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OZONE AWARDS & TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKERS SPECIAL EDITION<br />
<strong>DAVID</strong> <strong>BANNER</strong><br />
NO MORE MR. NICE GUY<br />
10 REASONS<br />
OZONE MAGAZINE IS THE SHIT<br />
WITH OZONE AWARD NOMINEES:<br />
BUN B * CHAMILLIONAIRE<br />
KHIA * LIL SCRAPPY * MAGNO<br />
RICK ROSS * DJ DRAMA * DJ KHALED<br />
TOO $HORT * KILLER MIKE * E-40 * DRE<br />
FIELD MOB * JACKI-O * KAMIKAZE * B.G.<br />
PAUL WALL * PITBULL * BOHAGON * RAPID RIC * SLIM THUG<br />
TRAE * TREAL * TRICK DADDY * UNCLE LUKE * YOUNG CASH<br />
YOUNG JEEZY * YUNG JOC * PRETTY RICKY * T-PAIN & MORE
OZONE MAGAZINE I’MA MAKE IT HAPPEN, I’MA MAKE A WAY OZONE AWARDS 2006<br />
OZONE AWARDS & TJ’S DJ’S TASTEMAKERS SPECIAL EDITION<br />
LIL WAYNE<br />
10 REASONS<br />
OZONE MAGAZINE IS THE SHIT<br />
WITH OZONE AWARD NOMINEES:<br />
BUN B * CHAMILLIONAIRE<br />
RICK ROSS * <strong>DAVID</strong> <strong>BANNER</strong><br />
DJ DRAMA * DJ KHALED * DRE<br />
TOO $HORT * KILLER MIKE * E-40<br />
FIELD MOB * JACKI-O * KAMIKAZE<br />
KHIA * B.G. * LIL SCRAPPY * MAGNO<br />
PAUL WALL * PITBULL * BOHAGON<br />
RAPID RIC * SLIM THUG * T-PAIN<br />
TRAE * TREAL * TRICK DADDY<br />
UNCLE LUKE * YOUNG CASH<br />
YOUNG JEEZY * YUNG JOC<br />
PRETTY RICKY & MORE
154
ozone 29 awards
tj’s dj’s tastemakers & ozone awards itinerary<br />
*subject<br />
to change<br />
Friday August 4, 2006<br />
10 AM - until<br />
On-Site Registration at Host Hotel<br />
Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel<br />
60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd. downtown Orlando, FL<br />
*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel unless otherwise<br />
noted*<br />
2 PM – Musik Boxx presents the Producers Panel<br />
panelists: Cool & Dre, DJ Toomp, Jim Jonsin, Khao, KLC, Mr. Collipark,<br />
Nitti, & The Runners<br />
2 PM – No Name Necessary presents the Technology Panel<br />
panelists: Corey Llewellen (Digiwaxx), Donya Floyd (AOL Radio),<br />
Roslynn Cobarrubias (Myspace.com), Jamie Chvotkin (CDBaby.com),<br />
Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition) & more TBA<br />
3:30 PM – b.i.G.f.a.c.e. Entertainment presents the Indie Executives Panel<br />
panelists: Bryan Leach (TVT), Chaka Zulu (CEO, DTP Records), Jason<br />
Geter (CEO, Grand Hustle), Ted Lucas (CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records), Mike<br />
Clarke (Swishahouse), Uncle Luke (CEO, Luke Records), & Vince Phillips<br />
(CEO, BME Records)<br />
3:30 PM - Royal Blunts presents the DJ Panel<br />
panelists: Brandi Garcia, Clinton Sparks, DJ Chuck T, DJ Jelly, DJ Nasty,<br />
DJ Wally Sparks, Green Lantern, & Greg Street<br />
5-7 PM – DJ Suite Party/Listening Sessions<br />
(DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS)<br />
- Koch Records Suite Party w/ DJ Unk & Baby D<br />
- Others TBA<br />
7-10 PM – Welcome to Florida Pool Party & Fashion Show<br />
hosted by Khao & Stay Fresh<br />
performances by Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I., Young Capone, T-<br />
Hud, Mannish Man, & Da Mouf Records<br />
10 PM - 3 AM - Interscope Records Official TJ’s DJ’s/OZONE Awards<br />
Kickoff Party<br />
Cairo Nightclub<br />
performances by Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Slim Thug, Rich Boy, Jibbs,<br />
Obie Trice, Hot Rod, & Stat Quo<br />
Music by DJ Q45, Supastar J-Kwik & DJ Greg G<br />
Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MID-<br />
NIGHT.<br />
3 AM – until -<br />
BME Records Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel<br />
with Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I. & more<br />
Saturday August 5, 2006<br />
10 AM - until<br />
On-Site Registration at Host Hotel<br />
Ivanhoe Plaza/Sheraton Hotel<br />
*all panels and suite parties take place at Host Hotel*<br />
12 PM – G-Mack of Lost Land Entertainment presents the A&R Panel<br />
panelists: Dart La (Director of A&R, Shady Records), Dino Delvaille<br />
(Senior VP of A&R, Sony BMG), James Eichelberger (Director of A&R,<br />
TVT Records), Joie Manda (Director of A&R & Promotions, Asylum Records),<br />
Kawan Prather (Executive VP of A&R, Sony Urban), MeMpHiTz<br />
(Director of A&R, Jive Records), Mike Caren (Senior VP of A&R, Atlantic<br />
Records), Shakir Stewart (VP of A&R, Def Jam), Shawn Holiday (Senior<br />
VP of A&R, Interscope Records), & Wes Phillips (Select-O-Hits)<br />
12 PM – Earthworm Clothing presents the Women In The Industry Panel<br />
panelists: Elora Mason (CEO, E. Mason & Associates), Jill Strada (Program<br />
Director, WPYO Power 95.3 Orlando), Kim Osorio (Editor-In-Chief,<br />
BET.com), Miss Info (On-Air Personality, Hot 97) Supa Cindy (Morning<br />
Show On-Air Personality, WEDR 99 Jamz Miami), Tiffany Chiles (CEO,<br />
Don Diva <strong>Magazine</strong>), Wendy Day (CEO, Rap Coalition), & Wendy Washington<br />
(Senior Vice President of Media Relations, Universal Records)<br />
1:30 PM – Manish Man presents the DJ Crew Panel<br />
panelists: 1st Lady El (CEO, Murda Mamis), Cristal Bubblin (Vice President,<br />
Bumsquad DJz), DJ Mars (CEO, SuperFriends), Kaspa (CEO, Hittmenn<br />
DJs) Scrap Dirty (CEO, Violator All-Star DJs), & Tony Neal (CEO,<br />
The CORE DJs)<br />
1:30 PM – Bossman presents the Media Panel<br />
panelists: Carl Chery (SOHH.com), Cavario Hodges (Don Diva <strong>Magazine</strong>),<br />
Jesus Trivino (Senior Editor, Scratch <strong>Magazine</strong>), Kraze (CEO, All Access<br />
DVD), Matt Sonzala (Murder Dog <strong>Magazine</strong>), Maurice Garland (Music<br />
Editor, OZONE <strong>Magazine</strong>), N. Ali Early (Editor-In-Chief, Grip <strong>Magazine</strong>),<br />
Rahman Dukes (MTV News/Mixtape Mondays)<br />
4 PM – Jathar Diamonds presents the Artist Panel<br />
panelists: David Banner, Juelz Santana, Killer Mike, Pimp C, Slim Thug,<br />
T-Pain, Webbie & more TBA<br />
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM – DJ Suite Parties / Listening Sessions<br />
(DJ CREDENTIAL REQUIRED FOR ACCESS)<br />
- Bad Boy/Atlantic Records Suite Party with 8Ball & MJG<br />
- Asylum Records Suite Party with Lil Flip<br />
- Jive Records Suite Party with Dre & M.O.S.<br />
8 PM - 10 PM - Tastemakers Only Showcase<br />
Club at Firestone<br />
578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL<br />
with DJ-exclusive Serato & laptop raffle<br />
performances by Trillville, Mr. Magic, Tampa Tony, J-Shin, Young A &<br />
more<br />
10 PM - 3 AM - Tastemakers Only Afterparty<br />
Club at Firestone<br />
Lil Wayne & many more celebrity guests will be in the building<br />
Music by Cool Runnings, Disco & the City Boyz, Emperor Searcy, &<br />
Supastar J-Kwik<br />
Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MID-<br />
NIGHT.<br />
3 AM – until - Late Night Suite Party at Host Hotel - TBA<br />
Sunday August 6, 2006<br />
12 PM - 3 PM - OZONE Brunch - Location TBA<br />
4 PM - 6 PM - OZONE Red Carpet<br />
With comedians Benji Brown & Roland “Lil Duval” Powell<br />
Livingston St. in front of the Bob Carr Auditorium<br />
7 PM - 11 PM - 1st Annual OZONE Awards<br />
Bob Carr Auditorium<br />
401 W. Livingston St., downtown Orlando, FL<br />
hosted by David Banner & Trina<br />
performances by Lil Wayne, T.I., Pimp C & Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pitbull,<br />
Rick Ross, Too $hort, Shawnna, T-Pain, Young Dro, Slim Thug, Trae,<br />
Yung Joc, Paul Wall & more<br />
appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Aztek, B.G., Bohagon, Bonecrusher,<br />
Cam’Ron, Choppa, Crime Mob, DJ Khaled, ESG, Grandaddy Souf, Jacki-<br />
O, Juelz Santana, Khia, Killer Mike, Lil Boosie, Lil Flip, Lyfe Jennings,<br />
Obie Trice, Rich Boy, Roy Jones Jr. & 3D, Smitty, Sqad Up, Stat Quo, TV<br />
Johnny, Twista, Uncle Luke, Webbie, Young Cash, Young Jeezy, Yukmouth<br />
& many more<br />
10 PM - 3 AM - Atlantic Records Official OZONE Awards Afterparty<br />
with Grand Hustle, Bad Boy Records, & Slip-N-Slide<br />
Club at Firestone<br />
578 N. Orange Ave. downtown Orlando, FL<br />
performances by Young Dro, Plies, B.G. & many more TBA<br />
music by DJ Drama, DJ Khaled, DJ Nasty, & Disco & the City Boyz<br />
Registered members of the conference are admitted free until MID-<br />
NIGHT.<br />
ozone 6 awards
meet our panelists<br />
BRANDI GARCIA / DJ & radio personality, KBXX-Houston<br />
– DJ Panel (Houston, TX)<br />
The bit of sunshine Brandi Garcia took from her native<br />
state of Florida has paved a bright future. Garcia worked<br />
the radio ladder to become the proud owner of Houston’s<br />
#1 night show on 97.9 The Box, host of the music video<br />
show “Hot TV,” creator of the sultry Southern Stilletto mix<br />
CD series, and becoming 2006 Southern Entertainment Award’s Female DJ of<br />
the Year. A proud member of the Murder Mamis & NoizeMob, Garcia is en<br />
fuego!<br />
BRYAN LEACH / TVT Records – Indie Exec Panel (New<br />
York, NY)<br />
Bryan was largely responsible for propelling acts like Lil<br />
Jon & the Eastside Boyz, the Ying Yang Twins, and Pitbull<br />
to national success during his time as VP of A&R at TVT<br />
Records. Now on the verge of launching his own label,<br />
Bryan’s thorough knowledge of the music business and<br />
hands-on approach to artist development will guarantee him success.<br />
CARL CHERY / SOHH.com – Media Panel (New York, NY)<br />
CAVARIO HODGES / Don Diva <strong>Magazine</strong> – Media Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
CHAKA ZULU / Co-CEO, Disturbing Tha Peace & Ebony<br />
Son – Indie Exec Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Chaka Zulu has been making his mark in the music<br />
industry for the past 10 years. Much like his namesake,<br />
Zulu relies on education and tenacity for success while<br />
giving back to his people. Chaka Zulu has worn many hats<br />
including Music Director for Atlanta’s Hot 97.5, radio promotions<br />
for Sony & Universal, and currently serves as Co-CEO and manager<br />
for entertainment icon Ludacris and the Disturbing Tha Peace brand.<br />
CLINTON SPARKS / DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur – DJ<br />
Panel (Hartford, CT)<br />
Music is universal as Clinton Sparks proves through the<br />
syndication of his “SmashTime Radio” heard in the USA,<br />
Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and on Sirius<br />
Satellite’s Shade 45. Sparks takes full advantage of his<br />
entrepreneurial skills with two merchandising websites<br />
MixUnit.com & FlixUnit.com. While cats from Kanye West, 50 Cent, Eminem,<br />
& Pharrell have all blessed his famous mixtapes, the world is just now<br />
“getting familiar” with Sparks the producer. And as Sparks continues to push it<br />
to the limit with a new album plus deals involving video games and Pepsi, the<br />
world is about to become very familiar with Clinton Sparks.<br />
COOL & DRE – Producer Panel (Miami, FL)<br />
Production credits include Ja Rule f/ Jadakiss & Fat Joe<br />
“New York New York,” The Game f/ 50 Cent “Hate It Or<br />
Love It,” Christina Milian f/ Young Jeezy “Say I,” Juvenile<br />
“Rodeo,” and DJ Khaled f/ Paul Wall, Rick Ross, Pitbull, &<br />
Fat Joe “Holla At Me.”<br />
COREY LLEWELLYN / Digiwaxx.com – Technology Panel (New York, NY)<br />
CRISTAL BUBBLIN / Vice President, Bum Squad DJz – DJ Crew Panel<br />
DART PARKER / Dir. A&R, Shady Records – A&R Panel<br />
(New York, NY)<br />
Most folks in the industry base signing new talent from<br />
charts and bandwagons, but true A&R’s such as Dart<br />
Parker rely on their ear and the conviction to stand behind<br />
the music they sign. Parker has trusted his instincts ever<br />
since leaving Raleigh, NC via Amtrak armed with $800<br />
and a dream. Parker has continued living his dream beginning as a producer<br />
for DMX and De La Soul then eventually moving up to becoming Director of<br />
A&R for Shady Records, signing Stat Quo and Ca$his to the house Em built.<br />
DJ CHUCK T / DJ & CEO, Port City Productions – DJ<br />
Panel (Charleston, SC)<br />
Frustrated with the lack of opportunities available to<br />
independent artists, Chuck T dropped his mic and picked<br />
up the turntable. He decided to fight the game from within<br />
the system and has opened doors for many artists in and<br />
around his hometown of Charleston, SC though his mixtape series, Ghetto<br />
Gangsters including dropping 45 titles in one year! DJ Chuck T has already<br />
had coverage in The Source, <strong>Ozone</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, Scratch <strong>Magazine</strong>, and MTV’s<br />
Mixtape Mondays to name a few. His hard work is paying off as DJ Chuck T<br />
was nominated for 14 Southern Entertainment Awards in his first year of eligibility<br />
and looks forward to watching his label Port City Productions become<br />
a super power in the music industry.<br />
DJ JELLY - DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
DJ MARS / Founder, World Famous Superfriends – DJ<br />
Crew (Atlanta, GA)<br />
As the President and founding member of the World<br />
Famous Superfriends Crew, DJ Mars single handedly<br />
changed the DJ scene in Atlanta. While attending Clark<br />
Atlanta University, DJ Mars started his career DJing in the<br />
cafeteria during dinner for only $75. Mars went from being<br />
Outkast’s original DJ to touring with Usher. Currently Mars is living the life of<br />
legends and happily on tour with Ciara.<br />
DJ NASTY / DJ & Producer, Nasty Beatmakers – DJ Panel<br />
(Orlando, FL)<br />
Now that his partner DJ Prostyle has departed for NYC<br />
and BET, Nasty virtually holds a DJ monopoly on the city<br />
of Orlando, dominating radio and clubs. Widely considered<br />
one of the best on the one’s & two’s, Nasty and his<br />
brother LVM have also used their industry connections to<br />
venture into production. Their tracks have appeared on albums by everyone<br />
from Camron to Ludacris.<br />
DJ TOOMP – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Production credits include T.I.’s “Dope Boyz,” “U Don’t<br />
Know Me,” “Motivation,” “What U Know,” “Be Easy,” and<br />
