own

videos. - Think quantity over quality, Get a Flip video and

experiment. - Have fun. You're not the next Fellini. Don't try. - Get creative: Use the new under water geo tags to pair cool Google undersea images with your videos. Combine the best single song videos in a full YouTube concert film.

How does YouTube work for you?

WWW.HYPEBOT.COM

MMAAKKIINNGGYYOOUUTTUUBBEEWWOORRKKFFOORRYYOOUU

The Heart Truth for Women:It’s Ageless

Source: webmd.com

Coronary heart disease is themost common form of heart dis-ease. Often referred to simplyas "heart disease," it developsover time and can start as earlyas the teenage years. Duringmid-life, a woman's risk forheart disease starts to rise dra-matically. In part, this isbecause a woman's body stopsproducing estrogen. Also, mid-life is a time when women tendto develop factors that increasetheir risk for heart disease (seebelow). Heart disease doesn'tstop developing either-unlesstreated, it continues to worsen.One in 14 women aged 45-64 hasheart disease, and this increas-es to 1 in 7 for women over age65. But it's never too late to takesteps against heart disease. Bytaking action, older women andespecially those who alreadyhave heart disease can reducetheir risk of developing heart-related problems.

Often, making lifestyle changesis all that's needed. In fact,women can lower their heartdisease risk by as much as 82percent just by leading ahealthy lifestyle. So, whateveryour age, start taking steps toimprove your heart health.Here's more about how heart

disease and its risk factors canaffect women of every age:

Young Women:

- Lifestyle-related factors thatincrease heart disease risk areincreasingly common amonggirls, teenagers, and youngadults.

- Physical activity levels dropsharply as girls becometeenagers, and about 14 percentof young women are physicallyinactive.

- Almost 15 percent of girls ages6-19 are overweight. About 30 percent of girls ingrades 9-12 reported usingtobacco in 2001; about 80 per-cent of smokers begin beforeage 18.

Middle-Aged Women:

- At menopause, a woman'sheart disease risk starts toincrease significantly. Each year, about 88,000 womenages 45-64 have a heart attack.

- About half of women who havea heart attack before age 65 diewithin 8 years. Heart diseaserates are 2-3 times higher for

postmenopausal women thanfor those of the same age whohave not yet undergonemenopause.

- Postmenopausal hormone ther-apy, with estrogen alone or withprogestin-once thought to lowerrisk-is not recommended forlong-term use to prevent heartdisease. It is now even morevital that women take othersteps to reduce their heart dis-ease risk.

- The lifetime risk of developinghigh blood pressure for womenaged 55 is about 90 percent. Beginning at age 45, morewomen than men have a totalcholesterol over 200 md/dL- bor-derline high or higher.

Older Women:

- About 24 million women aged60 and older have high bloodpressure. Most women over age65 have obvious heart diseaseor "silent" atherosclerosis("hardening of the arteries"). Insilent atherosclerosis, there areno symptoms but fatty plaqueshave built up in arteries.Lowering cholesterol is especial-ly important to keep heart dis-ease and atherosclerosis from

worsening.

- Each year, about 372,000women aged 65 and older havea heart attack. - The average age for women tohave a first heart attack isabout 70-and women are morelikely than men to die within afew weeks of a heart attack.

For Women with Heart Disease:

- About 6.7 million Americanwomen have heart disease.

- Heart disease has no quick fix-even if a special procedure,such as an angioplasty, is per-formed, heart disease willworsen unless treated withlifestyle changes and medica-tion.

- About 35 percent of womenwho have had a heart attackwill have another within 6 years. About half of women who have aheart attack will be disabledwith heart failure within 6years. Heart failure is a life-threatening condition in whichthe heart cannot pump enoughblood to supply the body'sneeds.

One in three American women dies of heart disease, making it the #1 killer. That's The Heart Truth.

It's also true that heart disease is "ageless." Whatever a woman's age, she needs to take action to protect her heart health.

