I AM ME Second Edition
Disco & The City Boyz, Dufflebag Duffie and others speaks on who they are. Special messages from our youth.
Disco & The City Boyz, Dufflebag Duffie and others speaks on who they are. Special messages from our youth.
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1 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
2 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
Hello everyone! I would like to take the time out to say” THANK YOU” to everyone who has<br />
supported my first issue of this magazine. My second issue took a while to come out because of<br />
the devastation of tornadoes that hit my city, Albany, GA, within two weeks of each other in<br />
January. I would love thank all the people who gave donations to help out my city. Thank you<br />
to every volunteer, emergency personal, neighbors helping neighbors, chainsaw crews and<br />
churches. God bless you!!! Special thanks to BJ Fletcher and Christopher Cohilas for your<br />
wonderful efforts and being on the ground helping the people of Albany and not hiding behind<br />
a desk giving orders. You have not only shown us that you are an outstanding officials, but you<br />
have shown us that you have a great heart. Prayers goes got to all the individuals who lost their<br />
love ones during these storms.<br />
Peace,<br />
Deona Freeman<br />
Editor<br />
3 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
Table of Content<br />
Youth Corner………………………………………………………………………… Page 6<br />
Community News…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 8<br />
Disco and The City Boy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page12<br />
Dufflebag Duffie………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 18<br />
Author Wanda D. Hollis………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 24<br />
Street Sweepa………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 30<br />
Dcp Tony B……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page34<br />
SwishaMan Slim…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 36<br />
Unbreakable Bloodline………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 40<br />
T-Smuv……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page44<br />
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5 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong> has given the youth an opportunity to talk and express how they feel about different thing that are happening<br />
in their community and what needs to change in school as well. We, as adults, need to take the time out to listen to<br />
future leaders of tomorrow. Here are a few youth and young adults with their opinions about their community:<br />
David Freeman III, 7 th grader<br />
Radium Middle Magnet School<br />
Albany, GA<br />
“I wish our school was like<br />
Ron’s Academy so kids like<br />
me, with ADHD, can learn<br />
more and keep our attention<br />
on the learning process in<br />
class. I hate a boring<br />
classroom and a teacher that<br />
yells because my focus goes<br />
away. I am learning how to<br />
write more from a computer<br />
than a teacher and I think<br />
that is backwards. Teachers’<br />
supposed to make reading<br />
and writing fun.”<br />
“I think our community<br />
would be better if they had<br />
positive support. If kids had<br />
something positive to do it<br />
would be less problems. If<br />
the police department<br />
didn’t intervene with<br />
people trying to do better it<br />
would be different. “<br />
Micah Stallworth<br />
Business Administration Major<br />
Albany, GA<br />
“What can we do to make the community<br />
better? We can make our community better<br />
by getting parents involved with our<br />
children making sure there environment is<br />
safe. Having a safe environment can make<br />
us have and safe community.”<br />
Zasmine Cochran<br />
Criminal Justice/ Political Science Major<br />
Albany, GA<br />
6 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
Dear Albany,<br />
Different day a different death, I’m just tallying up the deaths to see<br />
how many brothers do we have left<br />
If you want something different you have to be a part of that change,<br />
Instead of hitting someone son close range<br />
You want respect it’s just another brother life that has been taken for<br />
your fame, but I see you’re not the blame<br />
Dear Albany, It’s your environment that has a repeated cycle, now you<br />
are a part of it<br />
Ramonica Olds<br />
Radiologic Technician, Major<br />
Associate Degree Program<br />
Albany, GA<br />
But you could have been the change, instead of using your life to<br />
bargain with<br />
Brothers need to come together instead of arguing, whatever happened<br />
to talking it out but now you’re in a line up<br />
I’m tired of looking at TV with grieving families and mothers, because at<br />
the end of the day all you have is each other<br />
Dear Albany, Stop counting on your little brother to look after your<br />
mother and your kids, its more out here than selling drugs and counting<br />
licks<br />
But why is my question? But I don’t want to hear an answer because an<br />
excuse will be a part of the discussion<br />
What is there else to talk about you stealing and robbing, you rather cop<br />
a new pair of J’s than stand in line for a job<br />
But that’s not your fault either there’s not many here, so you feel like<br />
that’s your only answer but its plenty of money out here.<br />
Violence is not the answer what happens in the dark comes to the light,<br />
but make your decisions wisely because tonight can be your last night<br />
Dear Albany<br />
7 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
By: Deona Freeman<br />
I had the pleasure to be a part of a wonderful celebration at Harvey’s<br />
