NEXT2BLOW MIXTAPE MAGAZINE #2

www.next2blowhiphop.com | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | 1

MQUESCEOREALRECORDS

get on. get heard. get Signed.

ScanQrto

viSitLil

KE

Rebec

ca

in thiS iSSuE:Mr. Bush

Chay CrewsATM

HoodstarzLevel III

Kim GreeneNaimah

& Much More!

Taking the Game SeriousDoc ShowStoppaz

hoT in cleveland!

thE labElconnEction

Big hEff

THe Top INdIe ArTIsT MAGAzINe

n2B MAgAzinE hAS ARRivED!

ThE TOp INdIE ArTIsT MAGAZINE Is hITTIN’ ThE sTrEETs!

Get on. Get heard. Get signed. We are your label connect.

Next2BloW is the hottest new music magazine spotlighting the best

unsigned talent in the world. It will be

published bi-monthly in both print and digital

form and distributed worldwide. Contact us

to find out how you can be featured in the

next issue of Next2BloW MaGazINe and

get your career started right!

Ken “ Doc” Williams

Next2BloW MaGazINe is published bi-monthly by

Williams4life PublishingP.o. Box 752

Gardendale, al 35071

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written

permission of Next2Blow

Magazine.

©Next2Blow Magazineall rights reserved © 2011

EdITOrKenneth “Doc” Williams

dEsIGN & LAyOuTCustomations Design Studio

GrAphIc dEsIGNJeanine Grammes

Customations Design Studio2109 7th Street NW

Birmingham, al 35215205-873-5328

www.customations.com

AdvErTIsING sALEsKen “Doc” Williams

[email protected]

from the editor

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Rebecca Sampson

Summer Azul

Chaney 4-5

Lil’ KE Young Blood

MQUES CEO Real Records

Latoy Boitoy

Industry Informer Everything You Need to Know About Copyright

Hoodstarz

Level III

Money Main

Ms. Kendra The Hollyhood Diva

Mr. Bush

Chay Crews 8Living in the Spotlight

A.T.M. After That Money

Fav (AKA Kim Greene)

Whitney to Sony “I Will Always Owe You”

Big Heff Lord of the Midwest

Naimah Hammertime Grindin’

BINO

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Check out our interview with Big Heff, an industry icon Page 16

Summer Azul Page 22

Chaney 4-5 Page 23 Fav (aka Kim Greene) Page 11

Whitney’s Woes Page 12

““

How in God’s name could she, or anyone, have blown through that much dough? The answer is simple, according to one source that was close to Whitney. “It takes a lot of money to maintain that lifestyle.

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N2B: Who is Mr. Bush? MB: A hip-hop artist/producer & business man since 2002.

N2B: Where are you from? MB: Originally from Lexington, Ky but moved to uniontown, Alabama but now reside in Montgomery, AL.

N2B: What label are you on? MB: Firstborn Fullgrind Ent.

N2B: How long have you been in the music

game? MB: seriously, since I was 13 but got affiliated with the music industry after I got off active duty

(army) in 2002 and started Firstborn

Entertainment, later changed to Firstborn F u l l g r i n d ( F B F G ) Entertainment.

N2B: How do you feel you will impact the industry? MB: With a heavy impact! I plan to come out and swinging with power

punches in this hip-hop game and

make my mark as to who I am and what I represent. When it comes down to the content and music, I

put out something for all hip-hop lovers. I try

to be well rounded.

N2B: Who have you worked with? MB: I have worked with local and regional artist from cali to Ny and from Ky down to Alabama and FL. I have also worked with international artist from the uK and Germany, while in the army stationed in Germany. I have recently worked with inspiring artists like stefon from Next phase Ent, snappdaddydogg from hooksquad Ent, Jamez and the whole team over at 65max Ent, Ike dirty of Alabama, FBFG and sina from street rukas Ent. and Naimah of Team Elmore and the list keeps going.

N2B: What do you think about the music game in Alabama?MB: I think the music game in Alabama is taking off to another level with artists like 6TreG, Gorilla Zoe, Mr. Biggs, yella Wolf, and a whole host of others who are relevant in the Alabama movement. I plan on making my mark as well with everything I have to offer with my music and the brand I represent.

N2B: What’s next for your movement? MB: What’s next is 3 videos this year with the first series being shot in Tampa, FL for my radio single (What you do To Me, ft. passionmae) shoot by 39/lashes, more shows in Alabama and surrounding areas, and just keep flooding the streets with these singles and mixtapes, making my presence felt and my name/brand known.

N2B: Where can we find your music? MB: you can find Mr. Bush music at these places: www.reverbnation.com/mrbush, jango.com/mrbush, tweetmymixtape.com/members/bush1312, Www.myspace.com/bush1312 , soundcloud.com/mista-bush-1/master-bush1312, www.ourstage.com/profile/bush1312, www.mistabush.webs.com/about.me/mrbush.

N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets? MB: The album (We In the Game) will hit the streets the end of march 2012, and you can find me on itunes.com/mrbush.

Thank you for sharing with Next2Blow magazine!

Mr. Bush


N2B: Who is Chay Crews?CC: Well two words - I can truly say that I’m a go getter! It doesn’t matter who’s on that stage I go in and get the job done! If you don’t know who I am when you hear my name, by the time I’m off, you will!N2B: Where are you from?CC: Gadsden, AlabamaN2B: What label are you on?CC: D-4 entertainment is the name of the label.N2B: How do you feel will impact the industry?CC: I feel that I have what it takes to be an artist! I don’t go by what’s already out there. If I was to do that, I wouldn’t be the individual that I am! I want to impact the industry by giving them something new and refreshed! I’m not a fly by night performer. I said I was an artist, and that’s what I am! If I was in this game just for the money, then I would quit, but I’m not! I’m all about bringing truth back into the music, which is my music!