HEALTH MATTERS

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

WWhat’s happening Zoe ?

What’s up ?

Man...... your CD listening party onthe gorilla deck at the AtlantaZoo......that’s a very creative idea.Was that your idea ?

Tahira Wright thought of that Idea.

That’s never been done before. Imake sure my people ain’t bored.We put on a party.

What can we expect from this newalbum of yours ?

I’m bout to go sit down and listento the album with Puff. You’venever heard anything that sounds

like this album. You know I’m spit-tin’ that shit on there. You gonelove it dog. Ain’t nothing out therethat sounds like my album. Period.

Who helped you out on this one ?

Rick Ross, Gucci, OJ Da Juiceman,Weezy, Drumma Boy Productions.Zaytoven produced on it. I pro-duced some tracks on it. It’s crazy.

How does this sophmore album dif-fer from your first?

I grew. I know what I’m doing now.My first album was slept on bymuhfuckas, and it was dope. Thisalbum is way over and beyondwhat my first one was. I under-stand tempos, music, and all thata lot better. This is definitely hardwork, but I knew I was gone whoopthat shit from the jump. I’m just ahelleva hustla. You know what I’msayin’ ? Ain’t nothing finna beatme. Ain’t no sophmore jinx.

How many tracks did you produce?

I only did one. I didn’t wanna forcenothing. I been producing and writ-ing for other folks though. Myalbum will be out March 24th andyou gone see dog. You gone see.

DON’T FEED THE ANIMALSWORDS: ANTHONY COLOM / PHOTO: ZACH WOLFE

Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com The New Power Magazine 15

gorilla zoe

REVIEWS

I’ve been hearing Young Memphis’ name in thestreet for a little whle now and I see why somany people are talking. His new cd, although ithas a few tracks with lack-luster production and

engineering, has some hot tracks. Like Crown Vicking: my favoritetrack. Also, Parking Lot Pimping, Get Buck, Get Jiggy, Stop Snitching,and Ride With Me. I think album will survive a lot of people. It’s defi-nitely something you’ll wanna ride to.

Chicago MC, Red Billa, is back with his 4th album:Deprived. This album has a few quality tracks. Tome, the thingthat slows this cd down is RedBilla’s timing on some of the songs, and the fact

his flow is about the same all the time. He’s either ahead of themusic, or behind the music on a lot of the tracks. The productionfrom Geto and Chill Lounge is on one of the highlights. The bettertracks on this cd are Stay Grindin, Hatin, Creep City, Blitin, and See ItIn My Eyes,

Pastor Troy was one of the southern artists ofthe late 90’s to early 2000’s that help ushersouthern rap to the forefront. Well, he’s inde-pendent and back with a new cd that’s a pretty

good project. To me, the best songs are the last 7; the tracks withr&b hooks. On The Top (with a Jackson 5 sample) is the best track onthe cd. Also, Addicted, DopeBoy, Can’t Be Her Man, Bodyguard, Textin,and What Da Deal Boo ? ( with Prince’s Do Me Baby sampled in thebackground).

Troy has definitely got some potential winners on this one. A radioversion of On The Top would surely put him back on top. 5 fists wouldbe perfect, but this gets 4.

The first 5 tracks on this cd are really good. Outof 20 total tracks, 13 of em are hit songs. Mostnotably is the anthem track Sukka Dukkas. Thelaid-back groove, It’s Nothin’. And the hard-rock,

guitar-laced, S**t Starter. S**t Starter is without a doubt the hottestand hardest track on the album. This cd is a lot different from all thecookie-cutter music you hear on the radio today. This one kinda hasa touch of old-school westcoast flavor sprinkled in it. This is defi-nitely one to check out.

Young MemphisBout That TimeBrainstorm Entertainment

Red BillaDeprived30 Weight Gravey Records

Skatterman and Snug BrimWord On Tha StreetsStrange Music, Inc.