Supermarket in Albany, Ga. The whole community was in disbelief that a<br />
wedding was actually going to take place in the grocery store. When I got the<br />
call, I really thought my friend was playing and the son of this beautiful couple<br />
wanted me to take a few pictures for him. So I went and sure enough a<br />
wedding was about to take place. The marketing team of Harvey’s had set the<br />
whole thing up. When you walk through the door, you can hear a live band actually playing music.<br />
You would not believe the look that a lot of the shoppers’ had on there face as<br />
they entered the store. As I learned what all needed to be done, I got a chance<br />
to talk with the groom and he told me how he met his beauitful bride, Mrs.<br />
Mary Tinson.<br />
Mr. Charles L. Tinson, stated “ He had just returned home from overseas four<br />
years ago and went to the store because he needed to pick up some cranberry<br />
sauce and that’s when he saw her and said Hey girl! Mrs. Tinson said “she had<br />
not seen his old friend over twenty years and it went on from there.”<br />
8 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
Four years later, on the same day they met, Mr. and Mrs. Tinson tied the<br />
knot and it was Mr. Tinson’s ideal. What a love story! Who said you can’t<br />
find love in the grocery store? Well, you can learn from this beautiful<br />
couple. You can really tell how much they really love each other. Both of<br />
them had the biggest small in the world. I wish you the best and many<br />
wonderful of years of marriage.<br />
All because of this one simple can of cranberry sauce, which was a<br />
gift from the bride and groom made a love story to remember.<br />
Big thanks to Harvey’s Supermarket of Albany, Ga for making<br />
thislovely couple dream’s come true.<br />
9 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
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Who is Big Disco of Disco and the City Boyz?<br />
By: Deona Freeman<br />
Disco and the City Boyz DJs is one of hottest and<br />
biggest group disc jockeys in Florida. Disco and<br />
the City Boyz originated in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.<br />
Disco and the City Boyz also were the first disco<br />
jockeys that recorded professionally out of<br />
Florida. There hit “Da Train” was number one for<br />
a few years among Florida and the southeast.<br />
Sometime later, Big Disco of the City Boyz Djs,<br />
moved to Orlando, FL. Big Disco not only got hot<br />
on the night club scene but raised roughly about<br />
twenty City Boyz Djs, which has moved onto<br />
bigger things in their lives. When talking with Big<br />
Disco, I asked him “What inspired him to be a<br />
disc jockey?” Big Disco replied,” My inspiration<br />
for being a Dj, came from my father and uncle<br />
fresh out of DILLARD HIGH SCHOOL IN Ft.<br />
Lauderdale. My uncle was in charge of the #1 radio station in Miami, WEDR 99J<strong>AM</strong>Z, for many years. BACK IN<br />
THE REAL DAYS WHEN MUSIC WAS REAL D<strong>AM</strong>N MUSIC! Also my pops worked there as well. Which is why I<br />
have the voice that I have now, (COMMANDING DEEP VOICE).” With all his wonderful talent and a people<br />
person as well, I asked Disco, “How do you think people view him?” Big Disco replied, “Real people view me in<br />
and out the of the entertainment world because I don’t know how to change. I’ll stay humble and give my<br />
outlook on life to everyone that knows me or needs advice. I WILL NEVER CHANGED ON MY PEOPLE FOSHO!”<br />
Since 1999, when I first met Disco, he has been the same way until this day and I hope you never change.<br />
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Big Disco: The Community Man<br />
Big Disco is well loved and respected in his community and<br />
among his family and friends. Disco has been doing a lot of<br />
events around Orlando and surrounding cities. Every event<br />
that he has done, has helped the community in some type<br />
of way. Big Disco elaborated on some of the things that he<br />
do in the community. Big Disco said,<br />
“ My events, throughout the city, involved feeding the<br />
homeless during the holidays, going to speak at the<br />
women’s shelter and putting on a “UNITY IN THE<br />
COMMUNITY” event every year. There are so many too<br />
name but my main is that I always looked out for all my<br />
people in Orlando from day one. It’s nothing they can ask<br />
me and I won’t do. Now, that’s real community<br />
involvement.” Disco and the City Boyz will leave some big<br />
shoes to fill for future City Boyz.<br />
The Family Man<br />
Outside of being Disco, he is a father and a father figure too many. He prioritize his family first. I asked Disco<br />
“How can you jungle being a disc jockey and a father?” Disco replied,” Family life as a Dj is what it’s supposed<br />
to be. Music all through the house since my kids were born. I have three kids, two girls and my Jr .but I have<br />
raised damn near the whole city of Orlando, Fl. When you give respect, you will get it back ten times fold. Every<br />
day, in my house, is music but when it is family time, I shut it down to give my undivided attention to my<br />
family.” But on June 30, 2014, life for Big<br />
Disco took a turn. His son, Disco Jr. was<br />
murdered during Big Disco Birthday<br />
Weekend. Big Disco said, “My number one<br />
City Boy is my son, Disco Jr. Everyone knew<br />
him in his generation. He was killed in 2014<br />
on my birthday weekend but one thing<br />
FOSHO I keep two heads on my shoulder<br />
these days, his and mines. CITY BOYZ FOR<br />
LIFE!”<br />
14 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
Big Disco is still rocking the turntables and<br />
mic not alone but with his angel, Disco Jr.<br />
Even though it is a struggle, Big Disco still<br />