Ludacris’ “Two Miles An Hour.”<br />
DJ WALLY SPARKS / DJ, syndicated – DJ Panel (Chattanooga,<br />
TN)<br />
Once upon a time Wally Sparks was OZONE <strong>Magazine</strong>’s<br />
music editor, but he left us to pursue his true love 24/7:<br />
DJing and breaking new music. He can currently be heard<br />
on 3 commercial radio stations in 3 different states in<br />
addition to his own weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio<br />
entitled “League Crew Radio.” Wally Sparks currently has<br />
globally distributed mixtapes featuring big names such as<br />
Ludacris, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Trae, and 8Ball & MJG.<br />
DONYA FLOYD / Programmer, AOL Radio Network<br />
– Technology Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Donya Floyd programs nearly 40 urban music stations for<br />
the AOL Radio Network, including R&B, dancehall and<br />
gospel – acting as a liaison between AOL Music and labels<br />
and artists. In addition to her radio responsibilities, she is a<br />
contributor to AOL Music’s news and feature articles, AIM<br />
interviews and Sessions. Ms. Floyd’s background includes programming and<br />
on-air stints at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, WPGC 95.5 FM in Washington, DC,<br />
and WUSL Power 99 FM in Philadelphia. Most recently, she also appeared<br />
as a weekly entertainment news contributor on Philadelphia’s top-rated TV<br />
station, NBC-10.<br />
ELORA MASON / Founder, E. Mason & Associates<br />
– Women In the Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Elora Mason is the founder and CEO of E. Mason & Associates,<br />
a Miami based Events Management and Publicity<br />
Firm. She is also the co-founder of Young Florida Vote, a<br />
non-profit, non-partisan voter empower program and the<br />
Florida Entertainment Summit, Florida’s most important<br />
entertainment networking summit. Elora, born in St. Croix, has worked with<br />
Atlantic Records, Bigga Rankin, Benji Brown, Caribbean Reggae Fest, DJ<br />
DEMP, DEMP Week, So South, Tarvoria, The Core DJs,<br />
The Core DJs Retreat, Trick Daddy, Trick Luvs Da Kids<br />
Foundation and a host of others.<br />
1st LADY EL / Founder, Murda Mamis Ent - DJ Crew<br />
Panel (New York, NY)<br />
1st Lady El is the architect of the largest collective of<br />
ozone 10 awards
meet our panelists<br />
women in the urban entertainment industry, The Murda Mamis. This prolific<br />
group covers all industry genres from DJs, recording artists, media personalities,<br />
producers, executives, journalists, and models including placements at<br />
MTV, Don Diva <strong>Magazine</strong> and power stations like KBXX-Houston to name<br />
a few. Lady El notes that “I started Murda Mamis to unify women in Hip<br />
Hop. Women are very powerful and together we can be invincible.” With a<br />
hustler’s ambition this strong, the Murda Mamis will always be respected to<br />
the 1st degree.<br />
GREEN LANTERN – DJ Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Aside from the infamous Jadakiss DVD incident which<br />
led to Green’s dismissal from Eminem’s camp, Green is<br />
known for being one of the sickest mixtape DJs, dropping<br />
unique blends and exclusive songs regularly.<br />
GREG “GATE$” DAVENPORT / Murder Dog - Media Panel (N. Florida)<br />
GREG STREET – DJ Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
The Ultimate Hustler, Greg once balanced dual radio<br />
shows in Atlanta and Dallas and has expanded his brand<br />
to encompass car shows, sneaker shows, and other entrepreneurial<br />
ventures.<br />
JAMES EICHELBERGER / A&R, TVT Records – A&R<br />
Panel (New York, NY)<br />
JASON GETER / Co-CEO, Grand Hustle – Indie CEO<br />
Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
As both T.I.’s manager and business partner, Jason can be<br />
largely credited with not only the success of T.I.’s individual<br />
career, but the success of the label as a whole. Grand<br />
Hustle was responsible for the Hustle & Flow soundtrack<br />
and, in addition to the veteran P$C crew, recently brought<br />
in new acts like Young Dro and Yola who are set to follow in T.I.’s footsteps<br />
and achieve worldwide success.<br />
JESUS TRIVINO ALARCON / Senior Editor, Scratch <strong>Magazine</strong> – Media Panel<br />
(New York, NY)<br />
Jesus Trivino Alarcon has been apart of the Scratch <strong>Magazine</strong> family from the<br />
beginning as a founding editor of the DJ publication. Alarcon is not relegated<br />
to the desk as he has interviewed Nas, Kanye West, Willie Colon, Jay-Z while<br />
writing for Vibe, The Source, XXL, King, People.com and others. As a Brooklyn-born<br />
South American, Alarcon provides a unique experience that readers<br />
can’t enjoy more.<br />
JILL STRADA / Program Director, WPYO Power 95.3 FM<br />
– Women In The Industry Panel (Orlando, FL)<br />
Jill Strada is currently the Program Director of Orlando<br />
hip-hop station WPYO/Power 95.3. Jill entered the entertainment<br />
industry in January 1996 as a promotion intern<br />
at WJHM/102 Jamz in Orlando. In 1999, she became<br />
the Marketing Director of a new start up radio station in<br />
Orlando, WPYO/95.3 Party. Jill is always challenging herself, and over time<br />
she took on additional responsibilities in the station’s programming department<br />
and added Assistant Program Director & Music Director to her title. Jill<br />
also believes that giving back is one thing that is missing in the industry, so she<br />
started up Stradagy Inc. – a non-profit organization that fosters mentorship<br />
within the entertainment industry.<br />
JIM JONSIN - Producers Panel (Miami, FL)<br />
Formerly 1/2 of the Unusual Suspects duo with Big D, Jim<br />
has now branched off into a solo production career and<br />
also maintains an executive position at Southbeat Records.<br />
Production credits include Trick Daddy “Let’s Go,” Pitbull<br />
f/ Piccalo “Dammit Man,” Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris “Unpredictable,”<br />
Pretty Ricky “Your Body,” Pretty Ricky “Grind<br />
With Me,” and Trina f/ Kelly Rowland “Here We Go.”<br />
JOIE MANDA / Head of A&R & Promotions, Asylum<br />
Records - A&R Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Asylum, billed as an “incubator” label, serves as the “umbrella”<br />
for many successful indie labels like Swishahouse.<br />
As head of A&R, Joie is involved with projects from artists<br />
like Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Webbie, Lil Boosie, Cam’Ron,<br />
and Bun B.<br />
KASPA / CEO, Hittmenn DJs (Atlanta, GA)<br />
and Ray Cash.<br />
KAWAN PRATHER / Executive VP of Sony Urban and<br />
Head A&R (New York, NY)<br />
Originally from Atlanta, KP first made his mark as an<br />
A&R by pairing Usher with Jermaine Dupri for the My<br />
Way album. He also discovered and signed T.I. and the<br />
YoungBloodz and signed them to LaFace Records long<br />
before the Southern movement was widely accepted.<br />
Now at Sony, his most recent signees include John Legend<br />
KHAO – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Production credits include Young Jeezy f/ Trick Daddy<br />
& Young Buck “Last of a Dying Breed,” T.I. “Why U<br />
Wanna,” T.I. “Stand Up Guy,” T.I. f/ P$C “Limelight,”<br />
Paul Wall f/ T.I. “So Many Diamonds,” and Lil Kim “Get<br />
Yours.”<br />
KIM OSORIO – Editor, BET.com<br />
Although you may recognize her name as former editor<br />
of The Source during the Dave & Benzino days, Kim is<br />
now responsible for BET’s online content.<br />
KLC / producer, Beats By the Pound & The Medicine<br />
Men – Producers Panel (Baton Rouge, LA)<br />
Few producers can claim an entire place in time. KLC as<br />
a member of Beats By The Pound served as the backbone<br />
behind the No Limit movement that peaked at over 40<br />
million units sold and opened a brand new sound. Today,<br />
as a member of The Medicine Men, KLC has produced for<br />
mega stars such as Ludacris and Mariah Carey while anticipating<br />
the release of the first release for The Medicine<br />
Men’s Overdose/Asylum venture entitled KLC The Drum Major.<br />
KRAZE / CEO, All Access DVD (New York, NY)<br />
MATT SONZALA / Writer, Photographer, Promoter,<br />
Booker –Media Panel (Houston, TX)<br />
Matt Sonzala is a writer/photographer/promoter/booking<br />
agent from Houston, TX. He’s been in the music game<br />
since the age of 16 when he first started promoting live<br />
events at clubs. Since then he has developed into THE<br />
voice for Houston hip-hop. While he is not affiliated with<br />
any artist officially, when you need to get at someone from Texas, you call<br />
Matt first. In recent years he has been published in <strong>Ozone</strong>, The Source, XXL<br />
and Vibe <strong>Magazine</strong>, and is currently booking artists like Devin the Dude and<br />
DJ Rapid Ric on tours of Europe, Canada, and the Pacific Rim. His weekly<br />
radio program - the wildly popular Damage Control Show with DJ Chill - is<br />
heard all over the world and is a direct link to everything going on in Dirty<br />
South Rap.<br />
MAURICE G. GARLAND / Music Editor, OZONE <strong>Magazine</strong> – Media Panel<br />
(Atlanta, GA)<br />
After a stint working at Rolling Out, Maurice joined the OZONE team and<br />
has been responsible for several memorable spreads (“20 Greatest Southern<br />
Albums,” “Bay Area Patiently Waiting,” etc.).<br />
MICKEY “MeMpHiTz” WRIGHT / VP, A&R – Jive; CEO,<br />
HiTz Committee – A&R Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Arriving in New York fresh from his hometown of Memphis,<br />
Tennessee, Mickey Wright embarked on a journey<br />
fueled by faith and determination that would eventually<br />
lead him to becoming the most sought after golden ears<br />
of hip-hop. Wright released both the debut album of<br />
his latest signing, Tallahassee R&B singer/songwriter, T-Pain, as well as the<br />
YoungBloodZ’s third album, only a week apart. He is currently back in the<br />
studio, preparing releases with legendary Houston group UGK, J-Kwon, and<br />
newcomer M.O.S. (Money Over Sex), a rapper from Durham, NC. With his<br />
recent promotion to Vice President of A&R at Jive, Wright’s eyes and ears are<br />
always poised for the next big thing, but he particularly cares “more about real<br />
talent, potential stardom, and longevity.”<br />
MIKE CAREN / Senior Vice President of A&R, Atlantic Records - A&R Panel<br />
(Los Angeles, CA)<br />
ozone 11 awards
MICHAEL CLARKE / VP, Swisha House; owner, M&M Music – Indie Exec<br />
Panel (Houston, TX)<br />
Michael Clarke embarked on a career in the music industry before landing a<br />
coveted executive position at Swisha House Records. A proprietor of the family<br />
owned and operated M&M Music, Clarke assumed full responsibilities of<br />
manning and operating the award winning record store in 1996. Since joining<br />
the Swisha House family officially in 2003, Clarke has risen in ranks from a<br />
consultant to Vice President. Clarke expertly outlines the marketing and promotional<br />
procedures for all artists on the Swisha House roster simultaneously<br />
working in conjunction with the record company partner’s various departments<br />
to provide artists with optimal success.<br />
MIKE RIOS / Mixunit.com (Hartford, CT)<br />
MISS INFO / Journalist, Personality – Hot 97<br />
– Women In The Industry Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Whether on radio, television, or print, Miss Info<br />
brings the same opinionated blend of wit, news, and<br />
gossip that’s become her trademark. Born to Korean<br />
immigrants in Chicago, Miss Info moved to New<br />
York to join the staff at the Source <strong>Magazine</strong>. She has<br />
since written and edited for magazines such as Vibe,<br />
XXL, King, Mass Appeal, Rolling Stone, Glamour<br />
as well as MTV News and various shows on VH1. Recently, Miss Info joined<br />
New York City’s Hot 97 family, wrote a book, and still has time to pen a<br />
monthly Vibe column and give writing workshops.<br />
MR. COLLIPARK – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Also known as DJ Smurf, Collipark crafted the sound<br />
and progress of the Ying Yang Twins career and now<br />
is working with several new acts including P Stones<br />
and Homebwoi. He produced the infamous “whisper<br />
song” for the Ying Yang Twins as well as David<br />
Banner’s “Play,” Bubba Sparxxx’ “Ms. New Booty,”<br />
Bun B’s “Git It,” Pitbull’s “Shake,” and dozens of<br />
other Ying Yang Twins hits.<br />
N. ALI EARLY / Editor at Large, Grip <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
– Media Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
A proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University, N.<br />
Ali Early began humbly with UrbanStyle Weekly<br />
serving as Music Editor for 2 years. Since then Early<br />
has set the world on fire with credits in XXL, The<br />
Source, Vibe, and more while still having time to<br />
launch his media umbrella, www.KreativeSouls.<br />
com. Now as Editor-At-Large for Grip <strong>Magazine</strong>,<br />
Early is optimistic knowing that “the sky’s the limit<br />
as to what we can accomplish – and we want it all.”<br />
NITTI – Producer Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
“This is a Nitti beat,” c’mon, you had to have heard<br />
that at least a million times by now on the intro to<br />
Yung Joc’s “It’s Goin’ Down.” Nitti has also crafted<br />
beats for 8Ball, Young Jeezy, Rasheeda, and a crop of<br />
talented upcoming Atlanta artists.<br />
RAHMAN DUKES / MTV News - Media Panel<br />
(New York, NY)<br />
ROSLYNN COBARRUBIAS / NARIP,<br />
MySpace.com – Technology Panel<br />
Roslynn Cobarrubias started “Third Floor<br />
Radio” in college in 1998 where she acted<br />
as host, producer and DJ. In July of 2004,<br />
she came to MySpace. While holding the<br />
position of Director of Marketing for the<br />
National Association of Record Industry<br />
Professionals (NARIP), Cobarrubias met Chris De<br />
Wolfe (CEO of MySpace.com) via her former boss, president of the network,<br />