Pastor TroyTroyMadd Society Records, Inc. / Select -O-Hits

Photo by Michael Blackwell

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

REVIEWS

DENISE “The Diva”� BROOKSWhere are you from ? Columbus, Mississippi, but now in Hattiesburg, MississippiHow long have you been DJing ? 20 yearsWhat type DJ are You (club, internet, mix, or radio) ? RadioWhere do you DJ ? I’m Program Director at WJKX 102.5 and WILD 106.3 Clear Channel stations (Hattiesburg, MS)What format do you prefer ? CDs with presentable labels (no sharpies)Website - www.102jkx.com, myspace.com/smallvoicescountContact - [email protected]

DJ REIGN Where are you from ? Brandon, MississippiHow long have you been DJing ? About 6 yearsWhat type DJ are you (club, internet, mix, or radio) ? Internet radio mix djWhere do you DJ ? tweekedoutentertainment.com/radio What format do you prefer ? mp3s and wax

DJ affiliation - Down South DJs (downsouthdjs.com)Contact - myspace.com/djreign68 / (601) 503-6462

DJ SEAN MACWhere are you From ? Jackson, MississippiHow Long Have you been DJing ? DJing 7 yearsWhat type DJ are you (club, internet, mix, or radio) ? Club & Mobile DJWhere do you DJ ? Seven Studioz & FanaticsWhat format do you prefer ? MP3s, Wax, & CDsWhat are artist(s) or songs have you broken or helped break ? 1st Up Fam "Rewind"DJ Affiliation - Downsouth DJs, Beast of The Streets DJs, Certified Go Getta DJ,sContact - myspace.com/seanmac6

THE HONORABLE DJ M.O.B.Where are you from ? Jackson, Mississippi How long have you been DJing ? 10+ yearsWhat type DJ are you (club, internet, mix, or radio) ? Clubs, Internet radio, MixtapesWhere do you DJ ? Upper Level, Fanatics, & Floods/Mixxshows Internet radio (907jamz.com/BigYAYOradio.com)What format do you prefer ? CDs & mp3'sWhat song or artist have you broken or helped break ? 1st Up Fam-Rewind/G-Spot boyz-The Stanky Legg/Benz ft.E.Wright-She's a Freak/Gucci Mane-I'm a dog/LaTricky-Hush/Plies-who hotter than me DJ affiliation - DownSouthDjs.com/Hustle Squad Djs/Official MixxBoss Website (s) - DownSouthDJs.com/www.MixxBosses.com/COREdjs.comContact: - [email protected]/[email protected]/ 769.233.4303

Where Reading is Fundamental (662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com 19

MICOLE

LYNN

Where Reading Is Fundamental (662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com 21

Hometown : Oklahoma City, OK

Residence : Dallas, TX

I’m a mother of 2. I’m currently attendingTarrant County College as a business man-agement major. My goal is to one dayorganize and sponsor my own events,while guiding and educating young aspir-ing models.

Oklahoma City was a very conservativecity to grow up in as an aspiring model.Early on, I had to fight with family mem-bers over the image of the modeling busi-ness; but after three years, I’ve finallygotten their support.

When you mention Oklahoma, most don’tassociate us with entertainment. Manytimes people have said to me..... ‘I neverknew Oklahoma had women who look likeyou.’ Well it does !

www.myspace.com/[email protected]

Photo by : Rashard D.

BBig Bus, what’s the business ?Introduce yourself to all of ourreaders.

I’m Bus from Fayette, Alabama.That’s northwest Alabama. I gotstarted back in ‘96 doing beats.I’ve only been rapping about 2 or 3years now.

Being that you’re a whiterapper, do you get compar-isons to other white rappersall the time? And do you getthe funny looks ?

Yeah they look at me like they’rewondering if I can really rap. Butyeah, you know, people alwayswanna classify me as an Eminem,

Bubba Sparxxx, or Haystack with-out even hearing me. I use a lot oflyrical punchlines. I’ve got a hardin-your-face style.