manages to rock the house everywhere he<br />
goes. I truly respect his strengthen and faith<br />
to still keep moving on. R. I. P. Disco Jr. keep<br />
turning up in heaven.<br />
As time goes by with, Disco Jr in his heart and on<br />
his shoulders, Big Disco has encounter some<br />
superstars and wonderful friends such as Cardi B,<br />
Big Tiger, and Dj Khali.<br />
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Big Disco has so many off the younger generation that looks<br />
up to him and artists that love his guidance. Disco your name<br />
need to be Super Disco. LOL! But one thing that I love is the<br />
message that he has for the future City Boyz or disc jockeys.<br />
“DISCO IS A MAN TO BE LOVED, RESPECTED, AND LOOKED UP<br />
TOO FOR WHAT I HAVE TAUGHT, DONE, AND CONTINUE TO<br />
DO..... A QUOTE I GO BY…THERE IS NO RETIRING UNTIL<br />
DYING........ I <strong>AM</strong> THE DJS (DJ) IN THE SOUTH.... LOVE AND<br />
GET LOVE BACK. FOR ALL THE UP AND COMING DJS,<br />
FOLLOW HOW I WALK, WATCH HOW I TRAVEL AND MOVE<br />
LIKE I MOVE.... I GUARANTEE YOU WILL REACH YOUR GOAL<br />
AND DESTINATION..... IN THE WORDS OF OG (DISCO)<br />
ORLANDO FL. AND THE WORLD.<br />
If you are looking for this awesome disc jockey you can reach<br />
him on: INSTAGR<strong>AM</strong>---DISCODAG.....TWITTER---DISSCO....FACEBOOK----DISCO AND THE CITYBOYZ...ALSO BIGDISCO ON<br />
FACEBOOK....”<br />
-“Keep doing your thing Disco and the City Boyz. Keep reaching for the stars.”<br />
-I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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Who is Dufflebag Duffie?<br />
Who is Duffie?<br />
By: Deona Freeman<br />
Dufflebag Duffie is a rap artist from Orlando, Fl. He has<br />
been making noise not only in Florida but Georgia<br />
airways as well. Dufflebag Duffie’s music has not only<br />
been showing up on the mainstream but blowing up on<br />
the underground scene as well. I asked Duffie “What<br />
inspired him to become an artist?” Duffie responded “I<br />
wanted to enlighten the people about life speaking from<br />
a stand point of my past experience.” Dufflebag Duffie<br />
has been doing exactly that he has been enlightening his<br />
fans with his experiences and his fans are loving it.<br />
Dufflebag Duffie spoke highly of his<br />
upcoming cd and others that he is<br />
collaborating with. Duffie said “I just<br />
dropped my freshman mixtape, “THE<br />
LAST MOHICAN”, available on Spinrilla,<br />
Datpiff and Live Mixtapes. I have a<br />
couple of collars that I've done with<br />
artist to name a Few 21 Savage , Bad<br />
Azz Becky, Rio 23rd, Preacher 407 and<br />
many more to come.”<br />
18 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
The Community Man<br />
paste,<br />
etc.” In<br />
gave a lot<br />
sure some<br />
have a<br />
Dufflebag Duffie is truly about his<br />
community. Duffie is the founder of<br />
Duffie Foundation which was start to<br />
help his community. Duffie said, “I'm<br />
all for the people I'm always in the<br />
community. I actually have a nonprofit<br />
organization where we go out<br />
monthly and provide toiletries to the<br />
homeless people in the community.<br />
The Duffie Foundation provides tooth<br />
soap, toilet paper and<br />
December 2016, Duffie<br />
of gifts out to his<br />
community. He made<br />
the kids who did not<br />
Christmas had one.<br />
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Positive Message for the youth<br />
“Stay focused, don't give up and mostly importantly<br />
know how to accept no for an answer and let that<br />
motivate you to keep moving.”<br />
“I hope that every dream that you are trying to<br />
accomplish, comes true.”<br />
-I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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Author Wanda D. Hollis<br />
By: Deona Freeman<br />
combined practical stories and uplifting affirmations<br />
hoping to deliver a strong sense of empowering and<br />
connecting with the reader. I also have a line of<br />
children books soon to be released, inspired by my<br />
relations with my grandchildren. And that too is<br />
centered on teaching self-worth and empowerment.”<br />
Ms. Hollis is absolutely right! In order to write or do<br />
anything that you dream of in life, you have to know<br />
your worth and empower yourself to do anything you<br />
want to do in life. Ask, MS. Hollis, “What was one of<br />
the most surprising things you learned in creating<br />
your books?” She replied,” It’s a very vulnerable and<br />
humbling experience. I shared some very person<br />
experiences that at one time in my life I would not<br />
Ms. Wanda D. Hollis was born in Jackson, MI but<br />
raised in Detroit. Ms. Hollis began in her teenage<br />
years to become a writer. She had some adversities<br />
becoming a writer but published her first book in<br />
2016 and her ideals from life experiences and the<br />
people that she meets. She explained, “There were<br />
many challenges in getting this first book published<br />
but the main one was procrastination and getting<br />
distracted. Then it shifted to wanting it to be<br />
perfect. Like most things, we are our own worst<br />
enemy, I finally had to say enough is enough and<br />
just get it done. I had a few situations with<br />
formatting and that led to the cover design being<br />
changed.” In my opinion, her genre that she chose<br />
not only fits her personality but the different titles<br />
that she holds. Ms. Hollis said,” I chose poetry,<br />
because this is my favorite writing style. I can tell a<br />
story fast with power and I like the freedom of<br />
poetic writing. The book title ‘I Am Enough” is a<br />
book of poetry, short stories and affirmations. I<br />