N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?CC: What’s missing from the music now is the passion for it! People are looking for the money. I have a job, but I’m not rich! I go to work Monday - Friday just so I can have everything for Chay Crews’ survival in this industry. My husband and I are the only ones holding us down. He makes great money at his job, and he takes care of what’s needed in our daily lives. My checks go towards traveling, studio, CDs, posters, etc. We have a great partnership!N2B: What would you tell a new artist trying to get in the game?CC: What I would tell a new artist in the game is to stay true to yourself and don’t change anything about you! Know something about the business besides I can sing or rap! What counts is what you know before you get there!N2B: Who have you worked with?CC: I have never worked with a celebrity, if that’s what you’re asking. I have

opened up for Destiny’s Child, and that’s an experience I will never forget as long as I live!N2B: What’s next for your movement?CC: What’s next for my movement is too keep grinding like I have! Everybody doesn’t know me yet, so every time someone new says my name, and has never said it, means I’m traveling.N2B: Where can we find your music?CC: I have 3 videos out on YouTube. Just go under Chay Crews and it will show up. www.reverbnation.com/chaycrews or you can hit me on Twitter @chaycrews or www.myspace.com/chaycrews. N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?CC: I’m about to add 2 more songs on my CD that I have right now. I’m not putting out a whole CD yet because the songs I have at the moment are getting played by different stations. I don’t want to much out at one time, taking the focus off of what I have that’s great!

Chay Crews Living in the Spotlight

8 | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | www.next2blowhiphop.com8 | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | www.next2blowhiphop.com

N2B: Who is A.T.M?A.T.M.: A.T.M is self-explanatory (After That Money) made up of the hottest rappers in Birmingham. The members are: Quan Money, Bjizzle, yung Juve and 2Keez.

N2B: Where are you from?A.T.M.: From Evergreen Bottom located in Birmingham, Alabama.

N2B: What label are you on?A.T.M.: Zeus Entertainment.

N2B: What style of music do you have?A.T.M.: rap music...but we have a lot of different styles that we are gonna give the industry.

N2B: How do you feel your group will impact the industry?A.T.M.: Our music will impact the industry because we have our own style and our own sound. We are what’s missing in the game today.

N2B: Do you feel you are the next one from Alabama to blow up?A.T.M.: Of course we are the next to blow from Alabama! There are many knocking at the door, but just wait until they get a bite of A.T.M. We are gonna knock the door down!

N2B: Who have you worked with?A.T.M.: We have worked with hoodzone productions and Eskimo Joe.

N2B: What’s next for the group?A.T.M.: Next for the group would be to travel the states and put on for our city as well as other cities.

N2B: Does the radio in Birmingham support the local artist?A.T.M.: yes, occasionally the radio station supports local artists. We have been on the 8 O’clock Beatdown with our song titled “Money so Long”.

N2B: Where can we find your music?A.T.M.: Our music can be found on youTube, Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter.

N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?A.T.M.: Our next cd will be coming soon....stay tuned! shout out to the Next2Blow Magazine for having us!

A.T.MAfter That Money

10 | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | www.next2blowhiphop.com

N2B: Who is Kimberly Green?KG: Fav is a lyricist and an audio engineer. A person with a creative mind and musical vision that most female rappers don’t posses.N2B: Where are you from?KG: I’m from Beaufort, SC but currently living in Oviedo, FL, right outside OrlandoN2B: What do you do in the music industry?In this industry I am a lyricist, engineer, and RNB song writerN2B: What label are you on?KG: I’m with Day Dream Music Group (consisting of Mike Will?, Callier, CityBoi, and Keemps along with DJ New Era and Slowpoke) and I run my own production company named Raw Composition Records.N2B: How do you feel you will impact the industry?KG: I feel like I’m gonna bring that Lauryn Hill era back, where the music will be more then just what my body likes or made up of words. I’ll bring verses and songs of substance but trust there will be some club bangers in the mix. I don’t want to boast, but lets just say hello to the female Wale…LOL!N2B: How do you feel about the music in your region?KG: I’ve heard that there hasn’t been any artist rather male or female that has made it major from Orlando and that makes me look at the artist of this city and figure out what’s missing and bring that to the forefront. I haven’t heard many artists from this area except for P.I Bangz and I can say he’s a movement down here. But as far as a whole, I see no hope for this region until they start working together to put the city on the map. Once the city is known, then the people can be recognized.N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?KG: I think that the music industry is missing a standard of quality not in production but in lyrics. Nowadays anything is accepted. It’s like if the beats good then it’s ok if the words don’t mean anything. We even accept made up words and sounds. But there are those who still keep rap and hip hop alive like Wale, J Cole, Common, Drake, Ace Hood, and some others.

N2B: What would you tell the new artist trying to get in the game?

KG: I would tell any artist to be true to any hustle that you pick. Never sell yourself short in

your music just to be accepted. The more confident you are about your music and seriously others will be about you. Invest in yourself, no one will put out for you if you won’t put out for yourself and give it all you got but be smart. I know that everyone is trying to rap these days so bring more to the game then some words learn the business, cause it will get you further then someone without any knowledge.

N2B: Who have you worked with?KG: I was an engineer before I started to take my rapping seriously, so recently I have worked with Joe Budden, Mike Will?, and other local artist like Murk, Casca, Cuzin P, and Adot. I will work with those who are willing to work with me.N2B: What’s next for your movement?KG: Right now I’m working on the southeast region to get my name out I dropped my first mixtape TMI(Too Much Information) hosted by DJ New Era Jan. 15 of this year. I’m also working on my 2nd mixtape

entitled D-League, and I just connected with Antavio

Johnson aka TO and we’ll be starting on a mixtape together. Also working on DDMG’s group mixtape. N2B: Where can we find your music?KG: You can find my music on Reverbnation.com/

fava, YouTube, Facebook.com/FAV, indy.livemixtapes.c om

N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?KG: Be on the look out for the next CD this summer.

Fav aka Kim Greene


That brings the total to approximately 3.51 million. Now let’s add in her Christmas album from 2003, One Wish: The Holiday Album, which sold 490,00 units. That brings here total sales to around 4 million units under her last deal.

According to Billboard Magazine,”The late Whitney Houston has two of

the three biggest jumps on the Billboard 200 this week. Her “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack runs 183-90 (up 93 slots) and “I Look To You” flies 118-65 (up 53 positions). “The Preacher’s Wife” sold 7,000 (up 46%), while “I Look To You” did 9,000 (up 81%). Houston, who died on Feb. 11, sold a collected 247,000 albums last week (ending Feb. 19) — the first full sales week after her death. Her biggest seller was “Whitney: the Greatest Hits,” with 175,000 (up 174%). Overall, Houston’s albums earned a 144% sales increase in the week ending Feb. 19, compared to the 101,000 sold in the week ending Feb. 12.” Clearly that sales pace will slow considerably. But let’s add the sales of the last 2 weeks, even though the Soundscan figures quoted above for Just Whitney and I look To You have already been factored in. That would come to 348,000. That brings her total album sales under the 2001 $100 million deal to approximately 4.35 million units.