What are you doing to increase

your visibility as an independentartist and producer ?

Really man, I just try to hit a lot ofthese music conferences; that’swhere I get a lot of my contactsand business.

What are you working on rightnow?

I got a mix cd coming out called BigBoi Status. I have an r&b cd withanother Alabama artist named Mr.N.I..C.E. My cd will be available oncdbaby and my myspace. I’m alsoworking on some distribution rightnow.

Who are some of your influences ?

Tu Pac, Biggie, Big L, Big Pun, U.G.K.,Skinny Pimp, and 8 Ball and MJG.

What are you hoping to gain fromthis mix cd? What do you want outof it?

Man, if it gets too big to maintain,of course I’ll be looking at themajors, but right now my goal is toget this independent money andkeep control of my product.

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

BUSFAYETTE, ALABAMA:Words: Anthony Colom / Photo: Big Bus Music

myspace.com/bigbusmusic

DDangero, we finally get a chance tochop it up. Talk a little about your-self.

Well, I’m pretty much a hard-working dude. I’m an aspiringartist coming up out of Columbus,Mississippi. I do hip-hop and r&btracks. I’m trying hard to marketmyself and put myself out there.

This is my sec-ond solo proj-ect that I’mon. It’s calledMoney, Game,

and Fame.It’s a mix cd.I use to be ina groupcalled LyricalMinds. Istarted rap-ping while atS t i l l m a nCollege inTuscaloosa,Alabama.

Being thatyou’re froma small mar-ket likeC o l u m b u s ,

what’s it taking for you to exposeyour talent ?

I’m getting radio spins on Power92.1 WMSU in Starkville, and WESE92.5 in Tupelo. They cover about 12counties in northeast Mississippiand west Alabama. I’ve done someadvertising in The New Power, andhit a lot of colleges and high

schools. That’s really one way thatI’m pushing myself. I’ve done somepromoting at Stillman College,Morehouse, Spellman, JacksonState, Mississippi State, LSU, andAlabama A&M. That’s the crowdthat I’m after. Colleges are full ofpeople from different parts of thecountry and the world. If they likemy music, they’ll take it home withem and tell other folks about it.Colleges always have somethinggoing on. Whether it’s a sportingevent, conference, or concert,there’s always some type of eventthat you can jump on or into tomarket and promote what you’redoing. I’m after that 17 to 35crowd.

How long are you willing to workthis project as an independent toget the results you’re looking for ?

I’m gonna work this mix cd for 6months. There are no jacked beatson it. It’s all original. Check me outon myspace and i-Tunes. B Robfrom Memphis did the majority ofthe tracks on this mix cd. Bolofrom Atlanta (by way of Tampa) didsome production. It’s hosted by Mr.Beatz.

DANGEROCOLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI

Words: Anthony Colom / Photo: Henry Boy Entertainment

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

myspace.com/dangeromusic

HHey man, what part of Texas areyou from ?

I’m from Temple, Texas. I’m reppin’that central Texas: Temple andBartlett. Usually when you hearabout rap in Texas, you only hearabout Houston. But, we gettin’ it allover Texas though.

OK. How and when did you get intomusic ?

I dropped out of school in the 8thgrade and fell into thestreets. After I caught alittle case, I been intomusic, man. I been intomusic since 2001. The lasttime we spoke, I waspushing my artist T.I.C. Hefell back a little bit. So I hadto take things into my ownhands and push myself. Idropped my first album,Time To Shine, in 2001. I wentthru 12 states with my nextone, Bruising Blocks. We took thatall the way to 106th and Park. That

was about 2003. I put out adocumentary dvd in ‘05called The Come Up. We goton the grind in Texas withthat. So now I got TexasAin’t Dead, and anotherunreleased one. I’m justgone try to flood the air-waves this year. I recordedand produced this new one myself.I got my kin folk C Rock on thealbum, and O.G. P-Weesta. It’s host-ed by DJ Grip from Austin, Texas.This is the first real stuctured proj-

e c tt h a tI ’ v edone .I ’ v egot a

street promotional team together,and shows set up. I’ve done somestuff in Houston and Dallas, but

central Texas has been the areawhere the DJs have been showingus a lot of love.