24 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
have had the courage to do so. Creating this book it really inspired me to believe more in my ability to touch<br />
more people and add value to the planet.”<br />
Speaker, Coach and Radio Personality<br />
Wanda D. Hollis is not only just an author<br />
but she is a motivational speaker,<br />
transformational coach and radio<br />
personality. Her radio show, The I Am<br />
Enough Talk Show, is a powerful show that<br />
helps others with dreams talk about it and<br />
inspire others. She said, “The name of our<br />
show is The I Am Enough Talk Show. Our<br />
platform is created to inspire and empower<br />
people to go after their dreams. We<br />
encourage artist, business owners, community activist with a positive message and a dreams to come on our<br />
show. As a motivational speaker, radio personality and writer my message is consistence with wanting to make<br />
our world a better place. I believe God provides everyone with greatness as long as we are willing to take<br />
action with our gifts and passions. I strongly feel it is my calling to help others in this process. Through these<br />
different platforms I encourage people to celebrate their own success each and every day!” I believe if our<br />
youth and others that are struggling with their dreams, need to take the time out a listen to her show and her<br />
book as well. It is way to help you find yourself and step out on faith with the motivation of others and<br />
listening to what they went through in order to achieve their success. You can listen to Ms. Hollis show on<br />
www.instinctradio.net. The I Am Enough Show airs the first Sunday of every month from 7pm to 9pm.<br />
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Who Is Wanda D. Hollis?<br />
Wanda D. Hollis was raised in Detroit, MI by her<br />
grandparents and she is the woman that she is today<br />
because of them. She explained, “I was primarily raised by<br />
my grandparents. They were business owners and they<br />
worked for the automobile industry. They taught me a lot<br />
about being responsible, respecting people, teamwork,<br />
sacrifice and love. My mother wasn’t always there for me<br />
but she did instill some worthwhile teachings in me. She<br />
always told me I was smart, beautiful and I could do<br />
anything I wanted to do. As for as a father goes, well I<br />
never know mine. However, my granddad has always been<br />
that father figure to me. I believe the influences of my<br />
complicated family dynamics plays a major role in my life today. I have an outside the box<br />
thought process that drives and inspire me to always want to do things that are not popular and<br />
sometimes very unpractical. I believe wholeheartedly that, if I can think it and believe it, I can<br />
achieve it.” Ms. Hollis up bringing really shows through her work ethics and her everyday life. I<br />
asked her Do you recall any interesting stories related to you by any of your elder relatives that<br />
youhave never forgotten that helped you mold into the person you are today? She replied,<br />
“One day my Grandfather came home and said we were going out to buy some skis and off to<br />
the sporting goods store we went. He purchased two ski packages one for him and one for me,<br />
including ski suits and all the accessories that went along with it. Some of our family and friends<br />
thought he was insane to want to get on skis at age 50 but he did and we had a ball. This<br />
experience was one of the most valued lessons in not caring what other people have to say and<br />
not letting age dictate anything you want to do!” Ms. Wanda, your grandfather sounds just like<br />
my father. I hope you continue to tell that story to the younger generation. The lesson was not<br />
only valuable and positive message but powerful as well. Now, Ms. Hollis has a family of<br />
her own. She is a mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend and a business<br />
owner. I asked her, “how do you jungle being self-employed and family life?’ She<br />
replied, “Having a family that<br />
26 I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>
understands what<br />
the end goal is<br />
makes it easy to<br />
jungle work and<br />
family. I don’t really<br />
think it’s any<br />
different than<br />
people that have to<br />
go to work for<br />
someone else. You<br />
just do it! The<br />
advantage of<br />
working for myself<br />
is that I am building<br />
a legacy for my<br />
family unlike if I was<br />
working for<br />
someone else.” Ms. Hollis all I can say is” YOU GO GIRL! “LOL! Ms. Hollis is really a<br />
down to earth person. She enjoys<br />
being around her family, taking care<br />
of<br />
her grandkids, traveling and putting a<br />
smile on people faces. Even though<br />
her<br />
life looks busy, it is really pleasing to<br />
her.<br />
She has even found time to manage<br />
her<br />
grandson’s acting career and she<br />
takes her mother to chemotherapy a<br />
few<br />
times a week.<br />
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Positive Message for Upcoming Writers<br />
“Find your tribe of other writers<br />
and stay connected and<br />
encouraged. Never stop and be<br />
excited about your journey of<br />
writing and telling the story.”<br />
-Wanda D. Hollis<br />
Dramatic Design<br />
626A Pine Ave<br />
Albany, GA 31707<br />
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Street Sweepa<br />
Who is Street Sweepa?<br />
By Deona Freeman<br />
Dario Bullock aka Street Sweepa is a native of<br />
Albany, Ga. Sweepa has been doing music over<br />
fourteen years and he is still in the game. Street<br />
Sweepa was inspired at a young age about music<br />
he said, “I was inspired by artists like Prince,<br />