days. The deal would look something like this: 4 studio albums and 2 compilation album (Greatest Hits, Number One’s, something like that) with a $25 million advance for the first album (Just Whitney) and a $10 million advance for the second album (I Look To You). Tacked on to that advance would be the costs of the music videos at approximately $500,000 each (there was a total of 6 music videos produced under the new deal which would total approximately $3 million in costs). That would bring the total amount of money that Whitney Houston would owe Sony to approximately $38 million. Maybe more. Her royalty rate was most likely $4 per album, and the new deal would have reset all future royalty payments on past catalog. Any deficits in her royalty account up to that point were more than likely wiped out, according to the source, basically giving Houston a fresh start. This means that Whitney would have to sell at least 9.5 million albums to repay here advances and start to get royalty checks.Now we have to look at what she has sold. The first album under the new deal, 2002′s Just Whitney, has sold 763,188 in the US. The second album, I Look To You from 2009, sold 992,904. That’s a total of 1,756, 092. Let’s round it off at 1.76 million. Now let’s double it to account for foreign sales.

There have been numerous media reports since her untimely death that Whitney

Houston passed away “dead” broke. In January a Whitney insider told Radar Online “Whitney’s fortune is gone. Music industry heavy hitters are supporting her and her label is fronting her cash against her next album, but no one knows when that will be released. She might be homeless if not for people saving her…She is broke as a joke. She called someone to ask for $100. It is so sad. She should have Mariah Carey money, and she’s flat broke.” Stories in the mainstream media claiming she died near bankruptcy continued to appear in spite of reports that insisted Whitney had made $36 million from her last tour a couple of years ago and, of course, her huge new $100 million dollar record deal with Sony Music in 2002.How in God’s name could she, or anyone, have blown through that much dough? The answer is simple, according to one source that was close to Whitney. “It takes a lot of money to maintain that lifestyle”.

Then again, Sony never wrote out a check for $100 million either. According to a

very highly placed industry source who is very familiar with the Whitney situation, the deal most likely looks like every major superstar recording contract like these

“I owe you how much?”

ByMad About Music

Whitney to Sony:“I Will Always Owe You.”


could have gotten for her sync rights? Nobody ever even thought about it”, he said.

If Whitney did die broke, as so many reports claim, many people assumed that her heirs would be well off from her record royalties alone. That’s just not the case. Not for a while, at least. She’ll be in hock to Sony for quite a long time. It’s almost like instead of a “death tax” Whitney will be paying a “Sony tax”.

BECAUSE WE ARE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY!

employee.

Let’s not forget that Whitney didn’t write any of her own songs nor produce her own records, thus excluding many millions more in royalties. Also she didn’t have a lot of endorsements or ongoing revenue streams like a Beats by Dr. Dre.

One Whitney insider said that there’s yet a bigger problem. Evidently the Whitney estate doesn’t have the brain trust that Michael Jackson’s has. “They just don’t have a smart guy like John Branca who would have marched into Sony the day after Whitney died and renegotiated the deal,” he said. “You can bet that the estate doesn’t even have coupling rights, and that’s something a guy like Branca would have gotten right away.” Another Whitney loyalist said that since she broke with her manager/father John Houston, there has been no other industry professional looking after het career–no one on a day-in-day-out basis to exploit any revenue opportunities or even coordinate with agents, the label, marketing departments, etc. ”Do you have any idea how much she

Let’s now subtract the 4.35 million albums she’s sold since 2001 from the 9.5 million albums she would have to sell for Sony to recoup its investment, and that leaves us with over 5 million. Let’s assume that going forward Whitney: the Greatest Hits will be the biggest seller as it has been since her death. It sold 175,000 units at the peak of the Whitney buying surge. If that could continue, which it certainly won’t, Whitney would most likely occupy the Number One position on the Billboard album charts every week for the next six months! As one label executive familiar with Sony’s accounting said, “That ain’t going to happen. The reality is that her estate probably won’t see a royalty check from Sony in our lifetime…at least”.

On top of the millions of advances, one of my insiders says that throughout her

career Whitney consistently took out loans from the label with Clive Davis’ assistance. The last big loan was reportedly from Clive for $1.2 million, though everyone knows it came from Sony and not from Clive. “No way Clive would ever reach into his own pocket for anyone’” said one former label


artist, to a regional success, to having a # 1 song on BET’s 106th & Park. I continue to support him and his endeavors thru my various outlets.

N2B: Are you still working with Krayzie Bone on your Ohio artist project?

HEFF: Yes. I was fortunate enough to get an email from Krayzie Bone in 2011 about a project he wanted to put together. We both shared some ideas and began to listen to tracks, and 12 months later we released a first volume entitled Cleveland is the City, Ohio is the State. It’s a great project that features a lot of the newer generation of Ohio artists such as MGK, Ray Cash, Chip the Ripper, Ray Jr, Cuntry, Young Butta, Da Kennel, and Kenny Ali & J Trip. There will also be a Vol. 2 that will feature R&B.

N2B: What’s your opinion of the music industry as a whole?

HEFF: The music industry is a lot more leveled playing field. Technology really has made things equal for any and all artists. From an artist’s standpoint, I’ve never seen so much diversity in the hip hop field. There are hipsters, gangsta rappers, street poets, and alternative hip hop artists. There so much that hip hop has influenced and it’s really leaking thru the other genres of music.

N2B: What’s your typical industry day like?

HEFF: A typical industry day for me is wearing many hats. I do some promotional work for E1 Music, so making sure that the work is done on that end, talking to 50-75 people per day about upcoming projects or events. Getting some things set for Nerve DJs for the upcoming new priorities. In 2011, I was also granted my own record label entitled Beyond Stars Entertainment and Distribution. It’s a joint venture agreement that was handled by Blue Pie, a company based out of Australia, and Universal Fontana. Getting things set for that has been one of my priority focus points. Taking meetings and just

How will this impact the industry?

HEFF: The industry tour is a quarterly tour that I have. It’s an artist’s awareness tour to help on the grassroots level that covers retail, DJs events, performances, and radio. All the tools that an artist needs to grow. This year I’m looking to complete over 100 dates on the tour thru the Midwest, east coast, and south. I’m proud of the way things are developing. We have had such guests as Ray Cash, GLC, Da Kennel, and a new group from desert storm “1st String”, be a part of the tour.

N2B: We heard you work closely with Machine Gun Kelly. Tell us about your relationship with him?