Well, the people reading thiswho’ve never heard your material,don’t know what your musicsounds like. Try to describe whatthe feel of this cd is like.

I attend a lot of music conferencesoutside the state. When I let peoplehear my music, they can’t believeit because they think of Texas assyrup and candy paint. We gotmore than that. I got club stuff,and stuff for the ladies, but mymusic is more reality rap than any-thing.

GANGSTA T.TEMPLE, TEXAS

Words: Anthony Colom / Photo: Realer Than Real Records

Where Reading Is Fundamental (662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com 25

myspace.com/254yapboyz

WWhat’s happening Jody? Talk to ourreaders about your background.Well, I’m 28 years old. I been in thegame since ‘99. I had an album outback ‘99 called The World Is Rough. Werecorded that down in Jackson,Mississippi. I did that album with mybusiness partners Vexx and Rob Base.We own Street DiamondEntertainment. I’ve been with theseguys for a minute now. We’re likebrothers. We were the second rapgroup in the Mississippi Delta to everdo an album

I just want you clarify for everyonewho the Rob Base is that you spoke ofearlier. He’s not the Rob Base from RobBase and DJ EZ Rock fame.No. They’re two different people.

People outside of the South tend tothink that bling and booty music is allwe know. Coming into the business in1999, were those the things thatinfuenced you? Naw, I was influenced by all the lyricalrappers like Jay Z. Ice Cube is my

f a v o r i t erapper. Ialso likewhat theSouth didfor hip-hopmusic. WhatMaster P did, I don’t think it’ll ever beduplicated again. Cash Money broughtthe bling bling; they did what they did,and I appreciate it.

Tell me and everyone else why weshould buy your music.Well, I took it back to the roots man.You didn’t know about Compton untilN.W.A. came out. So I’m one of the realtrue guys who’s gonna rep forGreenville, Jackson, and the wholeMississippi. I’m gonna tell you aboutthe Mississippi lifestyle. If we bar-beque, then we barbeque. If we drinkBud Light, we drink Bud Light. I mean....it ain’t no sense in me talking aboutCristal and that other stuff we see ontv. I’m not into the poppin collars andpoppin’ bottles. I’m not into that causewe don’t do that. I got a song called

Ain’t Never Sold Dope. You know ? Inever sold dope. I grew up in thetoughest neighborhood in Greenville:killing, dope, all of it went on there. Iwas on the block, but I didn’t sell therock. I dressed like a dope boy, but Iwasn’t one. Down here, If you ain’t didit, don’t claim it.

What about your new project ?It’s called Legendary. It’s due out in lateMarch. It’s a very interesting project. Ihonestly feel like it’s a street classic. Iput my heart into this one man. I got asong called Hatin’ On God. If Godblessed you with a Benz, instead ofhating on you, I should be tryin to findout what you did to recieve your bless-ings. So if I’m hatin’ on you, then I’mreally hatin God cause he’s the one whogave it to you.

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

JJOODDYY

FFLLOOYYDDWords: ANTHONY COLOMGreenville, Mississippi

myspace.com/jodyfloyd1

Where Reading Is Fundamental (662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com 27

PPla Boi and Lil’ T, introduce your-selves. Lil T : Well, we’re Pla Boi andLil’ T of The Rigg Entertainment;formerly known as Nicca RiggEntertainment. We’re from Laurel,Mississippi, but presently inJackson, Mississippi.