Tess Taylor. The web community had just begun MySpace Music and only<br />
had 3.5 million users compared to the 90 million +<br />
that it has to date. Friends know her as a work-aholic<br />
that calls herself the “traveling janitor.” She<br />
prides herself most in the ability to help others and<br />
has a strong belief in coincidences after reading the<br />
Celestine Prophecy numerous times.<br />
SHAKIR STEWART / Senior VP of A&R, Island Def<br />
Jam – A&R Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
During Def Jam’s transition, Shakir helped maintain the label’s reputation for<br />
breaking rap acts by signing bubbling talent like Young Jeezy and Rick Ross<br />
and helping their careers break on a national level.<br />
SHAWN HOLIDAY / Senior VP of A&R, Universal Records – A&R Panel<br />
(Los Angeles, CA)<br />
SUPA CINDY / Personality, WEDR-Miami – Women<br />
In The Industry Panel (Miami, FL)<br />
For the past 6 1/2 years Supa Cindy has kept the #1<br />
spot in the Arbitron ratings. First with her partner<br />
Big Lip Bandit in the evenings and now for the last<br />
2 years as part of the “Big Lip Bandit in the A.M.”<br />
Mornings Show. Along with holding the title as<br />
the most popular female radio personality in South<br />
Florida, Supa Cindy also has the responsibility of<br />
running her own non profit organization called “Supa Friends” whose main<br />
goal is to motivate and inspire young women. Supa Cindy plans to use her<br />
bilingual skills (thanks to her Haitian and Dominican parents) to broaden her<br />
resume with a new television venture.<br />
TED LUCAS / CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records – Indie CEO Panel (Miami, FL)<br />
WES PHILLIPS / Select-O-Hits (Memphis, TN)<br />
THE RUNNERS – Production Panel (Orlando, FL)<br />
They got their big break with Rick Ross’ “Hustlin’”<br />
and DJ Khaled’s “Born & Raised,” and are now working<br />
with everyone from Lil Wayne to UGK.<br />
TIFFANY CHILES / CEO, Don Diva <strong>Magazine</strong> – Media<br />
Panel (New York, NY)<br />
TONY NEAL / CEO, The CORE DJs – DJ Crew<br />
Panel (Milwaukee, WI)<br />
After a rather vocal departure from the Tech.Nitions,<br />
Tony pushed forward to create his own DJ<br />
crew The CORE and has assembled an all-star cast<br />
of DJs and industry movers & shakers from across<br />
the country that moves as one unit. A former boxer,<br />
Tony’s take-charge attitude has enabled him to build<br />
a strong, valuable army of DJs.<br />
UNCLE LUKE / CEO, Luke Records – Indie Exec<br />
Panel (Miami, FL)<br />
A veteran in the game both as an artist and a businessman,<br />
Luke can provide valuable information of<br />
what to do – and what not to do – when running<br />
your own record label.<br />
VINCE PHILLIPS / Co-CEO, BME – Indie Exec<br />
Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
In addition to his work as an entertainment attorney<br />
for some of the biggest names in Atlanta music,<br />
Vince owns BME along with Lil Jon, Rob Mac, and<br />
Emperor Searcy. The upstart label which launched<br />
Lil Jon’s career now boasts a promising roster that<br />
includes Lil Scrappy, Trillville, E-40, Chyna Whyte,<br />
Bohagon, B.H.I., and more.<br />
WENDY DAY / Founder, Rap Coalition - Women In<br />
The Industry Panel (Atlanta, GA)<br />
In chess, the Queen is the most powerful piece on the<br />
board. Likewise, Wendy Day runs the boardroom as<br />
if she wields the power, continuously crafting deals<br />
for the likes of Cash Money, No Limit, Eminem, and<br />
David Banner. Founder of the Rap Coalition, she is<br />
an advocate for artist rights and believes firmly in the<br />
adage “knowledge is power.”<br />
WENDY WASHINGTON / Senior VP of Media Relations,<br />
Universal Records – Women In The Industry<br />
Panel (New York, NY)<br />
Once a law school student, Wendy now runs Universal’s<br />
media relations/publicity department. During<br />
her first years in the music industry, she helped Bad<br />
Boy launch Biggie’s career. Since then, she’s been<br />
responsible for securing press coverage for everyone<br />
from A Tribe Called Quest to Nelly to Juvenile.<br />
ozone 12 awards
First Annual OZONE Awards: Sunday, August 6th<br />
at the Bob Carr Auditorium in downtown Orlando, FL<br />
red carpet: 4-6 PM showtime: 7 PM<br />
in association with TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker’s Music Conference (August 4th-5th)<br />
visit www.ozonemag.com or www.tjsdjs.com to register for weekend passes to all events<br />
Tickets to the OZONE Awards are also available through www.ticketmaster.com<br />
Nominees were selected by a panel of DJs, journalists, and other knowledgeable, non-biased individuals in the rap community. OZONE is widely known and respected as<br />
the premiere voice of Southern rap music, so it’s only right that our nominations this year are focused on Southern artists. Keep in mind that this year’s nominations are based<br />
solely on music released between May 1, 2005 and April 30, 2006.<br />
BEST ALBUM - RAP<br />
Bun B - Trill Rap-A-Lot/Asylum<br />
The king of collaborations brought together the entire South<br />
for his perfectly-timed first solo album, even uniting Houston<br />
- if only for a few minutes - on the “Draped Up” remix.<br />
Juvenile - Reality Check Atlantic<br />
Facing with the challenge of adjusting to a new recording<br />
home and picking up his life after Katrina, Juve came with<br />
his best material since his groundbreaking Cash Money<br />
release 400 Degreez.<br />
Lil Wayne - The Carter 2 Cash Money/Universal<br />
Wayne became a critical and media darling with the superior<br />
lyrical dexterity he showcased on his latest project.<br />
T.I. - King Grand Hustle/Atlantic<br />
He claimed the throne years ago, and backed it up in a major<br />
way in 2006 with one of his strongest efforts to date.<br />
Young Jeezy - Thug Motivation: Let’s Get It Def Jam<br />
The highly-anticipated major label debut from the South’s<br />
hottest underground commodity spawned numerous hit<br />
singles and club anthems.<br />
BEST RAP ARTIST (MALE)<br />
Bun B<br />
Left alone to keep the UGK flame burning, the Trillest of the Trill came<br />
strong with a gang of top notch collaborations and elevated himself to<br />
become one of the finest solo artists in the rap game.<br />
Lil Wayne<br />
Cash Money’s most loyal soldier took shots at former labelmates Juvenile<br />
and B.G., but backed it up with a release that captured his confidence,<br />
growth, and versatility.<br />
Paul Wall<br />
In addition to dropping his first national release, The People’s Champ was<br />
everywhere this year. He dropped verses for everyone from T-Pain to<br />
Nelly to Bun B and even using the birth of his firstborn son as an opportunity<br />
to market his side hustle selling grills.<br />
T.I.<br />
This Urban Legend told you he was Serious, but he still had to Trap you<br />
with his Muzik until you crowned him the King he’d always claimed to<br />
be.<br />
Young Jeezy<br />
After helping to establish Boyz N Da Hood, the Snowman used his charisma<br />
to entrance the entire nation as he vividly described the realities of<br />
street life.<br />
BEST RAP ARTIST (FEMALE)<br />
Crime Mob (Diamond & Princess)<br />
This young duo kept their crew’s name alive after people got tired of<br />
knucking and bucking.<br />
Jacki-O<br />
The self-proclaimed Madam of Miami will take your attention, your man<br />
and your jewelry if the cameras aren’t watching. But, when on the mic,<br />
she takes no shit.<br />
Khia<br />
Raw and uncut, Khia still represents for the ghetto females in the ongoing<br />
battle of the sexes (“J.O.D.D.,” “Snatch the Cat Back”).<br />
Rasheeda<br />
The “R” in her name must stand for resilient. This “Georgia Peach” has<br />
proven that she’s here to stay.<br />
Shawnna<br />
Slowly but surely stepping out of Ludacris’ shadow, this Chi-Town queen<br />
is about to make the world respect female emcees again.<br />
Trina<br />
Attitude for years, sassiness for months and ass for days, Trina “blah blah<br />
blah”-ed her way to the top and snagged Birdman Jr. on the way.<br />
ozone 161 13 awards
nominees<br />
BEST R&B ARTIST (MALE)<br />
Anthony Hamilton<br />
The raw emotions in his voice catapulted him to near iconic status in<br />
today’s climate of soulless music.<br />
Bobby Valentino<br />
This former Mista front man went from Organizing Noize to Disturbing<br />
Tha Peace and created a sound hit in the process.<br />
Chris Brown<br />
This smooth teen catapulted to the top of the charts virtually overnight.<br />
Ne-Yo<br />
After penning hit records for Mario and others, Ne-Yo stepped out into<br />
his own limelight.<br />
Pretty Ricky<br />
A little raunchy for your mother’s liking, but Pretty Ricky snuck their<br />
way into the hearts of teenage girls everywhere. Their “Grind” finally<br />
paid off.<br />
T-Pain<br />
With his seamless songwriting abilities, this Rappa Ternt Sanga made it<br />
seem classy to fall in love with a stripper.<br />
BEST R&B ARTIST (FEMALE)<br />
Christina Milian<br />
Although born in New Jersey, this talented singer spends a lot of time in<br />
the Dirty Dirty these days, collaborating with Young Jeezy, Lil Jon, and<br />
Miami production duo Cool & Dre.<br />
Ciara<br />
This overnight celebrity dropped an album and had a run that proves she<br />
will be here for many moons.<br />
Destiny’s Child<br />
Houston’s angels bid farewell, but did so in grand fashion.<br />
Joi<br />
George Clinton, Big Gipp, Bun B and Pastor Troy can vouch for her. She<br />
is the Queen of the Underground.<br />
Keyshia Cole<br />
Swiftly becoming the Mary J. Blige of her generation, Ms. Cole got hyphy<br />
with the fellas but still represented for the ladies.<br />
LeToya Luckett<br />
Showing that there is indeed life after Beyonce, Luckett crept in with the<br />
Houston wave and found her niche.<br />
BEST ALBUM - R&B<br />
Anthony Hamilton - Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ Arista<br />
His second studio album clearly indicated that he was not a flash in the<br />
pan.<br />
Lyfe Jennings - Lyfe 268-192 Sony<br />
If every convicted felon had a soulful voice and songwriting skills like the<br />
ones displayed on Lyfe’s autobiographical debut, we wouldn’t see many<br />
repeat offenders. Fuck a license plate – give them a guitar!<br />
Ne-Yo - In My Own Words Def Jam<br />
R&B’s new man of the hour scored big with “So Sick” and his debut<br />
album.<br />
T-Pain - Rappa Ternt Sanga Konvict/Jive<br />
Tallahassee’s multi-talented son dropped an album laced with his trademark<br />
singing and production style, and produced two massive hits in the<br />
process. Not bad for a rapper.<br />
Trey Songz - I Gotta Make It Atlantic<br />
Originally written off as an R Kelly Jr., Trey Songz created his own lane<br />
and brought a breath of fresh air to R&B.<br />
BEST RAP GROUP<br />
Boyz N Da Hood<br />
A collective comprised of two underground rap vets and two flashy newcomers,<br />
Boyz N Da Hood took the South by storm, drawing comparisons<br />
to the legendary gangsta rap group N.W.A.<br />
D4L<br />
Love them, hate them, or hate them a lot, ATL foursome D4L ignored the<br />
dissenters and made an undeniable run for the top.<br />
Dem Franchize Boyz<br />
Right when you thought they got worn out, Dem Franchize Boyz dusted<br />
off the “White Tees” and reminded us why we like them.<br />
Little Brother<br />
They held up a mirror and forced hip-hop to take a good look at itself<br />
with their critically acclaimed major debut The Minstrel Show.<br />
Three 6 Mafia<br />
It’s a little easier out here for a pimp now that Memphis legends Three 6<br />
Mafia have received their mainstream respect.<br />
Ying Yang Twins<br />
Best known for their strip club anthems, this Atlanta duo expanded their<br />
horizons into grown-man territory with United State of Atlanta - and still<br />
managed a few “HANH!”s in the process.<br />
BEST LYRICIST<br />
Bun B<br />
The South ain’t got lyrics, huh Tell that to Bun B. There’s a reason why<br />
he’s been featured alongside virtually every rapper you’ve ever heard of.<br />
Chamillionaire<br />
Even though he’s reppin’ the Screwed and Chopped state of Texas,<br />
Cham’s flows and lyrics are anything but slow.<br />
Killer Mike<br />
Shaky release dates and a shelved album almost deaded his name, but<br />
Killa Kill managed to stay alive with the amazing freestyles and lyrical<br />
dexterity of The Killer mixtape and the Got Purp compilation.<br />
Lil Wayne<br />
Lil Wayne finally gained nationwide respect for being the talented emcee<br />
that he has been since his pre-teen years.<br />
Scarface<br />
For well over a decade Scarface has proven why he is one of the most<br />
revered voices in all of hip-hop. In 2006 he continued to add to his legendary<br />
status with his group The Product.<br />
T.I.<br />
He talks cash shit and he’s money on the mic, but T.I. still spits like he<br />
struggling in the trap.<br />
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST<br />
Mike Jones<br />
He may not have picked up his phone when you called, but Mike Jones<br />
saw his career go from off the radar to off the hook.<br />
Paul Wall<br />
On top of single-handedly birthing (and soon killing) our fascination with<br />
Grillz, Paul Wall went from being a local Chick Magnet to The People’s<br />
Champ.<br />
Rick Ross<br />
Hustlin’ every day (for years) led Miami’s Rick Ross to a major label bidding<br />
war and a multi-million dollar Def Jam deal.<br />
ozone 14 awards
nominees<br />
Slim Thug<br />
They say everything’s bigger in Texas. Houston’s 7-footer was ridin’ a<br />
Bentley even before the album dropped.<br />
T-Pain<br />
Save for the now infamous chain-snatching incident, T-Pain’s breakthrough<br />
has been a pleasurable experience. Being “Sprung” and “In Luv”<br />
never hurt nobody.<br />
Webbie<br />
Coming from Lousiana’s ‘other’ city, Baton Rouge’s Webbie brought back<br />
the I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude that others have forgotten.<br />