Michael Jackson, and 2Pac.” But the type of music<br />
that Sweepa is known for is called Booty music.<br />
You know the type of music you can drop it like<br />
it’s hot or twerk too. He said,” You can compare<br />
him to Uncle Luke.” LOL! As I travelled back and<br />
forth to, Atlanta, Ga, to be with the Street Sweepa<br />
and his team, the sound of his music is awesome.<br />
He has an awesome twerk team and an arsenal of artist that he is trying to help get out into the music industry<br />
Sweep has sold over 21,000 copies of his music. Sweepa said, “I had records like Motorcycle, Pacman, Sweepa<br />
da Flo and lap dance on radio.” Sweepa has been on tour with Jeezy, Chris Brown and Ciara .And he has won a<br />
best performer award. Street Sweepa also has a television show and he promotes talent shows such as Apollo<br />
Night at the Crowes Nest and B3<br />
Bar N Grill in Atlanta, Ga. Now, his<br />
empire has spreaded to<br />
Thomasville, Ga to San well.<br />
Sweepa Nation also have an award<br />
ceremonies, Indie Artist Awards,<br />
for indie artists that grind and<br />
trying to be recognized in the<br />
industry. Working beside Street Sweepa is his lovely wife, Mrs. CEO<br />
aka Victoria Bullock. She is his<br />
manager, foundation and support<br />
through all his adventures and they<br />
make a great team. Please believe<br />
ladies, Street Sweepa is not going<br />
anywhere. The love and the<br />
business relationship that they<br />
have for one another is<br />
unbreakable.<br />
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Another awesome person that is helping Sweepa is Gas Can Sam of the<br />
Eastside Boyz. Sweepa considers him not just a friend but a brother as<br />
well. He helps Street Sweepa with a lot of different thing especially the<br />
talent show on Thursday nights at Club 112<br />
Family and Community<br />
Street Sweepa is not only an artist but he is a husband and father. Street<br />
Sweepa basically balanced his life out<br />
between the music industry and his<br />
family. He has a lot of support with his wife, Victoria, backing him up and<br />
making sure that every need and problem is taking care of. With the ventures<br />
in the music business<br />
and juggling family,<br />
Sweepa and his wife<br />
has done some<br />
awesome things in the<br />
community as well.<br />
On last year they<br />
teamed up with Big<br />
Tiger, Jeezy and Keisha<br />
Pullam to feed the<br />
homeless for<br />
Thanksgiving. Sweepa<br />
learned how to cut a<br />
lot of pies on that day. LOL! But they did everything<br />
from the heart as the do all community events and<br />
helping others. Watch out everyone! This is your next<br />
power couple!<br />
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Positive Message for the Youth<br />
“Follow your own mind not no one else mind....If God tells u<br />
it's right then it's RIGHT! Artist just because you don't see<br />
your dream happening doesn't mean it's not going to and u<br />
can start giving up.. It's not for you to see it anyways! IF GOD<br />
LET U SEE IT, THEN IT WOULDN'T BE A SURPRISE WHEN HE<br />
PRESENTS YOU WITH IT....SHOW HIM THAT YOU DESERVE IT<br />
AND HE WILL GIVE IT TO U....JUST PUT IT ALL IN HIS HANDS HE<br />
GOT YOU.” – Street Sweepa<br />
- “Stay focus on your dreams and rocking<br />
the clubs. You have a lot of people looking<br />
up to you. Be Blessed!<br />
- I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong>”<br />
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DCP TONY B<br />
Who is DCP Tony B?<br />
By Deona Freeman<br />
Dcp Tony B is an indie artist and Albany, Ga native who is<br />
currently residing in Atlanta, Ga. Growing up, Tony B<br />
wanted to be a disc jockey because he shadowed a lot of<br />
local disc jockeys and he learned the craft which lead him to<br />
pick up a microphone. Tony B said, “Once I realized that I<br />
could rhyme well and people actually listened to what I<br />
would say and I ran with it.” Everyone who does not know<br />
him, is always asking “What does DCP stand for in his<br />
name?” DCP stands for Durty County Playa and if you don’t<br />
live in Albany, Ga, you will never understand it. Tony<br />
explained, “I’ve been asked this question numerous times<br />
before and it’s the primary key to my latest release “Who<br />
the F@#k<br />
is Tony B?” Now, Dcp Tony B music has landed him<br />
with four awards such as 2015 GA Music Award Hip<br />
Hop artist of the year, 2016 Atlanta Music Award<br />
MVP Artist of The Year, 2016 Indie Hip Hop Awards<br />
People’s Camp and Community Award Winner of<br />
the year. I Asked Dcp Tony B about how does he<br />
juggle his music with family and he responded, “In<br />
my personal opinion the music industry isn’t much<br />
different from any other career choice. It varies by<br />
our vision of how high we choose to climb. There will<br />
always be sacrifices rather its family time and etc. I<br />
chose to use my gift to test every aspect of the<br />
entertainment business and what I’ve learned along<br />
the way to be successful is that you must understand<br />
how important building relationships is when it<br />
comes to business.”<br />
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Besides the music industry and a studio junkie, Tony B is a proud<br />
father. He also spends some of his time being a wellness coach,<br />
club promotor, event host, model and an inspiring actor. He was<br />
featured in Exposure Magazine and a featured model for the 5 th<br />
Annual South Georgia Fashion Week. Dcp Tony B is pretty much<br />
a busy man and he put all his heart, mind and soul into anything<br />
that he touches. With all the different businesses that this<br />
young man is<br />
evolved in, he has<br />