What made yall relocatefrom Laurel to Jackson ?Pla Boi : We had a goal inmind. We saw that thecapital had the bestmarket for the state. Sothis is where we’ve beenfor the past 6 years.We’re just here workingthe buzz in “The Jack.”

How many projects haveyou released? Lil’ T : At least 5total studio albums dating back to2000.

I see that you guys do your ownproduction. Lil T : Yeah, we do ourown production. Everything’s inhouse. We do reach out to otherproducers.

Being independent and trying to doeverthing yourself, what kind ofmarketing strategy and creativeways do you use to get your nameand music out there ? Lil T : We useeverthing from the internet, beat-

in’ the streets, posters, flyers,YouTube, Myspace, and our ownwebsites. Pla Boi: Yeah, we reallytried to kick it up a notch with ourYoutube webisodes: Nicca Rigg TV.We’re involved in the community,so we’re not just putting the cam-era on us, we’re putting it on thepeople who are supporting us.

I’ve seen the one that you did atThe 3rd Annual Mississippi Hip-HopConference. How much effort doyou put into your webisodes, andhow often do you post them ? Lil’ T : We try to put a new blog up

every week. Pla Boi :It’s helped out withour distant support-ers; those fromGeorgia, Tennessee,and Missouri. Wejust been beatin theblocks man andreaching out tosome Jactownartists like JewMan, and some well-known artists aswell. We released

the project back in December withDJ Chuck T : From Poverty ToPresidential. We got some morethings in the works, too. Lil’ T gotthat Underground Celebrity andNeighborhood Runner also. Lil’ T :Yeah, Google Nicca Rigg. You’ll findus.

THE RIGG ent.� PLA BOI & lil� tLAUREL, MS / JACKSON, MS Words & Photo : Anthony Colom

www.niccarigg.com

W28 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075

What’s happening Thuro ? HeyI heard that you’re going to schoolin Nashville to be a recording engi-neer. Yeah, I’ve got about 2 monthsleft in audio engineering school. I’mfrom Mound Bayou, Mississippi,but I had to come up here to getthat under my belt because stu-dios be costing a nice piece ofchange nowadays. I’ve been engi-neering for a while, but I decided togone get that certification so that Ican sit behind that SSL board andbe legit with it. I’ll be Pro -Tools cer-

tified. There’s some good moneyin engineering. I started offback in the day with somegood friends. We put somemoney together and boughtsome equipment and startedfrom there. I love to makepeople sound good.

What gear did you getdown on first ? Man, itwas a Boss 8-trackrecorder. I still got it tothis day. That’s my lit-tle baby. I still use it

from time to time. I’m comfortablewith it. You know, like the little key-board that Kanye said he startedwith and still uses.

You’re also an artist, too.... right ?Yeah. I grew up on all genres ofmusic man; even love that blues,too. Me and my partner, TheEquilizer, who’s up in Arkansasnow, we teamed up and startedputting songs together back in2001. My new project is calledD.G.I.T. (Don’t Get It Twisted I’mFrom Mississippi). It’ll be released

this summer.

Is this gonna be something to rideto and bump in the trunk this sum-mer? Awe yeah ! I’ve been kindaknown for my aggressive music inthe past. I also see myself as ahustler. A good hustler. I didn’tcome from the streets. I ain’t nodope boy, so I can’t rap about that.There’s a misconception thatsouthern artists are all countryand can only do club music. I like tothink that my music makes youwanna get out and hustle for your-self in a good way. I try give yousomething meaningful while hav-ing a good time. I had to throw afew blues licks in there.

Where can your music be found?You can check out my regular blogson YouTube. I’m gone roll with CDBaby til we can get this i-tunesthing going. Everybody’s going digi-tal. I think I’ll do that right now.When I do shows, I’ll always havehard copys and come out the trunkto sell as well.www.myspace.com/yungthuro

THURO Da HUSTLERMOUND BAYOU, MISSISSIPPI WORDS: ANTHONY COLOM / PHOTO: SWAT RECORDS