BEST RAP COLLABORATION<br />
Bun B f/ H-Town All Stars (Lil Keke, Slim Thug, Paul Wall,<br />
Mike Jones, Aztek, Lil Flip, Z-Ro) “Draped Up (remix)”<br />
Rodney King and DJ Screw would be so proud to see everybody just get<br />
along. Or at least they edited it that way.<br />
DJ Khaled f/ Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Pitbull<br />
“Holla At Me Baby”<br />
Miami’s DJ Khaled called in a bunch of favors for this energetic lead<br />
single off his debut album.<br />
Purple Ribbon All-Stars (Big Boi & Killer Mike) “Kryptonite”<br />
Yeah, the song was jamming. But you may need to go back and listen<br />
closely to Big Boi’s verse. He’s no slouch.<br />
Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck & 8Ball & MJG “Stay Fly”<br />
This Tennessee union was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.<br />
Trae f/ Big Hawk & Fat Pat “Swang”<br />
Only God can bring the whole crew back, but until then, Screwed Up<br />
Click fans have Trae’s tribute to hold them down.<br />
BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION<br />
Beyonce f/ Slim Thug “Check Up On It”<br />
This H-Town radio friendly combo had clubs jumpin’ all across the<br />
country.<br />
Field Mob f/ Ludacris & Jamie Foxx “Georgia”<br />
These underrated country boys paid tribute to their home state along<br />
with Luda and a damn good Ray Charles impersonation by Jamie Foxx.<br />
T-Pain f/ R Kelly, Twista, Pimp C, Paul Wall, MJG, & Too<br />
$hort “I’m In Luv (Wit’ A Stripper)” remix<br />
Better known as “T-Pain featuring everyone,” the only hit bigger than the<br />
original version of this song was the remix. Apparently, a lot of men can<br />
relate.<br />
Ying Yang Twins f/ Avant “Bedroom Boom”<br />
Atlanta’s wildest “twins” got grown and sexy and hooked up with Avant<br />
to serenade the ladies.<br />
Young Jeezy f/ Akon “Soul Survivor”<br />
Akon’s unique vocals were a perfect match for Jeezy’s street tales on this<br />
massive hit from Jeezy’s debut album.<br />
NO ESCAPE AWARD<br />
The record that was such a huge hit you literally could not escape it if you<br />
wanted to - from the radio to the clubs to the streets, it was everywhere.<br />
D4L “Laffy Taffy”<br />
Love it or hate it, music lovers of all ages were introduced to snap music<br />
in a big way through D4L’s breakthrough record.<br />
David Banner “Play”<br />
Banner stepped outside of his element and showed his versatility by creating<br />
a smash hit with Mr. Collipark that blew up, riding the wave created<br />
by the Ying Yang Twins’ “Wait.”<br />
Dem Franchize Boyz “Lean Wit’ It, Rock Wit’ It”<br />
DFB ruled the airwaves in the year of the snap, with back-to-back radio<br />
cuts that were unavoidable.<br />
Dem Franchize Boyz f/ Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, and Bow<br />
Wow “Oh I Think They Like Me (remix)”<br />
Jermaine and his entire So So Def roster came through to remix this<br />
“White Tees” spin-off.<br />
Webbie f/ Bun B “Gimme Dat”<br />
We’re not condoning rape - but when a woman says “no,” sometimes she<br />
actually does mean “yes,” which could explain this record’s widespread<br />
appeal.<br />
CLUB BANGER<br />
Bubba Sparxxx f/ Ying Yang Twins “Ms. New Booty”<br />
After a disappointing reaction to his sophomore attempt, Bubba came<br />
back strong with his third-time’s-the-Charm project and gave the people<br />
what they wanted.<br />
Rick Ross “Hustlin’”<br />
Everybody in the country can relate to this record, no matter what their<br />
hustle is.<br />
T.I. “What You Know”<br />
The lead single off King set the stage for both T.I.’s big screen debut and<br />
his biggest album to date.<br />
Ying Yang Twins f/ Pitbull “Shake”<br />
First they caught the country’s attention with a whisper - then back to<br />
the usual ass-shaking ruckus, teaming up with Pitbull for added effect and<br />
multi-cultural appeal.<br />
Yung Joc “It’s Goin’ Down”<br />
This breakthrough record from Bad Boy South’s newest representative<br />
came complete with its own dance.<br />
MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD<br />
Chingo Bling<br />
Texas’ tamale king stays in the kitchen, whipping up new product.<br />
DSR<br />
Dallas’ T-Town Music collective landed a $7 million dollar deal with<br />
Universal Records off their impressive underground grind.<br />
Magno<br />
Mike Jones’ (who) former partner Magno now represents DJ Clue’s<br />
Desert Storm South and stays on his mixtape grind.<br />
Pitbull<br />
No longer just Mr. 305, this internationally recognized superstar still stays<br />
true to his humble beginnings and releases mixtapes frequently.<br />
Plies<br />
Ft. Myers, FL newcomer Plies’ 100% Real Nigga mixtapes with Cool<br />
Runnings’ DJ Bigga Rankin helped him amass plenty of fans, and haters,<br />
in 2006.<br />
Young Jeezy<br />
This category wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Jeezy’s accomplishments<br />
with mixtapeS like Trap or Die and Can’t Ban the Snowman.<br />
SLEPT ON ARTIST<br />
B.G.<br />
Although he’s been in the game for a decade plus, B.G.’s independent<br />
releases and lyrical skills have been largely underappreciated by the<br />
mainstream rap audience.<br />
ozone 15 awards
nominees<br />
Bohagon<br />
Lil Jon’s secret weapon helped everybody “Get Crunk,” but he’s just a<br />
soulful country boy at heart.<br />
Jody Breeze<br />
Jazze Pha protege and Boyz N Da Hood member Jody Breeze is still waiting<br />
to drop his solo album, and fans are waiting also.<br />
Little Brother<br />
Allegedly dubbed “too intelligent” for their audience by BET, the lack<br />
of recognition for this North Carolina trio proves once again that catchy<br />
hooks unfortunately often win over substance.<br />
Webbie<br />
Grimy, gutta, and unrefined, this truly talented Baton Rouge rhymer<br />
stayed somewhat under the radar despite two big singles.<br />
Yo Gotti<br />
Respected in the streets of Memphis and beyond, Yo Gotti is still awaiting<br />
national recognition.<br />
LIVING LEGEND AWARD<br />
The trailblazing artist/individual who’s influence can be clearly seen in<br />
the music released during this time period.<br />
8Ball & MJG<br />
Before all the radio play and mainstream attention, it was 8Ball and MJG<br />
who helped put Southern music on the map with Comin’ Out Hard. Since<br />
then, they’ve maintained their core fanbase.<br />
Scarface<br />
After parting ways with the Geto Boys, this Houston emcee developed a<br />
ghetto-nurtured rap trademark, leading a wave of Southern emcees who<br />
emulated his style.<br />
Three 6 Mafia<br />
By now, we all know that they made history by winning an Academy<br />
Award. But even before the Oscar, these Memphis legends’ impact was<br />
clear.<br />
Too $hort<br />
Sharing his sexual tales and stories of violence, Too $hort pioneered a<br />
movement while earning two gold and four platinum plaques. More importantly,<br />
he blazed a trail for the South’s independent explosion.<br />
UGK<br />
Port Arthur, TX, rap partners Bun B and Pimp C have each earned the<br />
title of Underground King. Bun B also gets the loyalty award for his<br />
relentless (and apparently, successful) “Free Pimp C” campaign.<br />
Uncle Luke<br />
From challenging censors to paving the way as a businessman, Miami’s<br />
bass king has earned the title of “pioneer.”<br />
TJ’s DJ’s HUSTLER AWARD<br />
DJ Chuck T<br />
Carolina representative “Mr. Publicity” lives up to his name, churning out<br />
mixtapes consistently and maintaining numerous other hustles.<br />
David Banner<br />
Whether rapping, producing, acting, or aiding hurricane victims in his<br />
home state of Mississippi, Banner redefines 24/7.<br />
DJ Drama<br />
Drama and his Affiliates’ crew are literally everywhere, and he played a<br />
key role in the success of artists like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Paul Wall.<br />
Mike Jones<br />
You don’t grind, you don’t shine. You don’t work, you don’t eat. Call 281-<br />
330-8004 for more information.<br />
Tampa Tony<br />
Known for his Florida anthem “Keep Jukin’,” Tampa’s most creative artist<br />
added “inventor” to his list of job titles this year with the ingenious<br />
smoker’s device Da Splitta.<br />
Tony Neal<br />
The founder of The CORE DJs, Tony goes the extra mile to make sure his<br />
crew eats.<br />
TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKER AWARD:<br />
(MUSIC/SOUND)<br />
DJ Screw<br />
Although he’s gone (R.I.P.), his legacy and music lives on through<br />
Houston’s recent rap explosion.<br />
K-Rab<br />
Snap, crackle, pop. The “inventor” of Atlanta’s newest trend, snap music,<br />
K-Rab’s impact is clear.<br />
Lil Jon<br />
Even though somewhat silenced this year by label issues, Jon ventured<br />
beyond the South and kept his sound alive by linking up with rock groups<br />
like Korn and California legends like E-40.<br />
Mr. Collipark<br />
Although its longevity remains to be seen, Mr. Collipark’s vision for a<br />
new genre of “intimate club music” became a reality with the success of<br />
the Ying Yang Twins’ “Wait” and David Banner’s “Play.”<br />
T-Pain<br />
Florida’s dreadlocked rapper, singer, and producer discovered a new vocal<br />
effect in the studio and “went crazy” with it. Love it or hate it, you’ve got<br />
to admit that it worked.<br />
TJ’s DJ’s TASTEMAKER AWARD:<br />
(STYLE/TRENDSETTER)<br />
Dem Franchize Boyz<br />
White tees have become hip-hop’s official uniform, thanks in part to<br />
DFB.<br />
Fabo of D4L<br />
Famous for his white sunglasses, Fabo’s unique style kicked off a new<br />
trend.<br />
Lil Wayne<br />
Bling, bling. Every time I come around your city, bling bling.<br />
Paul Wall & TV Johnny<br />
Everyone and their brother, sister, mama, and grandmomma has a grill<br />
now, thanks to Paul Wall’s side hustle and his comedic - but presumably<br />
rich - business partner, Johnny Dang of TV Jewelry.<br />
T.I.<br />
Not only is T.I. a great rapper, but he’s also become a sex symbol.<br />
Young Jeezy<br />
Although CNN tried, they couldn’t ban the Snowman. Jeezy’s trademark<br />
t-shirts became a best-seller at hip-hop clothing stores worldwide.<br />
BEST VIDEO<br />
Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone “Ridin’ Dirty”<br />
Kudos are already in order for having Debo in the video, but the parallel<br />
between pro wrestling and police brutality was ingenious.<br />
Da BackWudz “I Don’t Like The Look of It”<br />
The Willy Wonka movie is already weird enough, so calling this video<br />
weird is mundane. But you have to appreciate a vid where the models<br />
don’t get more face time than the artist.<br />
David Banner “Play”<br />
ozone 16 awards
nominees<br />
Speaking of models, this one was a who’s who. Sweaty, steamy and sticky,<br />
Banner gave his fans a little eye and ear candy.<br />
Juvenile “Get Ya Hustle On”<br />
This video had more accurate Katrina reporting than Fox News on their<br />
best day. Juve reminded us of the forgotten.<br />
Rick Ross “Hustlin’”<br />
Crossing the bridge into the real Miami, Rick Ross gave the world a<br />
glimpse of the everyday hustle in his Carol City ‘hood.<br />
Three 6 Mafia f/ Young Buck and 8Ball & MJG “Stay Fly”<br />
A night in the life of a rap star: endless partying captured by great camera<br />
work made us feel like we were right there with them.<br />
Honorable mention: Although Korn is not a Southern rap group,<br />
their video for “Twisted Transistor,” which featured Lil Jon, David<br />
Banner, Xzibit, and Snoop Dogg playing the roles of the band, certainly<br />
deserves mention.<br />
HONORARY SOUTHERNER AWARD<br />
The artist from outside our region who showed the most love the South<br />
and/or was most accepted in the South.<br />
Cam’Ron<br />
Don’t forget, this guy rapped on the “Neva Scared” remix and did a “Bout<br />
It” remake a while back. So his collabos with Webbie and Lil’ Wayne<br />
should come as no surprise - he’s no bandwagon jumper.<br />
E-40<br />
He unified crunk with hyphy and still maintained his O.G. status.<br />
Juelz Santana<br />
His Jeezy mixtape hasn’t dropped, but Juelz earned his Dirty South pass.<br />
Too $hort<br />
Having lived in Atlanta since the 90s, he’s damn near a Southerner now.<br />
But at the end of the day he’s “still coming straight from Oakland.”<br />
Twista<br />
Chi-town’s rapid-fire spitter’s trademark style has universal appeal, and<br />
Twista is no stranger to Dirty South collabos.<br />
BEST CLUB DJ<br />
Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL)<br />
Cool Runnings’ O.G. Bigga Rankin faithfully preaches his Ghetto Gospel<br />
to clubgoers all throughout the South, no matter how drunk they are.<br />
DJ Irie (Miami, FL)<br />
Widely regarded as one of the top mixers in the country, the official<br />
DJ of the Miami Heat still finds time to rock your favorite South Beach<br />
nightspots.<br />
DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)<br />
Waited in line too long and your favorite record was over by the time you<br />
got inside Don’t worry, the Southern version of Funkmaster Flex is sure<br />
to bring it back and drop a bomb on it - three or four times.<br />
Lil Larry (Memphis, TN)<br />
Larry keeps the clubs poppin’ in Tennessee.<br />
DJ Mars (Atlanta, GA)<br />
The CEO of the SuperFriends’ DJ crew, Mars keeps the party jumpin’.<br />
BEST RADIO DJ<br />
DJ Khaled (Miami, FL)<br />
If you had a bad day at work, Khaled’s afternoon mix is sure to liven up<br />
the rest of your day.<br />
Freddy Hydro (Memphis, TN)<br />
Yo Gotti drama aside, Freddy Hydro has been holding down the Memphis<br />
airwaves and streets for quite some time.<br />
Greg Street (Atlanta, GA)<br />
When workaholic Greg Street isn’t planning a celebrity car show, sneaker<br />
show, or party, he can usually be heard blazing the Atlanta airwaves.<br />
DJ Nasty (Orlando, FL)<br />
Now branching off into the production world, Nasty’s skills on the turntables<br />
remain top-of-the-line.<br />
Michael Watts (Houston, TX)<br />
Swishahouse’s Michael Watts carries on the legacy of DJ Screw through<br />
the fine art of chopping and Screwing.<br />