a very bright<br />
future ahead of<br />
him. His work<br />
ethics is awesome.<br />
Sometimes, I have to fuss at him to chill out and take time for<br />
himself but he will not stop until he achieves what he really<br />
wants out of life not just for himself but his kids as well.<br />
Positive Message For Upcoming Artist<br />
I would tell any young future leader the same as I would tell my<br />
kids. “Proper planning prevents piss poor progress!” Avoid all<br />
negativity possible and enjoy the journey!<br />
-Keep pushing Dcp Tony B and keep enjoying your blessed<br />
journey.<br />
-I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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Swisha Man Slim<br />
Who is Swishaman Slim?<br />
By: Deona Freeman<br />
SwishaMan Slim aka Billy J. Hall Jr. is a native of<br />
Albany and Leary, Ga. He is an indie artist that has<br />
had a lot of success as an unsigned hip hop artist.<br />
Growing up, Swisha had a lot of influences that<br />
helped mold him to become the artist that he today.<br />
He said, “Hip Hop inspired me to be an artist. But the<br />
artists’ that I grow up on was Nas, Outkast, Goodie<br />
Mob, Dirty, Cotton Pikkaz, Suthern Klick, Therapy,<br />
Erykah Badu, Chamillionaire and more.” Swisha has<br />
had many struggles becoming an artist but he has not<br />
given up on his craft. He has overcome some barriers<br />
and he is being recognize more each day on the radio,<br />
YouTube and social media. Swisher explains, “Sacrificing time to prove that I was an artist! I wouldn’t say I’ve<br />
just been through “STRUGGLES” becoming an artist but other<br />
than just trying to prove to people that didn’t know me what I<br />
could do, LOL!” I’ve always felt that I had what it takes to be an<br />
artist though. It’s just my opinion.”<br />
Swisha has a new mixtape that you need to look out for<br />
called “Loud Muzik” featuring various artists and producers<br />
from Southwest Georgia and two new videos. Get Down<br />
featuring Dj Tremayne and off of his own album Lost Tribe. You<br />
can see these videos on YouTube. In my opinion, both of these<br />
videos are awesome. Swisha is also featured in BBK new video<br />
called BBkdaBusiness. BBK consist of six artists, SwishaMan<br />
Slim, YT Thugga, Quabo Shawty, Too Blyke, She, and May Day,<br />
all out of southwest Georgia.<br />
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Family and Community<br />
SwishaMan Slim is not only an artist but he is a<br />
father and very active in his community. Swisha<br />
has always been a level minded young man. One<br />
of his biggest joys in his life is his beautiful<br />
daughter. When you see him, in public, nine<br />
times out of ten his daughter is with him. I salute<br />
him as a great father and an outstanding role<br />
model for her. Swisha said, “I’m the kind of<br />
family man who will get outside and fix on my<br />
daughter’s treehouse and get a kick out of<br />
watching her play on it. I put family first. I enjoy<br />
walking around the parks, watching movies,<br />
playing games and etc.” Swishaman has really change the game of<br />
stereotyping dads. He is a super dad in his child eyes. He wears the big SD<br />
on his chest. Great job, dad!<br />
Outside of the music and being a family man, Swisha is active in the<br />
community. He was a part of the Stop the Violence Movement: Family for<br />
Justice held in Albany, Ga on last year and motivates kids. One of his<br />
projects that I love dearly was called Rhythm and Poetry (R.A.P) at Albany<br />
State University and Calhoun County High School. Swisha explained,”<br />
Rhythm and Poetry segment for the youth is to teach them more about hip<br />
hop and their history. I continue to inspire them and upcoming artist to be<br />
themselves and build their culture up.” We need more young men in the<br />
community like Swisha to help get our youth on the right track and point<br />
them in the right direction.<br />
Positive Message for the Youth<br />
“Stay true to yourself. Always be creative, grind hard, stay humble, and<br />
NEVER SELL YOUR SOUL FOR F<strong>AM</strong>E AND FORTUNE!!!”<br />
- Stay driven and reaching for the stars and peace beyond to you.<br />
-I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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Unbreakable Bloodline<br />
Who is Unbreakable Bloodline?<br />
By: Deona Freeman<br />
Unbreakable Blood is a hip hop band that was established in 2000. O’She Tyght stated, “The band was created<br />
in 2010 Ryan (our base guitarist) offered an opportunity to play with him, opening for The Godfather of Funk,<br />
George Clinton. He put together a band (lead guitar, drums and bass guitar) with a few calls. We had a month<br />
to transpose music, write lyrics and reimagine everything we knew to pull together a 20 minute performance<br />
set. Needless to say, after that show, we've been THE BAND Unbreakable Bloodline, ever since.” UBL has been<br />
performing next to some headliners such as Kid Rock, The Roots, Ludacris, Cypress hill and etc. UBL is very<br />
creative and each individual of this band has their own uniqueness so basically there is no need to change who<br />
they are. UBL co-writes and co-produce their own music, co-direct our own videos, create our own artwork,<br />
manufacture our own merchandise, handle our own management, bookings and marketing. Many labels has<br />
been making offers to this band but they decline their offers.<br />
UBL guitarist, Jon Smith stated, “We all come from different areas with different cultures and musical<br />
preferences. We are different ages, different races, different genders and just all around different from each<br />
other in many ways. When we walk into a public establishment together we definitely attract attention and<br />