HEFF: I work on some things with MGK and the whole EST family. He is a great talent that I would like to continue to support and watch him grow as an artist, and even better, as a person. I’ve seen him grow from an underground

N2B: What’s up Quincy? Thanks for taking the time to talk with Next2Blow magazine. Tell us about what you do with the whole Nerve DJs and the movement you have going on.

HEFF: I joined the Nerve DJs in 2010, had a meeting with og Johnny o and was appointed as VP of the nerve DJs. We are a Midwest DJ pool, and have grown to over 800 DJs nationally. We have also developed a thing between the artists and DJs to help break traxx not stacks. We have a bi-weekly conference call that features national artists as well as indie artists. In 2012 we will have over 8 events nationally and industry mixers. We have a featured show on www.thatshiphop.com, and just recently started our own show on Shade45. Increasing the brand known as Nerve DJs is what I’m focused on most.

N2B: You really have a lot of things happening with your industry tours.

Lord of the MidwestLord of the Midwest


community programs as well as some hip hop education camps.

N2B: Where do we find you on the web?

HEFF: You can find me on twitter.com/bigHEFF. We are also in our 7th year of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards and continue to make a serious push and platform for artist development. People can find me on www.ohiohiphopawards.com & www.starmusicmedia.com or www.

nerveDJs.com. I really appreciate your time. Big ups to Doc and the whole Next2Blow staff for having me!

setting up release schedules for 2012.

N2B: How important is the DJ’s role in today industry?

HEFF: DJs play a very important part in today’s music industry. They are vital to an artist because they are the first tier of playing a song to the general public to get a reaction. They are the backbone of the music industry, new or old, they should be an artist’s best friend.

N2B: How do new artists get their music to the Nerve DJ’s?

HEFF: Sign up and create a profile on nerveDJs.ning.com or email a single to [email protected]. You can also hit me on twitter.com/bigheff or twitter.com/DJjohnnyo.

N2B: what advice do you have for new artist trying to get in the game today?

HEFF: The best advice I can give a new artist is to create a nice team with like-minded goals for the artist, always remain humble, and keep believing in yourself. The rest you can place in the hands of God and ask for a blessing. Please take advantage of today’s social media outlets to help create a fan base for your music.

N2B: Who do you think is the Next2Blow artist out there?

HEFF: Be on the lookout for Ray Cash, MGK, Chip the Ripper, Caine, Nic Rebel, Celeb Forever, Owey and more. The Midwest is on the rise.

N2B: What should we look for next from Big Heff (Quincy Taylor) and the Nerve DJ’s?

HEFF: Up next for Big HEFF are a lot of tours. We have a SXSW Mansion Party & Showcase, an event April 11th in Detroit in honor of Big Proof of D12, and an industry mixer in Charlotte and St. Louis. In March, we begin a monthly radio show on Shade45. Building a brand and getting more involved in some


N2B: Who is Naimah? NA: Naimah is a blessing in paradise, a universal remote who constantly hammertime grinds!N2B: Where are you from? NA: I’m from Wylam, which is a small neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama.N2B: What style of music do you have?NA: Universal/hip-hop/rap.N2B: What label are you on? NA: I’m not with record label as of yet. I am an independent artist under my own management team “Team Elmore Mgmt.”N2B: How do you feel will impact the industry? NA: I feel I will bring a change to the industry, not just with my style of music, but because I rock Favor Gear, which is “Clothing for the Prosperous”. N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?NA: “Growth”. Most artists are afraid to step outside their comfort zone and be different. Set trends, create a different brand. We are doing music that we love but we also want people to love our music so we can’t be afraid of change. LOL, it’s not always bad but sometimes better.

“HD life”.N2B: I heard the new single and it’s banging. What made you do the colab with K. Clark? NA: I love Sound Squad Pro’s entire outlet. Dr. Snipe G. Young reached out to me on my very first single “We the Crunkest”. We re-recorded the track at his studio so it would sound outstanding. K. Clark was actually in the studio and that was the first time I saw her. He played a track where she was singing and I instantly loved it. So I listened to their music on YouTube “Sun Moon.” By the grace of God, Snipe literally became my producer, mentor and someone I look up to. He told me he was sending me a track with Kim (K. Clark) on the hook, did I mind. In my head I was like “hell no, I don’t mind, this is what I been waiting on”. It was like a dream come true. I know it would be a song that would last til the end of time. “Circles request everywhere, every day.” LOL!

N2B: What would you tell the new artist trying to get in the game?

NA: Keep God first no matter what! Stay

focused. Be willing to sacrifice time, money, and sleep. Hammertime grind til

the wheels falls off!N2B: Who else

have you worked with?

NA: Wow, it’s so

many

people from artists, magazines, DJs, and schools. Soufysde, Shank D, Nick G, Contri-boi, Juggernaut Mafia, Wylam

Elementary staff (who supports a lot), G-Entertainment Magazine, Favor Gear (my sponsor), J. Hill, Beastmode. I’m currently working on songs with Mr. Bush, Fosta, Black Flock Gang, and the list goes on and on like the yellow brick road. LOL! “Thank god for opening these doors for me.”N2B: What’s next for your movement? NA: We are currently on a radio promo tour now “Hammertime Grindn radio promo tour”, pushing my hot singles, “HD life” and “Circles” and Naimah (HD life) EP album. A few music videos and just overall grindn non stop!N2B: Where can we find your music? NA: On my website at all times www.naimahofficial.com! Available on i-tunes, Amazon, Zune, and Spotify!! Everywhere music is played!N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets? NA: We are currently looking for spring/summer! “Universal Remote” coming soon (executive producer: Dr. Snipe G. Young)!

NaimahHammertime

Grindin’


N2B: Who is Bino?B: Man, Bino is one of the real rap artists from Birmingham, Alabama and I was the youngest from the Westward Click, so u can say I’m the under dog from the 205.N2B: Where are you from?B: Birmingham, Alabama. The westside that is.N2B: What label are you on?B: S.E.G. ENT.N2B: How long have you been in the music game?B: 10 YEARSN2B: How do you feel you will impact the industry?B: First I got my own style, an I feel like ain’t nobody fucking wit me telling ya, I rep B'ham to the fullest, I am the definition of going ham, believe that.N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?B: Bino (LOL)

N2B: Can you say you carry Birmingham on your back?B: Yeah, cause that’s all I know, check me out!N2B: What would you tell a young artist trying to get into the game?B: Stay focused, believe in yourself, and stay consistent.N2B: Who have you worked with?B: 6treG, DJ Quise, Fred P, Twaun Pledger, T MAN, The Hood Stars, Southside and many more. N2B: What’s next for your movement?B: On my way to be a star campaign.N2B: Where can we find your music?B: On youtube@binopol, shanksta60, seg.ent, & Facebook.com/binogoldmoufslimN2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?B: The summer of 2012.