BEST PRODUCER<br />
Cool & Dre<br />
Miami’s Terror Squad affiliates Cool & Dre have put their stamp on the<br />
industry, producing massive hits for Ja Rule and Game and more recent<br />
records like Christina Milian’s “Say I” and Juvenile’s “Rodeo.”<br />
Jermaine Dupri<br />
After landing both an executive position and a label deal at Virgin Records,<br />
he bulked up his roster by producing hits for Dem Franchize Boyz<br />
and Bow Wow post-puberty.<br />
Lil Jon<br />
After a few years as the reigning King of Crunk, Jon kept up his winning<br />
streak with the YoungBloodz’ “Presidential” and E-40’s “Snap Yo’<br />
Fingers.”<br />
Mannie Fresh<br />
Although somewhat low-profile since departing Cash Money, Mannie’s<br />
production skills are still on point, as evidenced by records like Young<br />
Jeezy’s “And What,” Bun B’s “I’m Fresh,” and B.G.’s “Move Around.”<br />
Mr. Collipark<br />
Otherwise known as DJ Smurf, the man behind the Ying Yang Twins<br />
took bass music to a whole new level and created “intimate club music.”<br />
The Unusual Suspects (Big D & Jim Jonsin)<br />
Although Big D and Jim Jonsin have since moved on to pursue solo projects,<br />
they achieved major back-to-back successes as a duo, crafting Pretty<br />
Ricky’s album and hits for Trick Daddy, Trina, and Twista, among others.<br />
BEST MIXTAPE DJ<br />
Bigga Rankin (Jacksonville, FL)<br />
Bigga’s trademark WRNR: Real Nigga Radio mixtape series is ghetto<br />
platinum in the streets, introducing artists like Plies and Young Cash and<br />
reintroducing Jacki-O to ‘hoods across the South.<br />
DJ Chuck T (Charleston, SC)<br />
The cockiest DJ in the Carolinas talks a lot of shit, but consistently backs<br />
it up with a flurry of releases showcasing the hottest new music and<br />
breaking indie acts.<br />
DJ Drama (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Drama took his mixtape series Gangsta Grillz to a whole new level. DJ<br />
Chuck T asserts that Drama’s career path is the blueprint for all other DJs<br />
- a strong statement coming from a fellow nominee.<br />
DJ Ideal (Miami, FL)<br />
Straight from Da Bottom, Ideal played a role in Pitbull’s success and<br />
dropped solid projects with everyone from Ludacris to Smitty.<br />
Rapid Ric (Austin, TX)<br />
The Mixtape Mechanic’s Whut It Dew series consistently captures the<br />
essence of Texas music, highlighting the best of the best.<br />
DJ Smallz (Tampa, FL)<br />
Smallz’ peers have mixed feelings: some hate him, some love him, some<br />
envy him, but most do respect his hustle. Smallz’ created a career with<br />
exclusives and industry connects, not hype and image.<br />
ozone 17 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
FLORIDA<br />
Acafool (Tampa, FL)<br />
Tampa’s class clown put his “Hata Blockas” on and sparked both a radio<br />
frenzy and label bidding war.<br />
BloodRaw (Panama City, FL)<br />
Rejuvenated after winning a Federal court case, the Bangin’ Bay representative<br />
is back on the road with Young Jeezy and his CTE camp and taking<br />
full advantage of all opportunities.<br />
Plies (Ft. Myers, FL)<br />
Stirring up controversy with his bold “100% real nigga, dawg” campaign,<br />
Slip-N-Slide’s newest recruit rocked packed clubs throughout Florida<br />
without an album or a video.<br />
Treal (Orlando, FL)<br />
Central Florida’s hypest foursome, known for their crunk performances,<br />
stayed on their grind and landed in regular rotation on local radio.<br />
Triple J (West Palm Beach, FL)<br />
Arguably one of Florida’s top lyricists, Triple J has survived record label<br />
politics and gunfire and still managed to create a name for himself with<br />
witty rhymes and creative mixtape records.<br />
Young Cash (Jacksonville, FL)<br />
Jacksonville’s head honcho stayed on the scene this year with his Duval<br />
County Rockstars, dropped records with Webbie, Paul Wall, and Mike<br />
Jones, and landed a deal with SRC/Universal.<br />
Florida has had its spurts in hip-hop. Luke and the 2 Live Crew movement was the first, but fizzled out when the<br />
group broke up. 69 Boyz went platinum with their classic hit “Tootsee Roll.” Trick Daddy and Trina were soon to<br />
follow with their barrage of hits coming out of the MIA. Now Florida has Rick Ross at the forefront to show the<br />
world exactly how M-I-Yayo be hustlin’. However, for the first time in the state’s hip-hop history, the future looks<br />
bright with talent from all areas looking to break out and show the world that Florida is here to stay.<br />
Nicknamed the Gunshine State for the shape of the state, first up is Bloodraw hailing from Panama City. Soon after<br />
signing to Young Jeezy’s CTE label, Bloodraw was arrested, and eventually acquitted on drug charges. Working on a<br />
Gangsta Grillz mixtape as well as group U.S.D.A.’s album, Bloodraw is the leader to break North Florida.<br />
Five hours across the state is Duval County’s own Young Cash. Signed to SRC/Universal, he is patiently waiting to<br />
release his debut album. Recording a local hit track with Paul Wall, “Disco Ball,” Young Cash has much more to come<br />
from Jacksonville.<br />
Treal have been local stars for years ever since they dropped their Orlando classic “Orange County.” With their recent<br />
independent release “Crunk Tested and Approved,” Treal are ready to show the world what it is like to be crunk in a<br />
city that outsiders consider Mickey Mouse territory.<br />
Everyone across I-4 has their “Hatah Blockas” on. One of the few Tampa artists to break through and receive local radio<br />
support after years of hard work, Acafool found his niche and has the Hatah Blockas shades craze spreading throughout<br />
Florida. It’s only a matter of time before he blows.<br />
One of the more underappreciated artists in Florida, Triple J reps West Palm Beach to the fullest. He wasn’t even one<br />
to appreciate his talents until after he was shot. He made a transition, but kept the streets locked. With his MLK BLVD<br />
album, he is sure to have labels hunting for him.<br />
Finally, “the hottest nigga in Florida” is the street’s own Plies. Hailing from Ft. Myers, Plies carries an “I don’t give a<br />
fuck” attitude with Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic backing him. This South Florida new breed of MC is destined to blow nationwide.<br />
With just this small group of Florida talent, who is to deny them as the next to shine<br />
- Leon Bailey<br />
ozone 18 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING -<br />
GEORGIA<br />
Citty (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Even with a Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam deal, you can still find the Cookieman<br />
in the streets and the hole-in-the-wall clubs that made him hot.<br />
Da BackWudz (Atlanta, GA)<br />
They waited for quite a while, and their patience finally paid off this<br />
year when they linked up with Dallas Austin.<br />
Lil Weavah (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Weavah’s widely respected independent hustle extends from the<br />
internet to Soundscan.<br />
Slick Pulla (Atlanta, GA)<br />
Young Jeezy’s smooth-talking CTE sidekick’s rap skills have improved<br />
rapidly - Pulla represents the trap with lyrics and clever wordplay.<br />
Yola (Atlanta, GA)<br />
With “Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” currently the most requested song on<br />
Atlanta radio stations, the future is bright for Yola.<br />
Young Dro (Atlanta, GA)<br />
After stints with various Atlanta collectives, Dro finally found a home<br />
with Grand Hustle and landed a hit with “Shoulder Lean.”<br />
Built on the blueprints of more recent breakthrough artists like Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy, 2006 saw a new crop<br />
of Georgia artists make their presence felt. And with crunk fading into its last stages in popularity and snap music<br />
reaching its apex and eventual fall, it was prime time for lyricists to come back to the forefront.<br />
Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam signee Citty proved that he was indeed a soldier ready to go for his in the war that is the rap game.<br />
The former Marine and Field Mob protégé toured every nook and cranny that had a microphone, creating his buzz<br />
from the ground up. His underground single “Da Cookieman” showed that there are more hustles than selling dope<br />
and pimping women. Then songs like “That’s Gangsta” proved that you can get a crowd amped without brandishing<br />
weapons in every line.<br />
Another group that gave us plenty of alternatives were the Da Backwudz, reminding people of Outkast, but yet showing<br />
that Southern Hip Hop’s future is in good hands. Hell, the simple existence of their debut Wood Work is historic in<br />
the fact that it made Dallas Austin resurrect Rowdy Records just for them.<br />
You can’t mention the new talent coming from the Peach state without talking about Lil Weavah either. Correction,<br />
you can’t mention mixtape grind without talking about Lil Weavah. True to the underground, this Southwest Atlanta<br />
bred artist has his name on the minds of everyone in the country with no radio support, although an appearance on<br />
ESPN’s Cold Pizza and mention on MTV.com definitely helped. Appearing on 200 mixtapes since last year and getting<br />
massive support from overseas is evidence that Weavah won’t be patiently waiting for too much longer.<br />
Even though Slick Pulla hasn’t been on a bunch of mixtapes, his appearances on Young Jeezy’s have given him a muchdeserved<br />
spotlight. Him bringing wordplay and wit to the much talked about “trap life” shows that there is more than<br />
one way to skin a cat. Now, with his debut album The Trapublican slated to release later this year, Slick is bound to pull<br />
a lot of attention his way.<br />
Keeping in tune with that, Yola Da Great has been able to motivate thugs in his own way as well. His infectious single<br />
“Ain’t Gon’ Let Up” has been killing Atlanta radio for months and his grind was rewarded with a deal through Grand<br />
Hustle/Atlantic Records.<br />
As your reading this article, odds are you’ve heard Young Dro’s “Shoulder Lean” at least twice today. Already a name in<br />
the streets through regional hits like “Yes Sir” back in 2002, he eventually signed with Grand Hustle this year and plans<br />
to burn the scene with his debut Best Thang Smokin.<br />
If these six artists are an indication of what Georgia has to offer for the future, your best bet is to hop on the bandwagon<br />
right now.<br />
- Cedric Boothe<br />
ozone 19 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
All Star (Nashville, TN)<br />
The self-proclaimed Cashville Prince scored a huge hit with “Grey Goose”<br />
and landed a solo deal with Cash Money.<br />
Cadence (Nashville, TN)<br />
A witty emcee with striking versatility, Cadence toured the world opening<br />
for Kenny Chesney but still makes records that can get the most<br />
thugged out club poppin’.<br />
D. Cooley (Chattanooga, TN)<br />
Thanks to his consistent grind, D. Cooley has seen his record “Trap<br />
Clothes” grow into a bonafide regional smash.<br />
Kinfolk Nakia Shine (Memphis, TN)<br />
This indie hustler played an integral role in other Memphis’ artists careers,<br />
but now he’s telling you to “Respect My Fresh.”<br />
Lutinent G (Memphis, TN)<br />
Representing for Memphis’ underground rap breeding ground, Lutinent<br />
G had every club in Tennessee screaming “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” to his<br />
monster club banger.<br />
Yo Gotti (Memphis, TN)<br />
Never one to wander far from the streets, the hottest up-and-comer in<br />
Memphis hustled his way through the mixtape and indie scene and is<br />
poised to achieve national success.<br />
Last year, hip-hop witnessed a first when Three 6 Mafia took to a Hollywood stage and accepted an Academy<br />
Award. Tennessee, which has had its fair share of musical adversity, was finally able to bask in a shining moment<br />
again. Add to that the strong reemergence of the state’s crowned princes via the bonafide hits “Stay Fly” and “Poppin’<br />
My Collar,” the release of Project Pat and Playa Fly from jail, and the influx of young visitors to Memphis for major<br />
boxing matches, and it’s obvious that Tennessee is on the rise once again.<br />
While “Tennekey” has been on the music scene for years, producing the likes of Al Green and 8Ball & MJG, in recent<br />
years it’s remained relatively quiet while surrounding areas have stepped into the spotlight. Even still, talent continued<br />
to bubble quietly, and 2006 was the year for it to be manifested publicly.<br />
Take Cadence, for example. Hailing from “Cashville,” this rapper proves that witty lyricism and concentrated storytelling<br />
can be just as entertaining as snapping your fingers and two stepping with his debut, Songs of Vice Virtue. Having<br />
previously toured with alternative rock group Uncle Kracker and country phenom Kenny Chesney, folks couldn’t help<br />
but compare him to Kanye West, and with due cause. His easy charm and penchant for diversity made him an underground<br />
favorite. It’s only a matter of time before everyone else catches up.<br />
Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s persistence and familiarity made his TVT debut Back 2 Da Basics one of the most anticipated<br />
of the summer season, propelled by the single “Gangsta Party” featuring Bun B and 8ball. He continued his rise<br />
to success with his artist All-Star, who also hails from Nashville. After garnering a buzz with his impressive showing on<br />
Young Jeezy’s “Grey Goose” the rapper is poised to make a significant mark in the rap game.<br />
Even the often ignored city of Chattanooga produced the regional hit with D. Cooley’s “Trap Clothes,” featuring Atlanta<br />
rapper, Maceo. Reaping the benefits of his consistent grind, D. Cooley has undoubtedly shown that a little hustle can go<br />
a long way.<br />
And of course, the Bluff City remained on the cusp of innovation with Kinfolk Nakia Shine and Lutinent G. Kinfolk’s<br />