turn heads. People are always asking us who we are because it's obvious that we are not of the norm .Our<br />
differences inspire each other and we are all willing to step outside of our personal boxes and into each other's.<br />
We listen to each other and share with each other. We are like family and despite our differences have a<br />
common bond which is Unbreakable.” They have been nominated three times for the Georgia Music Award<br />
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and won twice. Last year, UBL performed at the South by<br />
Southwest which is one of the largest music, art and film<br />
festival in Austin, TX with the presence of our beloved 44 th<br />
President Obama. Jon Smith explained, “In 2016 was also<br />
the birth of new relationships which resulted in the<br />
collaboration of new studio material between<br />
Unbreakable Bloodline, the legendary Architect Beats and<br />
Producer Darrick Atwater”. UBL has been in an<br />
independent indie film called The Legend of Seven Toe<br />
Maggie, in which Unbreakable Bloodline members<br />
appeared along with two songs for the soundtrack. They<br />
are currently being played over the airways in Hawaii and<br />
Guam. UBL is also Albany, Ga favorite band. UBL has been in a lot of citywide functions in their community<br />
not just Albany, Ga but Leesburg, Ga as well. They have been given back to the pop warner teams and<br />
promote fire safety in the area schools. This band is truly unbreakable and they are more like family than just a<br />
band. UBL truly has a story to tell that would eventually need to be a great documentary.<br />
Meet the Band<br />
O’SHE Tyght<br />
She was born is Houston County, Ga but raised in Albany, Ga. She believes that music<br />
is a soundtrack to like. She likes to listen to music that is memorable. She likes all<br />
kinds of music especially hip hop and disco. Even though O’She Tyght is an awesome<br />
artist, she had her struggles. O’She said, “The struggle for me is keeping the faith. The<br />
fight of dream chasing. Believing in myself and the talent that God gave me. It's also<br />
hard when you can’t make the people you love believe what they can't see because<br />
they don't understand the art of dream chasing. I can tell you all day that I'm gonna<br />
make it, it’s coming, or everything's going well but when people don't see you<br />
bringing in big pay days after so many years, it's hard for them to see anything other than you still broke, it's<br />
time to stop chasing dreams. Grow up! I don't have any kids of my own so the only thing I know and want to<br />
do is chase dreams. My dreams are my children.”<br />
She has an awesome message for the upcoming young artist, “When you have a dream, nobody else has<br />
that dream but you. It is yours! You may share commonalities with other people and come together, but your<br />
position in it, is your position. Your view, is your view. Don't let what other people can't see, tell you that it's<br />
not possible. No matter how long it takes and no matter how old you are. No matter how many times you fall,<br />
GET BACK UP! Prayer is the most powerful gift that we have. Learn how to use it to protect you from<br />
negativity. Even your own.”<br />
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Chief H (EMCEE)<br />
Chief H was born in Agana, Guam. He is a lover of the hip hop culture and writing.<br />
Chief H has struggles as well. He stated, “TI<strong>ME</strong>! I never seem to have enough time in<br />
the day to handle all my obligations. It's tough being a husband, father, band mate<br />
and business owner. But honestly I love the business. I love the grind!” But outside<br />
the music, Chief H is a married, family man and Catholic. Chief H left a positive<br />
message for our youth with dreams to become an artist. Chief H said,” I would tell any young person to not<br />
give in to what's easy. Following your dreams can be scary especially when you feel like you’re not pursuing the<br />
norm. And ultimately if following your dreams gives you a sense a fulfillment then why not! Just go for it with a<br />
relentless attack and don't let no one tell you that you can’t achieve your dream!”<br />
King O-Z ( EMCEE)<br />
King O-Z was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He King O-Z was inspired to be an artist at the<br />
age of eight. He listen to artist such as Public Enemy, LL Cool L, Kool Moe Dee,<br />
Heavy D, NWA, Rakim, KRS one and many others. He feel in love with the culture<br />
automatically. Even as artist, King O-Z has figured out how to balance family<br />
and music. King Oz said “Communication is the key.” Outside the music King OZ<br />
said, “He is a husband, a dad, brother, a son, a butcher baker and candle stick<br />
maker, LOL!” Well, King OZ, I’m going to add a comedian too, LOL! Even in the mist<br />
of his silliness, he still finds time to say something positive for our upcoming artist. King O -Z said, “Beware of<br />
dream stealers and time thieves. They come in all shapes and sizes and some are harder to spot than others,<br />
but the soon you can recognize them.”<br />
Ryan Myer (Bass)<br />
Ryan Myer reproduce and publishes UBL’s music. He is also the bass player and a<br />
father. Ryan started playing the bass guitar at the age of thirteen at The Spray. His<br />
was inspired by 311, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Jamerson, Motown and many<br />
others. Ryan says, “The reason I make music is because music never lets me down I<br />
can always find something new something to grab onto when I'm feeling sad or<br />
happy or any other emotion that comes across. There are not enough hours in the<br />