BINO


rebecca is a driven, motivated and highly sought after talented native of Birmingham, Alabama. At a young age she showed to be a smart, witty, determined, and self-motivated child. her presence was seen, known, and felt at a very young age because although she was known as being a well-mannered, charming southern bell, she was never one to shy away from expressing how she felt involving anything she was passionate about. her dreams and goals were to simply be at the top of wha-tever profession she chose. The profession she chose to aspire towards was entertainment. At the age of sixteen rebecca was motivated even more when she walked on stage for the first time, and with it she realized that she had found her place in the world. A star was born and she was determined to be the best of the best!since then, she has worked in many areas of the en-tertainment world! rebecca currently is the face of

M3 Magazine and host of M3 Magazine’s M3Tv where she has grabbed exclusive interviews with people such as yeawolf (National recording Artist), rocsi (of BET’s 106th&park), Mark Ingram (heisman Winner from Ala-bama and current NFL player for the N.O. saints), just to name a few, also a current radio host (On-Air per-sonality) for Goodfellasradio.Net, and Ms. April for the seagram’s Gin calendar 2011.she has hosted events such as the NAAcp Fashion show 2010 (Birmingham, Alabama) for companies such as Mc-donalds and been a correspondent for other companies such as Jack daniels, along with hosting fashion shows, Tv show demo, and interviewing Oscar winner Frasier Boy formerly of Three six Mafia, etc. she has done fas-hion shows locally and nationally for companies such as pelle pelle, print work for magazines and online magazi-nes, commercials, Tv shows extra work for shows such

{18 | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | www.next2blowhiphop.com

as upN’s, “TLc: r u That Girl”, and has even worked doing things such as make up assistance, hip hop dancing on a show competition for BETs spring Bling and was pre-viously in a music group out of Atlanta, Georgia called Kymystry. she has also has a flourishing career in modeling and done promotional work for companies such as Mcdo-nalds, sunkist, us Army, sTp, Lawry’s, Jack daniels, Bud-weiser, seagram’s Gin, Bacardi, crown royal, etc. Music videos as leads with recent works being playas circle feat. Lil Wayne and Baby “Big dawg” and also past work for artists such as rocko, Nelly , Fat Joe, Brooke valenti-ne, Lil John, Outkast, Ludacris, I-20, E-40, Fabolous, 8 Ball and MJG, ying ying Twins, and many others.Those things are an example of the work that this young lady has accomplished in a short amount of time. rebecca’s motto for life is, “If at first you don’t succeed,

try try again!” With that fiery spirit and passion to suc-ceed, rebecca plans to climb the top of the entertain-ment world’s ladder. she says,” I aspire to be bigger than who I look up to, and right now, ryan seacrest is the per-son I look up to! he is a Tv and radio personality whom I admire and love his work. There’s more than enough room for us all so I’m working hard to reach my pedes-tal! I will get it!” she continues to say, “Thing is, I really want to be even bigger than him! I am not striving for short term fame. My goal is to be a well branded house-hold name and to show that I have purpose and are here to stay!” she closes with, “I have so many plans for my life, and as I tell people, the stars are too close for me! This universe is to close for me! I need a whole new uni-verse for what I have in mind!” With a strong presence, keen sense of determination, and a patient but persis-tent desire to succeed, it won’t be long before you see this young lady at the top of the entertainment world!

{ www.next2blowhiphop.com | NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE | 19

Summer Azul is a Indian/French Creole Rapper & Actress born in North America with a love of cultures from all over the World. This new International recording artist brings World music, House, Reggae Dancehall, Dubstep & HipHop

together in a way not seen before. Summer Azul is known as the “Mixtape Queen” not only because of her “Hustle Hard” mentality and unmatched self promoting techniques (appearing and promoting at all major events in different cities around the world), but also due to her extraordinary gift of mastering any remix as well as blazing Hot original tracks, which are showcased on the 100’s of mixtapes, features and albums she has appeared on across the globe.She is also the current recipient of the 2011 Rebel Radio “BEST FEMALE MC” award as well as the 2011 JB Star “BEST ACTRESS” award. With her background in martial arts, her ability to speak different languages (including English, Spanish & French) alongside several alter egos, Summer Azul brings a whole new flavor to the world of music. Currently residing in Atlanta,Ga,USA. not only has Summer Azul made a name for herself in the underground music circuit, but she has also managed to obtain a Worldwide fan base and support system known as the “AzulArmy” and her music is currently getting airtime in such places as Brazil, Africa, India, Japan and the U.K. With her unique sensual voice, Indian & Brazilian influenced dance moves and her undoubted sex appeal, Summer Azul is bringing the heat to the World of entertainment. Check out her latest post including her newest mixtapes to hear what Summer Azul has to offer through her music!

N2B: Who is Summer Azul?SA: I am a all around entertainer. I act, sing, rap, dance, I even do martial arts lol. I love to entertain and thats exactly what I do!N2B: Where are you from?SA: I am Indian and French Creole and I was born in Cleveland, OH. but I now live in Atlanta, GA.N2B: What label are you on?SA: Although I have been contacted by several labels, I am still searching for the best deal and situation for my career, so I am currently an Indie Artist.N2B: How long have you been in the music game?SA: I have been in the game for over 5 years now, in which time I have dropped over 10 mixtapes of my own and appeared on 100’s of others all around the world. I have also learned a lot about the industry and feel much more prepared than I did as a new artist.N2B: How do you feel that you will impact the industry?SA: I feel that I have substance and culture to offer the music industry. I have many stories to tell and a unique way to tell them. I speak different languages so I attract different races and bring them together. I relate to my fans and I put my all into giving the people what they want. I feel that I bring the REALNESS that everyone seems to enjoy.N2B: Who have you worked with?SA: I have worked with many talented artist, producers and Dj’s around the world, too many to name lol, but I am constantly working and networking with different musicians of different genres because of my background with not only HipHop but, House, Reggae Dancehall and World music. I have songs of different genres playing in different countries.N2B: What’s next for you?SA: I am currently working on my ‘Hot Like Summer’ mixtape series,

dropping a new volume every 2-3 months available in the U.S. and via Internet, as well as working on a few musical projects overseas with songs releasing in Brazil and in the U.K.N2B: Where can we find your music?SA: You can download my latest mixtape at this link: http://tweetmysong.com/p9c20quand you can listen to more songs as well as see videos here:youtube.com/216ablereverbnation.com/summerazulfacebook.com/summerazultwitter.com/summerazulN2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?SA: I am currently working on Part 5 of my ‘Hot Like Summer’ mixtape series and it is due to drop this April! You can listen/download a preview of the new mixtape on my intro track at this link: http://tweetmysong.com/3h58dh3