single “Respect My Fresh” quickly became an underground favorite, defined by the rapper’s natural swagger. Newcomer<br />
Lutinent G made significant waves with his catchy, humorous single, “Mangla,” from his debut Out Da Gate on<br />
Select-O-Hits<br />
It’s clear that Tennessee is a haven for inspired artists. Seems like “Patiently Waiting” may not be an accurate description<br />
for the state’s talent much longer.<br />
- Jacinta Howard<br />
ozone 20 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
LOUISIANA<br />
Chyna Whyte (New Orleans, LA)<br />
BME’s female rapper made noise with Lil Jon when he first<br />
dropped, but fell off the radar momentarily. Now she’s back and<br />
ready to make a solo statement.<br />
E-Vicious (Lake Charles, LA)<br />
This former member of the X-Mobb is now signed to UGK Records.<br />
Lil Boosie (Baton Rouge, LA)<br />
Webbie’s labelmate is a diamond in the rough, with one of the<br />
most unique voices in rap and highly underappreciated lyrical<br />
abilities.<br />
Max Minelli (Baton Rouge, LA)<br />
One of Louisiana’s most persistent artists, over the years Max has<br />
collaborated with everyone from C-Loc to Paul Wall.<br />
Partners-N-Crime (New Orleans, LA)<br />
This duo inked a deal with Juve’s UTP Records and linked up with<br />
Rap-A-Lot.<br />
Sqad Up (New Orleans, LA)<br />
Lil Wayne’s former crew, still intact after Hurricane Katrina, is<br />
now dropping a solo album.<br />
No Limit and Cash Money Records came and went with a gangload of gold and platinum plaques. Other then<br />
those two labels, Louisiana has been quiet on the national scene. Last year Webbie made some noise with his<br />
hit single “Gimme That”, but that’s about it. The following artists have been patiently waiting their turn and<br />
are on the verge of breaking loose.<br />
E-Vicious is from Lake Charles, LA, which is close to the Texas line. He linked with Pimp C and is signed to his label<br />
UGK Records. The former X-Mobb member is featured on Pimp C’s “Pimpalation.” He is definitely ready to show<br />
you that Louisiana is not just New Orleans and Baton Rouge.<br />
Southside Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Lil Boosie has been through his trials and tribulations. A Baton Rouge favorite,<br />
he’s released several solo albums and has undeniable talent, but it all depends on the label to show the world<br />
why many consider Lil’ Boosie Bad Ass the best out the boot. He will be a problem once he releases Bad Ass.<br />
Another Baton Rouge native, Max Minelli, has been putting it down for years. An original member of the Concentration<br />
Camp, he is highly slept on as a lyricist. Releasing many successful selling albums, he is currently in a bidding<br />
war with major labels. While patiently waiting on that chance to blow, he is scheduled to release Pain Medicine on<br />
Koch in October.<br />
Godfathers of the popular genre called ‘bounce music’, Partners-N-Crime embody New Orleans. They were holding<br />
their city down before anyone knew who the Hot Boyz or TRU was. Having just releasing their album Club Bangaz<br />
on UTP/Rap-A-Lot, PNC hopes to show the world that New Orleans is still bouncin’.<br />
Exploding on the scene with her aggressive verse on Lil Jon’s “Bia Bia,” Chyna Wyte has been quiet for a few years.<br />
But this New Orleans bred femcee recently stepped back on to the scene, dropped a mixtape with DJ Smallz, and is<br />
waiting to raise the bar that previous New Orleans female artists left high.<br />
Many thought that they were just Lil Wayne’s sidekicks. But since branching off into their own, Sqad Up has made<br />
plenty of noise independently. Releasing their debut album Now or Never, numerous mixtapes, and their new<br />
album We Here Now, Sqad Up is poised to show the world that New Orleans rap is to stay.<br />
No disrespect to No Limit or Cash Money and what they have done, but these artists are the new generation, and all<br />
come to the forefront with different styles.<br />
- Leon Bailey<br />
ozone 21 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
MISSISSIPPI<br />
Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian, MS)<br />
At the young age of 19, K.R.I.T. is a more complete artist than some<br />
who have been making records for a decade. He is not only an extremely<br />
talented producer, but also a rapper with solid subject matter.<br />
Boo da Boss Playa (Canton, MS)<br />
Having spent years on the shelf due to record label politics at both<br />
Interscope and J Records, Boo is still waiting for his turn to shine.<br />
Jewman (Jackson, MS)<br />
This newcomer’s “Swag” created a buzz in the streets of Jacktown.<br />
Kamikaze (Jackson, MS)<br />
David Banner’s former rap partner will split your head to the white<br />
meat with his hard-hitting lyrics. In addition to his regional successes<br />
as an artist, he founded the Mississippi Artists & Producers Coalition.<br />
Scar (Columbus, MS)<br />
Big Boi’s “secret weapon” has a story to tell and talent to match.<br />
Smoke D (Jackson, MS)<br />
This soulful UGK affiliate appeared on the group’s classic Ridin’ Dirty<br />
album, live from the penitentiary. Now free like Pimp C, he’s focused<br />
on GFM (God, Family, & Music).<br />
In the 90s, during the rap world’s infatuation with the East Coast vs. West Coast, one would have thought it absurd to<br />
suggest that a rap revolution was brewing in Mississippi. The average American’s impression of the ‘Sipp is perhaps<br />
one of racial strife and backwards thinking.<br />
But over the past few years, as rap has gradually turned Southward and remains below the Mason-Dixon line, country<br />
vocals became more acceptable and Mississippi representatives like David Banner have broken through the stereotypes<br />
to take the Mississippi mentality worldwide. In 2006, a new crop of country rap tunes is brewing.<br />
Speaking of David Banner, he recently sought out Meridian-based producer/rapper Big K.R.I.T. for some beats. And he’s<br />
not the only one noticing the promising young talent. K.R.I.T. is quickly making a name for himself amongst industry<br />
heads as an all-around hustler who’s taking the right steps to succeed.<br />
Formerly signed to Interscope and now waiting for J Records to drop his major label debut, Boo da Boss Playa, a.k.a. Boo<br />
Rossini, is perhaps best known for his street single “Miss Me With That Rap Shit.” The single, which featured Jeezy just<br />
as he blew up, was perhaps a blessing and a curse because Jeezy’s street buzz almost overpowered the fact that it was<br />
Boo’s song. Still, Boo has stayed true to his grind and can usually be found anywhere between Miami and Houston.<br />
Already a local celebrity, Jackson-based newcomer Jewman’s “Swag” has the streets talking. Combine that with mixtape<br />
appearances and you’ve got a strong start to a potentially fruitful career.<br />
Moving right along from a newcomer to another veteran, Kamikaze has enjoyed regional success with singles like “U<br />
Ain’t Hard,” and is still on the verge of a big breakthrough. Perhaps best known to the average rap fan as the other half<br />
of David Banner’s Crooked Lettaz, Kamikaze lacks the charisma and ridiculous stage antics of his former rap partner but<br />
can lyrically compete with your favorite emcee. Still a hometown favorite, Kamikaze’s The Franchise drops later this<br />
year.<br />
Hailing from Columbus, Mississippi, you can catch Scar - guess how he got that name - in the new Outkast video for<br />
“Morris Brown,” dropping that Dungeon Family flavor alongside Big Boi’s sharp vocals. One of the most promising<br />
members of Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon camp, Scar’s background story is just as intriguing as his musical abilities.<br />
Smoke D, once the unofficial third member of UGK, spent seven years in prison which prevented him from nationwide<br />
success with the group. After his release he began recording for a solo project, with his trademark soulful vibe that<br />
explores all aspects of the streets and life in general.<br />
- Mayson Drake<br />
ozone 22 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING<br />
TEXAS<br />
Big Tuck (Dallas, TX)<br />
The lead-off solo artists from Dallas collective DSR, Tuck is prepared<br />
to carry the city on his back.<br />
ESG (Houston, TX)<br />
Although he’s been in the game for years, national acclaim has thus<br />
far eluded ESG, known for his wicked freestyles.<br />
G.R.i.T. Boys (Houston, TX)<br />
This group, affiliated with Paul Wall, brings a fresh new flavor,<br />
speaking on Ghetto Reality in Texas.<br />
Kiotti (Houston, TX)<br />
Young and charismatic, this former battle rapper has a bright future<br />
in front of him.<br />
Money Waters (Dallas, TX)<br />
As the Houston hype slowly dies down, it looks as if Dallas is next<br />
to blow, with Money Waters ranking high on the list of the city’s<br />
talented artists.<br />
Trae (Houston, TX)<br />
Trae is straddling the thin line between patiently waiting and full-out<br />
blown up. After gaining the attention of several major labels with his<br />
single “Swang,” he signed with Rap-A-Lot.<br />
Up until maybe last year, the Patiently Waiting column was practically tailor-made for Texas. The rap scene in that<br />
great state had been bubbling and building for years, until finally it peaked and a bunch of artists from Houston<br />
reached the top. Well, Houston is a big city, but Texas is a huge state and hot on the heels of Paul Wall, Chamillionaire<br />
and Slim Thug are a hot new crop of artists who are popping off from border to border. Here’s a look at what’s<br />
next for Texas.<br />
A lot of people have Dallas metro star Big Tuck pegged as the next to blow out of Texas. His countrified voice has a very<br />
direct and imminent delivery that makes what he has to say hard to ignore. A member of the group Dirty South Rydaz,<br />
Tuck’s reputation is solid in the streets, the clubs and the booth. DSR is certainly the biggest group in Texas from outside<br />
of Houston.<br />
Houston-based ESG has been patiently waiting to get that national exposure for some years now. His 1995 hit “Swang<br />
and Bang” is a Texas anthem to this day and ever since then he has consistently dropped some of the hottest independent<br />
releases in the region. He’s been eating well off of the rap game for over 10 years, but is now pursuing that major<br />
label status. He’s the backbone of the Houston rap community and one of the folks who pioneered the sounds you are<br />
currently hearing from the Lone Star State.<br />
Also hailing from Texas, the G.R.i.T. Boys are one of the hottest young groups in the streets of Houston and their affiliation<br />
with Paul Wall has been taking them all over the United States. Their name stands for Ghetto Reality in Texas, so<br />
you won’t hear a lot of the same ol’ same ol’ from these guys. Their stories are ones of struggle and pain, coupled with<br />
the lighter side of life in the hood. They are some lyrical giants who come from the same area as most of the Screwed Up<br />
Click and hold those values tight, but have an original sound and a whole different energy than their predecessors.<br />
Recently signed to Asylum Records, Kiotti is best known as a battle rap champion around Houston. But you can’t sleep<br />
on the regional hits he has been a part of, most recently “Minute Plan” also known as “The Phone Song.” He’s a serious<br />
hustler who has been at it since his early teens and seems set to finally blow nationwide.<br />
Dallas representative Money Waters comes with a whole different perspective than the other artists on this list. He is<br />
more like the old sage - though he is young – who you can turn to for advice or a funny story. This vibe runs throughout<br />
his CD’s and his live show where often he comes off as a brilliant blues man rather than your average rapper.<br />
Recently signed to Rap-A-Lot Records, Trae has been hot in the streets of Texas since his first release in 1999, the debut<br />
album from his group, Guerilla Maab. He is a voice for the voiceless in Houston and beyond, representing the hard<br />
streets with his reality based raps. He’s seen a lot of struggle and strife in his life and has no problem telling you all about<br />
it. He is possibly the most reality based rapper the game has seen since the early days of Scarface.<br />
- Matt Sonzala<br />
ozone 23 awards
nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
ALABAMA<br />
334 M.O.B.B. (Montgomery, AL)<br />
Representing the Montgomery area code to the fullest, 334 M.O.B.B.<br />
parlayed their intense mixtape grind into national opportunities.<br />
Attitude (Birmingham, AL)<br />
Formerly signed to Timbaland, this underrated lyricist has penned<br />
rhymes for Diddy and Bubba Sparxxx. Now living in Atlanta, he’s poised<br />
and ready.<br />
Birmingham J (Birmingham, AL)<br />
Birmingham’s official hood representative has dropped several indie<br />
albums over the years, catching the majors’ attention.<br />
Rich Boy (Mobile, AL)<br />
Multi-talented Mobile representative Rich Boy landed a deal at Interscope<br />
through Jim Crow rapper/producer Polow and has since been<br />
working on his debut album.<br />
The Last Mr. Bigg (Mobile, AL)<br />
Mobile’s O.G. has survived court cases, prison time, and a near-death experience.<br />
Now sporting a glass eye, he’s collaborating with Three 6 Mafia<br />
to expand his musical reach beyond the region.<br />
Tyte Wurk (Enterprise, AL)<br />
Coming from a small town in South Alabama, Tyte Wurk had to double<br />
up their grind to get noticed.<br />
Even beyond their music being overlooked, Alabama has had to fight stereotypes and scrap for respect for years. A<br />
lot of times, the only time you hear them mentioned is when someone hurls an insult like, “You’re ‘Bama.” How<br />
flattering can that be Well, this year, things took a turn in the right direction for the state that rests in the heart<br />
of the South.<br />
Headlines were made when word broke that Montgomery’s 334 M.O.B.B. got signed to Def Jam. But instead of letting<br />