day to master all of the music that I want to learn so in that sense. I am frustrated but it fills me with the hope<br />
to know that I can always turn to music to say what I'm really feeling.”<br />
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Jon Smith (Guitarist)<br />
Jon Smith is the guitarist in the group. He really took the time out to speak about<br />
the group as a whole.<br />
“Our family is very supportive of our musical endeavors. We simply couldn't do this<br />
without their unconditional love and support of our dreams. Unbreakable Bloodline<br />
is more than a band, it's a way of life, a family unit which is Unbreakable. As a<br />
business, we have experienced many hurdles. Most of our business education<br />
comes from the school of hard Knox. As in life, we have learned the value of<br />
building healthy relationships and staying true ourselves as well as each other. We also realize the value of a<br />
team and utilize our various individual talents in collaboration towards a common goal. Outside of the music<br />
we are pretty much the same as you see us under the lights of the stage. The only real difference is that you're<br />
seeing the product of a well-oiled machine when you see us in rock star mode. Otherwise, we remain true to<br />
ourselves, our God, our families and to each other. We are very transparent and believe that we have been<br />
placed together to serve an inspirational purpose for the betterment of the kingdom .God has blessed each and<br />
every person on this earth with special talents and desires of their heart. Life is about the discovery and<br />
alignment of the two in fulfilling God's purpose over our lives. In order to come to this realization, one must be<br />
willing to listen to God speaking to us through our own intuition and trust him in creating opportunities for<br />
growth. Our job is to just keep moving forward in faith while utilizing the gifts and desires that he has pre<br />
blessed us with. Unbreakable Bloodline has been extremely fortunate in being blessed with opportunities for<br />
great things and we have taken pride in achieving these efforts to the best of our ability.”<br />
To know more about this awesome band and their tours dates, you can go to their official website<br />
www.unbreakablebloodline.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, ITunes, CD Baby, Reverb<br />
nation and I Heart Radio.<br />
“Keep striving for your dreams and continue to be more<br />
than just a band. Why? Because you are F<strong>AM</strong>ILY!”<br />
- I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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T- Smuv<br />
Who is T- Smuv?<br />
By Deona Freeman<br />
Tragarius “T-Smuv” Robinson is native of<br />
Warner Robins, Ga. He is a R & B singer and<br />
entrepreneur. T-Smuv came about his name<br />
when he was in the tenth grade. He was the<br />
new kid there and he be friended, Marquez<br />
Lawson. T-Smuv told us,” Marquez gave him<br />
that name because he was too smooth, great<br />
with the ladies and great at basketball”. T-<br />
Smuv was inspired to sing by his grandmother.<br />
He explained, “Growing up, I always watched<br />
her sing at church and how much people loved<br />
her voice. It amazed me how many people one<br />
person could move just by singing”. As we talk some more he is very passionate when he talks about<br />
his grandmother and his sisters. Not only that, he is not as close to his family because he is used to<br />
being alone while serving our country but he loves then dearly.<br />
The Artist<br />
It was very interesting that T-Smuv said that is viewed antisocial but seeing, talking to him, and<br />
watching him perform at the Albany Strong Festival, which is not the vibe I get from him as a person. T-<br />
Smuv elaborated on it a little more. Musically, people see me as antisocial. Not necessarily hard to<br />
work with but I work on my own a lot<br />
because I’m my team behind the music.<br />
Outside of music, people see me as an<br />
ambitious, outspoken, good dude.<br />
T-Smuv current label is F.R.A.T.HOUSE ENT<br />
LLC., which he started back in 2010. He is<br />
very proud of his label. T-Smuv said, “My<br />
current label is F.R.A.T.HOUSE Ent LLC which<br />
is an imprint I started back in 2010. My next<br />
project is Wile I Was Home is due to be<br />
release this January. Right now I have a 3 part blog series dropping every week on YouTube to promote<br />
the ep. I also have my lead single Pain on iTunes, Spotify, google play, and etc. My video is out on<br />
YouTube right now. Ladies, you really need to listen to his EP and watch the video. You will really enjoy<br />
it.<br />
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Community<br />
T-Smuv is very active his community in Warner Robins, Ga.<br />
Outside of the music, he has a foundation call WE GOT US. The<br />
foundation tutors kids from second to twelfth grade in his<br />
neighborhood. T-Smuv that is an awesome thing that you are<br />
doing to support the next generation to reach the goals and<br />
succeed in school. If you are in the area, just ask him little bit<br />
more about his foundation and what can you do to help.<br />
Positive Message for the Youth<br />
“You can be everything they say you can't. I was<br />
kicked out of school and still managed to be in pretty<br />
good position in this music thing. And also, educate<br />
yourself on the business. It’s a lot of talent out here<br />
but the stability comes from being able to handle<br />
your business.”<br />
- Keep reaching for the stars and keep educating our next generation!<br />
- -I <strong>AM</strong> <strong>ME</strong><br />
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240 W. Broad Ave.<br />
Albany, GA 31701<br />
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