Contact/Booking:[email protected]/summerazultwitter: @summerazulreverbnation.com/summerazulyoutube.com/216ableJoin the Summer Azul Music Page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/summerazul/posts/135625936538667?ref=notif¬if_t=share_comment#!/pages/Summer-Azul-Music-Page/139898069401196

Links:Summer Azul Performance clips http://youtu.be/yUuGWnMWLi4Summer Azul in the booth http://youtu.be/KUQNqQggvD8Summer Azul as Toma (alter ego freestyle) http://youtu.be/Gf9m4v6j2IkSummer Azul MIXTAPE LINK http://tweetmysong.com/p9c20qu


N2B: Where are you from? CH: Westside of Birmingham, Alabama

N2B: What label are you on?CH: c.M.G records/south sound records

N2B: What style of music do you perform?CH: rap/hip-hop/r&B N2B: How do you feel you will impact the industry?CH: 90% of our music is real life and people can and will relate to it.

N2B: Do you feel you will be the next artist from Alabama to blow up?CH: yes and I will be a fool to not have faith that i will.

N2B: Who have you worked with?CH: smilez, c-4, dezz, diamond for crime mob, young dee, Nick Jay, and the list goes on and on.

N2B: What do you think about the music scene in Alabama?CH: It’s great because it gets looked passed a lot being a rapper from Alabama. We have so much talent in this one state and it just doesn’t stop at rap.

N2B: What’s next for you?CH: More shows and videos coming soon. Also in the works on a documentary to be released in Oct 2012.

N2B: Where can we find your music?CH: We are currently working on our website, but we will be uploading music real soon on next2blow website. When will your next CD hit the streets?CH: urban Livin 2 will be released May 2012

4-5Chaney


artists such as Scott Savol from American idol and Breezy, King Kollision and D-Werd. I also have worked with Flexing Twon.

N2B: What’s next for your movement? LK: To keep pushing my single “Talking Rubberbands” and travel from city to city pushing my music for the world to hear.

N2B: Where can we find your music? LK: On YouTube @Lil KE performance and Lil KE and breezy live. Reverbnation @Lil KE and on i-Tunes @Lil KE- talking rubberbands.

N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets? LK: We are currently pushing Talking Rubberbands as a single.

You are going to blow up Lil KE! Thanks for sharing with Next2Blow magazine.

has been anticipating. I will deliver this positive message through hard work and dedication to the music industry.

N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?LK: Young talented artists with the ability to grow with their music. That supports non cussing music for the youths.

N2B: Can you say you carry Cleveland on your back? LK: Yes I can because Lil KE has vowed to blow up in Cleveland first and put his city on the map.

N2B: What would you tell the new ar-tist trying to get in the game? LK: To stay focused and positive. To be yourself with your music and not to be pressured by your peers. Hard work and dedication will eventually pay off.

N2B: Lil KE who have you worked with in the industry? LK: I have worked with a lot of Cleveland

Lil KE makes a big impression in Cleveland

N2B: Who is Lil KE? LK: A 16-year old artist that was born as Kevonne Carl Mason. I go to Cleveland Heights High School. The oldest brother of 4, I love writing, making music and pleasing my fans with a great performance. I also love playing basketball in my spare time.

N2B: Where are you from? LK: Cleveland, oh by way of Atlanta, GA.

N2B: What label are you on? LK: I am currently independent representing Team KE.

N2B: How long have you been in the music game? LK: I have been rapping since the age of 9, but started recording at the age of 14.

N2B: How do you feel you will impact the industry? LK: I am the fresh new sound of the young generation that the world needs to hear. Lil KE is bringing a fresh new swag to the rap industry that the world

YoungBlood


real records presents MQuEs in this summer’s next big hit record “she Know What she doing” featuring stuey rock & Fast Money chris.QuEs is no newcomer to this music game, or the industry, dropping mixtapes with album quality songs, but at the same time, hood classics like cocaine cowboy & hummer On dem Midgets. QuEs has demonstrated that he has more than what it takes to be that next successful street smart rapper. he understands how not to count on just radio promotion for overall success, but thru his hustle and street lyrics can speed him straight to stardom as the founder of real records in 2000.his street smart moves has kept real records very relevant in the state wide attempt at industry recognition collaborating with platinum selling artists such as Brick squad, very own Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka flame, is just a few not to mention rocko, Bohagon, Big Krit, BOB, OJ da Juiceman, and young dro, etc.recognizing the real cEO by which all who come across him call him QuEs has come from behind the desk to give us club bangers and radio smash hit records by simply speaking to us from a boss point of view with real life quotes and real records distributed by universal music group way back in 2005. QuEs has executive produced countless numbers of club bangers for his artist BA Boys and is giving credit for their notoriety in numerous awards thru his street way of promoting his label and crediting a brand at the same time by combining the visual with the lyrical.MQuEs is an independent artist by industry standards, but he is dropping mixtapes and shooting videos that are better than some major label artists; but has kept it real by not trying to fit in, but to represent nothing but where he is from, da ham, thru his music.

MQUES


N2B: Who are the doc show stoppers?The D.O.C. SHOWSTOPPAZ are 4 of the hottest female emcees in the game But we are a different breed of female rappers and wants to set standards and be an example for our ladies of today. N2B: Where are you from?We are strait out of East Cleveland Ohio.. N2B: How many members are there in the group?Our group consists of 4 truly show stopping females: Tay Teez, Mz Luck, SexE, and Boitoy.

N2B: What label are you on?We are an independent group looking for the right major

record deal but right now we are teamed with Big Banks Music. N2B: How do you feel your group will impact the industry?We will impact the industry by bringing something different and out of the ordinary to the fore front. We have a different sound and all of us are different but brings our own elements to form the SHOWSTOPPAZ. N2B: What’s next for the group?

We currently have a mixtape on Datpiff.com called Underground Queens.