that get to their heads, they continued to work as hard as they did before they got the deal and it worked out in<br />
their favor. Releasing mixtapes on top of mixtapes, this duo received plenty of exposure with hardly any help from<br />
their pioneering label. If you need more proof, just peep them on Myspace.<br />
“Patiently Waiting” is definitely appropriate when speaking on Birmingham’s Attitude. Poised to blow by way of<br />
a deal with Timbaland’s now defunct Beat Club, ‘Tude got a chance to travel the world and work with the likes of<br />
Missy and Diddy. Even though no record came from out of that deal, it was not a wasted experience.<br />
Birmingham J reps so hard that he puts his city on the map without even saying a word. But, when he does finally<br />
speak, people listen. And that includes everyone from local retail and radio to big time A&Rs. And with his city prepping<br />
to be the next area to blow in the South, J is sure to lead the charge.<br />
About three hours away, you can hear what Mobile has cooking too. Rapper/producer Rich Boy is slowly proving<br />
that casinos aren’t the city’s only attraction. His single “Get To Poppin” generated just enough buzz to make is Gangsta<br />
Grillz mixtape one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Still signed to Interscope, Rich is bound to get richer.<br />
Right around the corner, we also saw the resurgence of The Last Mr. Bigg. Already a legendary figure in his region, he<br />
got a lot of face time due to his cameo on Three 6 Mafia’s “Poppin’ My Collar.” Now, with people going back to peep<br />
his older music after his unfortunate shooting earlier this year, his new music is guaranteed to open some more doors.<br />
A drive east to Enterprise, Alabama will bring you to Tyte Wurk. Their smash “Mary Jane: Remix” had smokers singing<br />
their praises while their other song “What It Is” served as the opening song for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football this<br />
past season.<br />
With this crop of artist leading the charge Alabama just may turn “Bama” into a compliment.<br />
- Kale Swanson<br />
ozone 24 awards
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
CAROLINAS<br />
nominees<br />
Big Cas (Fayetteville, NC)<br />
Cas has effectively captured the internet, the streets, and mainstream<br />
media with his music, buildling up his fanbase equally in each area.<br />
Fat Boy (Charleston, SC)<br />
The diplomat of the Carolinas, Fat Boy has the respect of his peers and<br />
good relationships with record stores, other artists, radio personalities,<br />
producers, and ‘hood dudes.<br />
J-Khrist (Fayetteville, NC)<br />
J-Khrist got his swagger back and is ready to carry the flag for the Carolinas.<br />
Mac-A-Don (Columbia, SC)<br />
Over the past year, Mac-A-Don has grown lyrically and developed his<br />
own style, creating a buzz from the ground up.<br />
Marly Mar (Charleston, SC)<br />
Charleston’s most consistent artist has dropped over ten albums over the<br />
past three years and maintained a steady radio presence.<br />
Piazo (Columbia, SC)<br />
Piazo’s steady mixtape grind has helped him lock down the streets of<br />
South Carolina and create a fanbase.<br />
The Carolinas aren’t known for being a hotbed of talent. For years, we’ve sat back and watched Southern hip-hop<br />
evolve, moreso as fans and not active participants. We’ve seen artists from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee,<br />
and other smaller areas receive major deals and nationwide exposure, while we sat on the sidelines patiently<br />
waiting for our turn to shine. For years we screamed that the game is coming to us. But it seemed like success and<br />
recognition in the hip-hop industry went to every Southern state surrounding us and then took a wild turn and headed<br />
to Texas and skipped right over us here in the Carolinas. We thought we’d get the look we needed when Petey Pablo<br />
went platinum and Little Brother finally signed with Atlantic, but neither one of those artists created enough buzz to<br />
catch the attention of A&Rs.<br />
Through all our misfortune, we’ve come to realize that we can’t depend on the industry to come to us. We have to<br />
create our own industry. Just like the blues and jazz performers of the 40s and 50s created the Chitlin Circuit to gain<br />
exposure, Carolina artists have ben forced to do the same.<br />
Marly Mar, from Charleston, SC, was the first artist in the city to have a song in regular rotation on the radio. His hit<br />
single “Act A Donkey” is over four years old and still continues to get heavy spins on the radio and in the clubs. He’s also<br />
one of the most consistent artists in the state, having released 3 albums per year for the last 3 years.<br />
Big Cas, from Fayetteville, NC (also know as Fayettenam) has taken the mixtape game by storm. He’s appeared on over<br />
60 mixtapes in the last 2 years and has shared songs with Jae Millz, Freeway, Grafh, Remy Ma, Geolani, Corey Gunz,<br />
and other prominent East coast hip hop artists. Also causing a ruckus on the streets is Meccadon, from Columbia, SC,<br />
and J-Khrist from Fayetteville, NC. These two artists are relatively new to the Carolina hip-hop scene but both have<br />
taken the game by storm. They’re constantly doing shows all throughout the state and have singles blazing the radio<br />
airwaves and tearing up the clubs. Meccadon’s last single “No” was a huge hit and his new song “We Ball’n” is following<br />
in the same pattern. J-Khrist’s single “Swagger Back” is a club banger that can go toe to toe with any other song on the<br />
Billboard charts. It’s a guaranteed hit once it touches mainstream radio.<br />
As far as longevity and street credibility are concerned, Fat Boy and Piazo both have that aspect of the game sewed up.<br />
Fatboy, representing Charleston, SC, not only had one of the best selling albums of 2005 but has also been a key figure<br />
in easing the tension between hip-hop artists from Downtown Charleston and North Charleston. His new album,<br />
Laughing Hyenas, drops this fall and features artists from both areas on the same tracks and is set to be one of 2006s<br />
most highly anticipated album. Columbia, SC’s Piazo is one of the Cackalack’s most sought after artists and has a slew of<br />
albums and mixtapes on the streets that date back to 1995. He’s been pounding the streets longer than any other artist<br />
from the Carolinas and has maintained a consistent a buzz both on the streets and on the radio throughout his career.<br />
His music has caught the attention of many label A&Rs, most recently G-Unit Record’s Sha Money XL, and he has had<br />
had offers on the table from many major record labels. now!<br />
- DJ Chuck T<br />
ozone 25 awards
175
tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 1<br />
1. Rich Boy / Throw Some Dees – Interscope<br />
Contact: Rosalie – 310.865.7929<br />
On this track you can tell that Rich Boy is steady smirking ‘cause<br />
his flow is dangerous. What’s more, like Indego Montoya, he knows<br />
something that you don’t - he’s not even right handed. His natural<br />
talent is production rather than rapping.<br />
2. Rick Ross / Push It - Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam<br />
Contact: Eclass@nextel.blackberry.net<br />
“Push It” features an interpolation from one of the greatest montage<br />
records made famous by Scarface the movie and South Park. Rick<br />
Ross’ Miami gangsta tales are so boss that they would make Crockett<br />
& Tubbs look silly.<br />
3. David Banner ft. Yola / Get Money – b.i.G.f.a.c.e./SRC<br />
Contact: Willie Nash – 601.238.5658<br />
David Banner cleverly samples Yola’s “Ain’t Gonna Let Up” and<br />
proves that he’s ahead of his time as the rest of the world has yet to<br />
discover what Yola has to offer. Scroll down to track 9 and you’ll see<br />
why Banner decided to run with this lil monster.<br />
4. Trick Daddy / I Pop – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
Trick Daddy’s got another notch for the catalog. This record is funky<br />
and shows Trick on a different level. Plus Trick continues to spit<br />
thought provoking word play when he explains why “$100 bills smell<br />
like pubic hairs.”<br />
5. BHI / Dat Bubble Gum – BME<br />
Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130<br />
Just when you thought snap music was through, BHI will have the<br />
genre sticking around like “Bubble Gum” with this juicy record.<br />
6. Young Dro / Rubberband Banks – Grand Hustle/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
Young Dro takes a break from making his shoulder lean to show that<br />
that record has set him up rather lovely. In other words his rubberbands<br />
have expanded like his bank account.<br />
7. Bohagon ft. Crime Mob & Fabo / Wuz Up – BME<br />
Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130<br />
Bohagon, the B-M-E- representa, strikes a strong blow for those who<br />
are interested in having their bass bins blown up by an MC that will<br />
make your cones snap to the music. Plus, with Crime Mob checking<br />
in on the track shaking their dreads, the track is elevated to another<br />
club banging dimension. And that’s wuz up!<br />
8. Young Buck ft. 50 Cent / Do It Myself – G-Unit/Interscope<br />
Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121<br />
The theme of the record is really simple. When you need to make<br />
improvements on how you live, like Home Depot you should do it<br />
yourself and G-Unit with 50 Cent can help. In fact, 50 lets a few bullets<br />
off of his chest by drawing a retaliatorial line in the sand.<br />
9. Yola / Ain’t Gonna Let Up – Grand Hustle/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
At first listen, the Caribbean steal drums in the production lead to a<br />
laid back vibe until Yola gets on the track and crushes all haters in<br />
the way. Straight up, Yola is a monster in training. By the way, watch<br />
out for T.I. - the executive. Quiet though.<br />
10. Young Capone / Wat It Iz – So So Def/Virgin<br />
Contact: Tikke Chaney – 212.786.8215<br />
This is a Nitty beat that Young Capone takes full advantage of. Young<br />
Capone is a nice addition to the So So Def/Virgin stable. He’s been in<br />
the minor leagues getting his weight up and from the sound of this<br />
record; it is time for him to be called up to the majors.<br />
11. Magic ft. Detroit / Shorty – BHE/TVT<br />
Contact: TVT – 212.979.6410<br />
Magic knows that shorties love a gangsta. And Magic is more than<br />
eager to deliver yet another quality tune that the people want. Be on<br />
the lookout for Magic, he is on another level since his rise from the<br />
ashes of New Orleans.<br />
12. Obie Trice / Jamaican Girl – Interscope<br />
Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121<br />
Taking the lead from Eminem the producer on a carefully crafted<br />
island tune, Obie Trice demonstrates that he is not afraid of change.<br />
And in fact, flows well on the oceans of this tropical melody.<br />
13. Chyna Whyte ft. Gangsta Boo & DJ Demp / Drop A Bundle<br />
– BME<br />
Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130<br />
Finally, China White has come back to whup tracks and beat bass<br />
with a gangsta style unmatched by any other MC. She has recruited<br />
Gangsta Boo and DJ Demp, the shorty pimp to accentuate an already<br />
club crunching record soon to break needles across the South.<br />
14. Jibbs / Chain Hang Low – Geffen<br />
Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121<br />
Jibbs perfectly translates a children’s nursery rhyme into a tune that<br />
celebrates opulence. If the thought rolls eyes, keep an open mind,<br />
remember there were many people who felt Nelly could never sell a<br />
record with a nursery rhyme, and he turned out alright.<br />
15. Daz ft. Kurupt / Daz Thang – So So Def/Virgin<br />
Contact: Tikke Chaney - 212.786.8215<br />
Daz reached back to his roots with a jam just short of “7 Minutes of<br />
Funk” and he brought The Whole Darn Family by reuniting with the<br />
OG DPG Kurupt. Jermaine Dupri is in a great zone right now and<br />
continues the trend with another hot one. Oh, and the XXX rated<br />
video of this tune is a great way to have your break today.<br />
16. M.O.S. / Drug Related – Jive<br />
Contact: Chad Brown – jivemixshow@gmail.com<br />
On “Drug Related,” M.O.S. speaks of life in the land of Carolina<br />
blue where life wasn’t guaranteed. It’s not the life that’s celebrated,<br />
M.O.S. is happy he made it and with tracks this good, I’m sure Jive is<br />
too.<br />
17. Young Hot Rod ft. Mary J. Blige / Be Easy - Interscope<br />
Contact: Rosalie – 310.592.2121<br />
Anytime the Queen blesses a track a certain polish remains leaving<br />
the listener with the understanding of what makes soul music feel<br />
so good. Young Hot Rod is old enough to know when a blessing is<br />
bestowed upon him and crafts a record worthy of royalty.<br />
18. Plies / Take Off – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
For the record, Plies is not the future of Slip-N-Slide, he’s the right<br />
now. And if you come up shorting Plies, you better take off cuz he<br />
has no problems seeing you about it - he’s got lots of bond money<br />
behind him.<br />
19. Trillville ft. Kandi & Cutty Cartel / Eat It Up – BME<br />
Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130<br />
Trillville has teamed up with everyone’s favorite multi-platinum<br />
flavored Kandi to make a track that tastes so good, you have to “Eat<br />
It Up.” Be prepared to dance off the pounds because a joint that tastes<br />
this good can’t be good for your health.<br />
20. Lyfe Jennings ft. Lala Brown / S.E.X. – Sony/Columbia<br />
Contact: Cara Lewis – 212.903.1316<br />
One word: wow! This is the definition of a great record that is sure to<br />
boost the population 9 months from its release.<br />
- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com<br />
ozone 28 awards
tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 2<br />
1. Plies ft. Akon / I Wanna – Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
If you were trying to find a great way to express your feelings about<br />
how talented a dancer in the pole position is, this is the record for<br />
you. Akon opens many mainstream doors for the judicially prepared<br />
Plies as this record will get more action than the champagne room.<br />
2. 8Ball & MJG ft. Diddy / Ridin’ High – Bad Boy/Atlantic<br />
Contact: Sam Crespo – sam.crespo@atlanticrecords.com<br />
Traditional 8Ball & MJG fans may not be used to the duo on an up<br />
tempo S. Florida ride out vibe, but give them a chance and you’ll be<br />
impressed. And if you’re worried about how Diddy mic checks; don’t<br />
worry if he writes rhymes, he writes checks.<br />
3. DJ Unk / Walk It Out – Big Oomp/Koch<br />
Contact: Gazelle – 212.353.8800 x266<br />
DJ Unk with “Walk It Out” continues the Big Oomp tradition of<br />
keeping folks musically intoxicated while they shake jelly on the<br />
dance floor. One time to DJ Montay who is in a great production<br />
zone right now.<br />
4. Da Backwudz / The World Could Be Yours – Rowdy<br />
Contact: Eli Brown - 404.345.0609<br />
Milwaukee Black turns in another masterpiece with Da Backwudz<br />
lacing the verses. Women, listen closely and Da Backwudz will tell<br />
you the tale of why men need space. The lesson - be easy and the<br />
world could be yours.<br />
5. Smoot ft. Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, & Killa Kyleon / Grain Grippa<br />
- Kwik<br />
Contact: Smoot - 310.497.2880<br />
Direct from the town that’s so cool it’s got two drop top stadiums,<br />
Smoot helps Houston continue its run of candy painted tunes that are<br />
sweet to your CD player.<br />
6. Blak Jak / Bobbin’ My Head – 1972/Vintage Sounds<br />
Contact: Jerry Clark – 404.966.0010<br />
When this record drops, you’ll have no choice but to ride & swerve,<br />
throw up deuces, and start bobbin’ ya head. Blak Jak has a knack for<br />
making those records that just make you feel good in your ride as if<br />
you just left a fresh detail shop.<br />
7. Shawt prod. Mannie Fresh / I’m Da Man – Akright<br />
Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010<br />
With a proclaimed beat king like Mannie Fresh behind him, it’s no<br />
problem for Shawt to claim that “I’m Da Man.” Thankfully, he has<br />
the skills to make the track Akright and develop into a record worthy<br />
of such acclaim.<br />
8. Hard Head Jacob / Trap All Day – Stay Paid<br />
Contact: Rio – 678.283.8057<br />
In order to stay paid, Hard Head Jacob outlines his daily routine<br />
while working at the “Trap All Day.” The hard bass line is strong<br />
enough to scare the trap rats away and vibrates speakers enough to<br />
trap the hood rats.<br />
9. Big Koon & Hollywood / Take It Back – Two Dogg<br />
Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999<br />
If you needed extra motivation to get your stacks up, Big Koon &<br />
Hollywood murderize this cut to provide a sense of urgency to collect<br />
that paper.<br />
10. Small Tyme Ballaz / Be Rich One Day – Small World/Long Money<br />
Contact: Uncle Paully - 334.221.8497<br />
Just because you’re a baller on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have<br />
big tunes. If you have an optimistic outlook and hustle hard like the<br />
Small Tyme Ballaz, you’ll “be rich one day” too.<br />
11. Wine-O / Pop My Trunk – Wine-O/Universal<br />
Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010<br />
Fed up with the haters dipping into his business, Wine-O has popped<br />
the trunk and is ready to lay haters to rest. This jamming track is<br />
your warning - stop the gum flappin’ before this cap’n gets to poppin’!<br />
12. Lil Ru / King Of The Parking Lot – Bout What<br />
Contact: Greg Fish – 803.731.8173<br />
DJ Brad of the Legion of Doom laces a beat that Lil Ru takes full<br />
advantage of. When this track drops in the classic rides outside of the<br />
club, Lil Ru will officially be crowned King of the Parking Lot.<br />
13. Urban Mystic ft. Stacks / I Refuse (Remix) – Sobe<br />
Contact: Buggah – 305.754.6446<br />
Urban Mystic, the lil guy with a big soul has found the right combination<br />
to make ‘em make ‘em clap to this like Rakim on repeat.<br />
It involves Rick Ross, Stacks, and a hip-hop classic that makes you<br />
refuse to listen to this record only once.<br />
14. Tiffany ft. Jacki-O / Automatic – Phamus Folks<br />
Contact: Micky Rollins – 786.586.4653<br />
Thanks to Gorilla Tek, Tiffany and the Miami Madame Jacki-O jump<br />
in for a musical ride a la Thelma & Louise that keeps you hanging on<br />
to your seat as if you’re flying off a cliff.<br />
15. Durt Mobb Clik / She Wrong 4 Dat - Da Mouf<br />
Contact: Pope – 910.474.6559<br />
Mixing well with the snap beat sets, Durt Mobb Clik have arrived<br />
to become the club fashion police by drawing attention to all of the<br />
reasons why a club chick goes home lonely.<br />
16. Baby Boy / The Way I Live – Universal/Republic<br />
Contact: O.J. Wedlaw - 212.584.5406<br />
When you live the life of Baby Boy it is standard to be grown and<br />
still ride big wheels. Plus, it helps to have a hook that’s fun to sing<br />
along to as DJs watch this record go round and round.<br />
17. Sonia Collymore ft. Black Majik / No Cash Flow – Manatee<br />
Contact: Doc – 312.226.9034<br />
If the road to hell is paved with good intentions, Sonia Collymore is<br />
one of the hottest artists on the market as she wants to buy her man<br />
so many good things but there’s “No Cash Flow.” With a tune this<br />
vibrant it won’t be long before Sonia leaves her money woes behind.<br />
18. Decky ft. Max Minelli / Louder - Divided Soul<br />
Contact: Brent Dixon - 225.315.1772<br />
Decky made a smart move by keeping the in-house production of<br />
Divided Soul as they laced a beat with a nice mix of scratching and a<br />
protruding bass line. With a track produced this well you will have<br />
no choice but to turn the music “Louder.”<br />
19. Black Majik / Put Your Drink Up – Manatee<br />
Contact: Doc – 312.226.9034<br />
Black Majik fits a perfect slow mo flow over production that makes<br />
your ears hear double as if intoxicated by this Chicagoan’s lyrical<br />
sensations.<br />
20. Coalition / Alarm – Pure Platinum<br />
Contact: Big Boo - 901.240.5491<br />
Driving two miles an hour so everybody sees the Coalition, haters<br />
will have to raise the alarm to alert the block that true ballers are<br />
on the set. And with a cup of drank in their palm the Coalition ain’t<br />
bout to let no B.S. pass on this cruisin’ tune.<br />
- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com<br />
ozone 29 awards
tj’s dj’s tastemakers xclusives disc 3<br />
1. Khao / Keyz In The Air –Intaprize/GTT<br />
Contact: Tanya Marvin - 866.379.0027<br />
Although he has production credits on TI’s “The King,” Khao can’t<br />
rest until he gets a throne of his own. With this cut, Khao with a<br />
solid lyrical beatmaking K.O. will have other artists putting their<br />
keys in the air because it’s time for them to go home.<br />
2. Crime Mob / Rock Yo Hips – BME<br />
Contact: Sabrina Montgomery – 404.367.8130<br />
For those who love chicks rocking hips to that Crime Mob crew, this<br />
joint is for you. When this beat drops make sure you hold on tight<br />
because if she’s got that Beyonce’ lusciousness you may be in for a<br />
long ride.<br />
3. Tampa Tony / Bobbahead – SouthBeat<br />
Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730<br />
Tampa Tony takes a break from pushing his Blunt Splitta’s to describe<br />
his favorite chick, the “Bobbahead.” For those who are slow, the<br />
“Bobbahead” is a chick who loves to bob her head like a bobble head<br />
found at the ball game. If a “Bobbahead” acts right, they might end up<br />
on Tampa Tony’s dashboard.<br />
4. Lil Flip / I’m A Balla – Asylum/Warner Bros.<br />
Contact: Asylum Promotions – 212.707.3030<br />
True ballas are the ones that know how to flip their chips over and<br />
over. Even on a new imprint, Lil Flip will continue to define what<br />
ballin’ is all about. Plus, it doesn’t hurt if you have the luck of a leprechaun<br />
on your side.<br />
5. J-Shin ft. T-Pain / Sent Me An Email – SouthBeat<br />
Contact: James Jackson - 305.695.6730<br />
Roger & Zapp were years ahead of their time singing about Computer<br />
Love. Now, J-Shin & T-Pain put together a nice lil diddy that explains<br />
what love in the computer generation is all about. And it ain’t always<br />
something to LOL about. Beware of those viruses!<br />
6. Randy B. / It’s Over Now – Southern Boy<br />
Contact: Randy B. - 850.766.6356<br />
Love past its expiration date can be a traumatic experience. Thankfully,<br />
Randy B. has been able to encapsulate the feelings of a breakup<br />
and strike the right chords to make the song cry instead of you.<br />
7. T-Hud ft. UGK & Static Major / Never Thought – T-Hud/Nutty<br />
Boyz<br />
Contact: Nikki - 612-720-8252<br />
T-Hud never thought he would have a track this good unless he<br />
hooked up with certified platinum stars like UGK and Static Major<br />
(songwriter, Ginuwine, Aaliyah). Thankfully, T-Hud will have nothing<br />
but clear skies and great weather forecast for his future with this<br />
jamming tune.<br />
8. Jovan Dais / Came A Long Way – Nzone<br />
Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522<br />
DJ Toomp has shared his bag of Hollywood Magic to have Jovan Dais<br />
pair with the 5 Heartbeats’ Eddie Caine to form a duo who have come<br />
so far but have so far to go. By the end of this record you will know<br />
that on nights like this nobody can be Jovan Dais.<br />
9. D-Shep / Stay Real – Conspiracy Music<br />
Contact: Mike Rojas - 305.672.7562<br />
Opponents of the use of the “N” word stay away from this tune.<br />
D-Shep flips the word by wisely blending the hook to phrase the<br />
emotionally charged term in a way that makes you say, it may not be<br />
right, but I understand.<br />
10. G-Mack ft. Young Ca$h / Checks Out – Lost Land<br />
Contact: Kaper - 614.596.7485<br />
From Kentucky to Duval, G-Mack and Young Ca$h unabashedly run<br />
shit. So if you listen to this tune and you hear them talk about it, you<br />
already know it’s for real. So respect their gangsta or rest in peace.<br />
11. Willo Da Don / Hustle All Day, Ball All Night – Two Dogg<br />
Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999<br />
All work and no play makes Willo Da Don a dull artist. That’s why<br />
he has to make sure that if he hustles all day, ya gotta ball all night.<br />
It’s only right to have a party soundtrack so tight.<br />
12. Strangers / Guac – Two Dogg<br />
Contact: Johnny Vickers - 850.443.5999<br />
Although they may be strangers to you, these Strangers are no<br />
strangers to getting plenty of guac. With this bass thumping tune, the<br />
Strangers provide a new use for stacks of chips.<br />
13. Scoundrel Squad ft. Bohagon / Pat Em Down – Invisible<br />
Contact: Pamela Shelby - 706.984.5406<br />
Fresh from a nod by Billboard <strong>Magazine</strong>, the Scoundrel Squad have<br />
been getting much attention from the haters. So, they need to “Pat<br />
Em Down” at the door to make sure that no foolishness goes down<br />
at the shows. And be forwarned these Savannah sergeants play no<br />
games.<br />
14. Suga Suga / Studio Trap – Nzone<br />
Contact: Bernard Parks - 404.753.6522<br />
DJ Toomp fresh off one of the hottest tunes of the season (TI’s “What<br />
U Know About”) has lent his production talents to his artist Suga<br />
Suga who put some work in the studio. With this much bang in the<br />
studio other MCs don’t stand a chance.<br />
15. Killa Kim / I Pop – Phamus Folks<br />
Contact: Micky Rollins - 786.586.4653<br />
Killa Kim masterfully rides this track into submission and has the<br />
beat in her total control making it pop and bend to her will. Luckily<br />
she’s brought us along for the trip.<br />
16. La Chat ft. Yo Gotti / Baby Mamma Drama – Inevitable<br />
Contact: Mario Myers - 901.406.4528<br />
Yo Gotti & La Chat are the baddest thing smoking from Tennessee<br />
since that hillbilly boogie! Yo Gotti & La Chat has been making noise<br />
on the underground for the longest and with this track the underground<br />
will continue to bubble their name like a 5 prong bong.<br />
17. Alozade / Bad Out Deh – Manatee<br />
Contact: Doc - 312.226.9034<br />
Lawdamercy! Alozade knows it’s “Bad Out Deh” so he has to shoot<br />
‘em down wit a bang bang like he was trying to Kill Bill. This is a<br />
nice sample of a rude bwoy living the life of a true shotta on a mellow<br />
groove.<br />
18. Haitian Fresh / On My Own – Fresh Productions<br />
Contact: Ms. Rivercity - 904.465.0745<br />
Although Haitian Fresh is in the streets and grinding on his own, he<br />
always has the isle of Haiti on his back. And with a legion that strong<br />
no force can stand against him.<br />
19. Young A ft. Juvenile / Down N New Orleans – Akright<br />
Contact: Heidi Buech - 310.869.4010<br />
“Down N New Orleans” reveals a dark side of the Crescent City that<br />
has become more ruthless since Queen Katrina established her reign<br />
of terror. With Young A & Juvenile tag teaming to tell the truth on<br />
this track, they show that like a stale beignet, it ain’t sweet.<br />
20. Raw LT ft. Bun B / Getcha Mind Right – BBH<br />
Contact: Big Bank Hank - 832.215.7317<br />
Raw LT rides the track like a royal highness should. With Bun B getting<br />
her back, I wish somebody would try and disrespect the crown.<br />
21. F.A.S.T. ft. Smoke / Str8’n Me – Fat Fred<br />
Contact: JB - 850.528.5028<br />
Smoke from the po’ folk lyrical assassins, Field Mob reaches out to<br />
F.A.S.T. to lace a track that will Str8’n anyone being disrespectful.<br />
- Keith “1st Prophet” Kennedy, keith@tjsdjs.com<br />
ozone 30 awards
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We at TJ’s DJ’s & OZONE <strong>Magazine</strong> wish to thank the following partners who helped to make the 2006 TJ’s DJ’s<br />
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ozone 32 awards