We also have a single called, Bedroom Pimpin’, on iTunes, Amazon, napster, and all major online retailers distributed by Rebel Life Media. N2B: Where can we find your music?You can look us up on RTV.t83.net and YouTube. But it would literally be easier if you just goggled us because we are on many blog sites around the world including in Sweden.

N2B: Who have you worked with?We have worked with Caine, Ray Jr, Nessacary, Neisha

Nee, Crazy Tee, Chevy Blue, Jamal Kelly, Geno the Genuis, Romello, Timbo the Savage, just to name a few and looking

forward to working with more. N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?

We are currently working on our next project, and upcoming videos. Release dates are yet to be set. Thanks!We will change the music industry when we get our break, and we will get our break soon because we are The D.O.C SHOW STOPPERS!

SHOUT OUT TO NEXT2BLOW MAGAZINE!


Different countries impose different tests, although generally the requirements are low; in the United Kingdom there has to be some ‘skill, labor and judgment’ that has gone into it. In Australia and the United Kingdom it has been held that a single word is insufficient to comprise a copyright work. However, single words or a short string of words can sometimes be registered as a trademark instead.

Copyright law recognizes the right of an author based on whether the work actually is an original creation, rather than based on whether it is unique; two authors may own copyright on two substantially identical works, if it is determined that the duplication was coincidental, and neither was copied from the other.

In all countries where the Berne Convention standards apply, copyright is automatic, and need not be obtained through official registration with any government office. Once an idea has been reduced to tangible form, for example by securing it in a fixed medium (such as a drawing, sheet music, photograph, a videotape, or a computer file), the copyright holder is entitled to enforce his or her exclusive rights. However, while registration isn’t needed to exercise copyright, in jurisdictions where the laws provide for registration, it serves as prima facie evidence of a valid copyright and enables the copyright holder to seek statutory damages and attorney’s fees. (In the USA, registering after an infringement only enables one to receive actual damages and lost profits.)

The original holder of the copyright may be the employer of the author rather than the author himself, if the work is a “work for hire”. For example, in English law the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 provides that if a copyrighted work is made by an employee in the course of that employment, the copyright is automatically owned by the employer which would be a “Work for Hire.”

Copyrights are generally enforced by the holder in a civil law

ScopeCopyright may apply to a wide range of creative, intellectual, or artistic forms, or “works”. Specifics vary by jurisdiction, but these can include poems, theses, plays, other literary works, movies, dances, musical compositions, audio recordings, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, software, radio and television broadcasts, and industrial designs. Graphic designs and industrial designs may have separate or overlapping laws applied to them in some jurisdictions.

Copyright does not cover ideas and information themselves, only the form or manner in which they are expressed. For example, the copyright to a Mickey Mouse cartoon restricts others from making copies of the cartoon or creating derivative works based on Disney’s particular anthropomorphic mouse, but does not prohibit the creation of other works about anthropomorphic mice in general, so long as they are different enough to not be judged copies of Disney’s. In many jurisdictions, copyright law makes exceptions to these restrictions when the work is copied for the purpose of commentary or other related uses (See Fair Use, Fair Dealing). Meanwhile, other laws may impose additional restrictions that copyright does not — such as trademarks and patents.

Copyright laws are standardized somewhat through international conventions such as the Berne Convention and Universal Copyright Convention. These multilateral treaties have been ratified by nearly all countries, and international organizations such as the European Union or World Trade Organization require their member states to comply with them.

Obtaining and Enforcing CopyrightA copyright certificate for proof of the Fermat theorem, issued by the State Department of Intellectual Property of USA. Typically, a work must meet minimal standards of originality in order to qualify for copyright, and the copyright expires after a set period of time (some jurisdictions may allow this to be extended).

What You Need to Know About Copyright

The Industry Informer


consequences in terms of reduced damages in an infringement lawsuit — using notices of this form may reduce the likelihood of a defense of “innocent infringement” being successful.

“Poor Man’s Copyright”A widely circulated strategy to avoid the cost of copyright registration is referred to as the “poor man’s copyright”. It proposes that the creator send the work to himself in a sealed envelope by registered mail, using the postmark to establish the date. This technique has not been recognized in any published opinions of the United States courts. The United States Copyright Office makes it clear that the technique is no substitute for actual registration. The United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office discusses the technique but does not recommend its use.

Exclusive RightsSeveral exclusive rights typically attach to the holder of a copyright:

• to produce copies or reproductions of the work and to sell those copies (including, typically, electronic copies)

• to import or export the work• to create derivative works (works that adapt the original

work)• to perform or display the work publicly• to sell or assign these rights to others• to transmit or display by radio or video

The phrase “exclusive right” means that only the copyright holder is free to exercise those rights, and others are prohibited from using the work without the holders permission. Copyright is sometimes called a “negative right”, as it serves to prohibit certain people (e.g., readers, viewers, or listeners, and primarily publishers and would be publishers) from doing something they would otherwise be able to do, rather than permitting people (e.g., authors) to do something they would otherwise be unable to do. In this way it is similar to the unregistered design right in English law and European law. The rights of the copyright holder also permit him/her to not use or exploit their copyright, for some or all of the term. There is, however, a critique which rejects this assertion as being based on a philosophical interpretation of copyright law that is not universally shared

court, but there are also criminal infringement statutes in some jurisdictions. While central registries are kept in some countries which aid in proving claims of ownership, registering does not necessarily prove ownership, nor does the fact of copying (even without permission) necessarily prove that copyright was infringed. Criminal sanctions are generally aimed at serious counterfeiting activity, but are now becoming more commonplace as copyright collectives such as the RIAA are increasingly targeting the file sharing home Internet user. Thus far, however, most such cases against file sharers have been settled out of court. (See: File sharing and the law)

Cost of Enforcing CopyrightIn most jurisdictions the copyright holder must bear the cost of enforcing copyright. This will usually involve engaging legal representation, administrative and or court costs. These costs, including time, should be taken into consideration when evaluating the benefits of enforcing copyright. In light of this many copyright disputes are settled by a direct approach to the infringing party in order to settle the dispute out of court.

Copyright Notices in the U.S.Prior to 1989, use of a copyright notice — consisting of the copyright symbol (©, the letter C inside a circle), the abbreviation “Copr.”, or the word “Copyright”, followed by the year of the first publication of the work and the name of the copyright holder — was part of United States statutory requirements. Several years may be noted if the work has gone through substantial revisions. The proper copyright notice for sound recordings of musical or other audio works is a sound recording copyright symbol (′, the letter P inside a circle), which indicates a sound recording copyright, with the letter “p” indicating a “phonorecord.” Similarly, the phrase All rights reserved was once required to assert copyright.

In 1989, the U.S. enacted the Berne Convention Implementation Act, amending the 1976 Copyright Act to conform to most of the provisions of the Berne Convention. As a result, the use of copyright notices has become optional to claim copyright, because the Berne Convention makes copyright automatic. However, the lack of notice of copyright using these marks may have


N2B: Who are the HoodStarz?hs: We are a group of talentd artists who love music. Nova, yung church and shank da dank.

N2B: Where are you from?hs: We are from Birmingham, Alabama. da west side to be exact.

N2B: What label are you on?hs: We are an independent label. hoodstar Ent.205

N2B: What style of music do you have?hs: We are not limited to one specific style. Our music is ver-satile, but we are fond of hip hop. N2B: How do you feel your group will impact the industry?Everyone seems to be 4 self in the industry and most are stuck in one mind frame. We bring spice to da gumbo with our variety of flavors. We are a family and a lot of people

have forgotten about family ties, we also wanna bring loyalty back to this cut-throat industry. No matter what we do the public will say they did it together, as it should be. N2B: Who have you worked with?hs: We have networked with a lot of independent labels, ar-tists and dj’s here in Birmingham and also in Atlanta.

N2B: What do you feel about the market in Alabama now that you have a few major artists?hs: We feel that the market will really expand and create more avenues for us and others. N2B: What’s next for the group?hs: We are constantly working on new projects as far as our music career, but we are venturing into other fields. We are experimenting with short films, documentaries and com-mercials. All of our work is done independently.

N2B: Where can we find your mu-sic?hs: Our music can be found on the following site: facebook.com/nova carter jr; facebook.com/shank da dank; facebook.com/hoodstar ent.205; revebnation.com; youtube.com/shanksta60. We are currently working on adding more sites. N2B: When will your next cd hit the streets?hs: Our next cd’s will be hittin’ the streets throughout the spring and summer of 2012.

you guys are truly Next2Blow!

HoodStarz


N2B: Who is Level III?L3: Level III was established in 1997 and consisted of 3 female artists, but now consists of 2 female artists. We are known as the lovely solo r&B/hip-hop artist Mystress Of Music and the beautiful solo rap/hip-hop artist Bella, who have been best friends for over 20 years and have wanted the same dream, to become superstars.N2B: Where are you from?L3: We both attended hueytown high school and grew up in the hueytown/Bessemer area.N2B: What is your style of music?L3: Our style of music is very different, but we consider LEvEL III to be r&B/hip-hop and rap/hip-hop.N2B: What label are you on?L3: We represent a label called LEvEL III and both of us are solo artists collaborating together on songs as well.N2B: How do you feel will impact the industry?L3: We feel we can impact the music industry by the style of music we write and wanting to create new styles of music for the next generations to enjoy.N2B: What do you feel is missing from the music industry?L3: What is missing from the music industry is Level III. Level III has been in this music game for over 20 years and still going strong today.

N2B: What would you tell the new artist trying to get in the game?L3: We would express to a new artist that want to fulfill their dreams in becoming successful in this music industry; don’t give up, keep pushing and believe in everything you do.N2B: Who have you worked with?L3: Level III has a long resume of people who they have worked with, such as local artist r.O.A. on the album entitled “ready for Anything”, the now famous songwriter and artist Attitude on his first album “serious Times”, red Light district, Bigg chuck Entertainment as well as many other local artist in Birmingham over the years.N2B: What’s next for your movement?L3: The next thing that Level III will do as far as our movement is to drop demo albums for the world to get to know us a little better, and then both of us will also drop solo albums, and then after that, a mix tape of ourselves as well as local artists in the Birmingham area.N2b: Where can we find your music?L3: you can find our music at facebook.com/mystressofmusic, facebook.com/tinkabella205, facebook.com/levelthreeent and on youTube under levelthreeent.N2B: When will your next CD hit the streets?L3: Mystress Of Music (solo demo) and Bella (solo demo) hit the streets in March 2012, so stay tuned in. LEvEL III BABy!!!


www.downmagaz.com


Fashioninity is the art of be fashionable or the epitome of fashion. It comes from the Greek word fashio…..No just kidding. Fashioninity is a word I came up with to describe the many different looks that are hot right now. Many are probably asking, “Why not just say swagger?” The true of the matter is everybody says swagger. But the looks I have seen are beyond swagger to the 10th power……..meaning “swagnanimous.” They are truly the epitome of Fashion!Take for Example, Ms. Nicki Minaj, she is the Queen of Fashioninity. she looks like she just stepped out of a Barbie doll Box. Although, she can be very controversial with her music or the conveying of; she does not conform to the

“hollywood Norms.” Ms. Mary J….. is another Fashionista who has re-invented herself. she is no longer the “Around-the-Way” Girl. she gives the world fashion every time, she graces a stage.Now, I can’t leave out those men that have that certain je ne se quoi (that certain something). I will start with the debonair p diddy. he always set the trend for the fashiomistas. Then there is Andre 3000. This Guy has such a unique eclectic style of fashion, you never see him in the same attire. chris Brown never lets me down with his multifarious fashioninity; just never know what he will do next. Let me not leave out the many rappers that do the jeans and a white

tee with a vee, or the ones who go shirtless to show off their physique and tats. I’m just going to say, I ain’t mad with them either! (Ebonically speaking).Whatever the case may be, Fashion today seems to be whatever you make it. It’s all about uniqueness and individuality. so the next time you had tried on 5 outfits and can’t figure out which one to wear, just wear the one the most represents you. you can’t go wrong. don’t be a trend follower. Be a trendsetter!There’s a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. That states, “A genuine leader is not a searcher of consensus, but a molder of consensus.” That means, you don’t have to look or try to be like everyone else, you can set the tempo for everyone else. something to think about, huh? Muah,The Hollyhood Diva,

Ms. Kenra If you have questions or comments on this article or others written, please contact me at [email protected] and we can feature your comments in the next upcoming article.

Fashioninity



Tells us wherehe’s taking r&B

birmingham, alvicK JonESR&BSEnSAtiOn

get on. get heard. get Signed.

ScanQrto

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Rebec

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in thiS iSSuE:Mr. Bush

Chay CrewsATM

HoodstarzLevel III

Kim GreeneNaimah

& Much More!

Taking the Game SeriousDoc ShowStoppaz

hoT in cleveland!

thE labElconnEction

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