Makin’ It
THE INDUSTRY’S #1 MUSIC CONFERENCE... IN PRINT!
ISSA
DJ STREETZ
Good Life’s Young Gun Kicks off 2015 Strong!
@IssaIAm
2015 KING OF THE MIX
@IAmDJStreetz
EDDIE JAYY
Born in Sin City, Baptized in Hip Hop.
@WhiteKnight702
OVER
100 CLUB, RADIO &
MIXTAPE DJ
CONTACTS INSIDE
Follow The #1 Urban Music Industry Magazine at @MakinItMag
MakinItMag.com
@AlexisAyaana
ALSO INSIDE: GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS + FK KWE KWE + CRASH BENZIE & 5AM PLUS MORE
ISSUE 26 - Support The DJ
ALEXIS AYAANA
ATL’s GME Princess Hits a Homerun w/ Debut Single Balenciaga!
$9.95USD
MAKIN’ IT MAGAZINE Publisher Kelby Cannick
IN THIS ISSUE
Operations Manager Kimberly Cannick Contributing Writers D. Banks B. Walker C. Mathews Contributing Designer Daniels Design Group Delux Designs Promo Reps Jay Harris Omar Grant Tino Cano Shivon Keith Paul Pickett Published by Cannick Media Group 3939 Lavista Rd.E-249 Tucker, GA 30084 Office: 678.528.6925 Fax: 888.812.9710
5 REASONS DJS ARE BEST PRODUCERS 14
DJ STREETZ 16 KING OF THE MIX DEPARTMENTS
EDDIE
JAYY 12
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
4
NUMBERS DON’T LE
4
THE FOLLOW UP Tony Neal, B.O.B, ScottyATL, DJ Heat, Flygo, Curtis Fields, Frank Willis, Pryze
6
2015 DJ DIRECTORY
17
INDIE FEATURES
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Colonel Loud FK (Full Klip) Kia Rap Princess Kwe Kwe Mike Perrin
11 5 11 9 11
Join #TeamMakinItMag
ISSA 6 Twitter & Instagram: @MakinItMag
ALEXIS 12
AYAANA
Apply at MakinItMag.com/Team Opportunities for Writers, Sales Reps, Junior A&Rs, Promoters Vidographers and PR Assistants.
Makin’ It Magazine | 3
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
KINGS OF THE MIX
by K. Cannick
With this being our DJ issue, I was compelled to share an excerpt from Tavis Smiley’s latest book, “Death of a King”, in which he biographs the final year in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the text below, Tavis describes Dr. King (Doc) addressing a congregation of DJs in Atlanta. While the names mentioned may not be as familiar as DJ Scream, DJ Drama or Greg Street, I think the sentiment that one of our Nation’s greatest leaders shares about the DJs place in history is quite profound.
THE EXTRAS
GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS 2014 The 3rd Annual Global Spin Awards went down this past quarter, honoring the top DJs in the industry. Be sure to visit www.makinitmag.com/feat/gsa2014 to check out photos, interviews and a full recap from #TeamMakinItMag correspondent Missy B (@MissyBNYC).
In mid-August, as Doc walks into the ballroom of an Atlanta hotel to address a convention of black radio deejays, “Respect” is blasting over the loudspeakers. In the form of a long and rousing standing ovation, respect is exactly what the deejays afford Doc. They are especially gratified that he has agreed to deliver the keynote speech… Today, at this convocation, he reminisces about his love of soul music. He praises the work of legendary deejays like Pervis “The Blues Man” Spann in Chicago, Magnificent Montague in Los Angeles, and Georgie Woods in Philadelphia. He acknowledges how deejay “Tall Paul” White helped mobilize the massive nonviolent demonstrations in Birmingham back in ’63. He recognizes the role that black popular music—manifest in stirring songs like “Respect”—has played in freeing the hearts and minds of a people searching for a strong self-identity. In the shadow of Ferguson, Eric Garner, Black History Month, and the recently passed King Holiday, I felt moved to share this excerpt because I truly support the DJs. Not just for the impact that they have on the success of a record, but for the impact they have on the world. I shared this excerpt in hopes that it would remind those DJs who see themselves as gatekeepers to the industry, that they are also guardians of the culture.
TERRENCE “T” MIMS 1965 - 2014 It’s rare to find genuine people in this industry. If you were fortunate enough to know T Mims then you know he was one of the good guys. He was one of those people always ready to work and always willing to help. On behalf of the whole @MakinItMag team, our deepest sympathies go out to his family and all of the loved ones he left behind. On a personal note, I honestly can’t imagine you ain’t somewhere right now reading this issue. Don’t know how you made it out of here without me knowing about MC Alpha T. It all makes so much sense now :)
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While we often argue over the state of hip hop (its gentrification, its decline, its imbalance), we must remember the place of the DJ has always been discovering and introducing great music to the masses. Hip hop was birthed by a DJ, and only by a DJ will it die. The relevance of the genre rests with the conviction of real DJs to continue to find and highlight exceptional talent based on its merit, and not just a check. Your status as a REAL DJ is NOT determined by your Serato being in Relative or Absolute mode, but whether your character is. Is your opinion of a record Absolute or simply Relative to the payment status of an invoice? While I have no problem with DJs getting paid to play records (that’s called promotion), I do take issue with those who refuse to play good records simply because they didn’t get paid (that’s called B!tch@$$ness). In closing, just remember that as a DJ every single record you play is a cosign, not just on the music but on the message it presents. It’s a cosign to the youth, to other cultures and to the world at large. It’s a proclamation that THIS is what Hip Hop IS. Kelby Cannick, Publisher Makin’ It Magazine
Check out Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Final Year. Available on Amazon.com www.MakinItMag.com
FULL KLIP written by K. Cannick Introduced to an audience of DJs and promoters by Bigga Rankin at the Core DJ Retreat in Jackson, Mississippi, FK stepped to the front of the stage, by request, to deliver an acapella verse. Spitting a very raw and personal testimonial about his life and the reality of the streets, he immediately captured the full attention of every ear in the room. It’s rare to find an artist who can convey their lyrics so passionately, but even more rare these days to find artists with music that realistically reflects the highs and lows of everyday life. After concluding his verse, the crowd sprang to its feet and erupted in applause. Overwhelmed by the response, he addressed all the DJs directly, giving them his story and letting them know why he came out to the retreat. After that brief intermission, he introduced his single, “Don’t Know How to Act”. As soon as the record dropped, every head in the room was bobbing. Before the first chorus could finish, the DJ next to me leaned in to say, “He definitely got something!” I nodded in agreement and decided
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then, that we would have to feature him in the next issue. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, FK (Full Klip) began rapping as a way to stay focused and out of trouble while incarcerated. This habit soon turned into a passion, and upon re-entering society, it motivated him to make it a career. Seeing his potential, long time friend Will Lebrun launched Live and Let Live Records and entered a partnership with D.E.M.G. to help FK . Simultaneously working on his upcoming mixtape, Bars Over Bullshit, and an E.P., FK’s goal is to give the world his unique version of Hip Hop. Having made a solid name for himself in South Florida, he is looking to network and book more shows in other markets. For more information, contact via the following: PHONE:786.379.3065 Alt:786.298.7266 Willswork35@gmail.com Twitter: @FullKlip35 Instagram: @35FullKlip LiveandletLiverecords.com Facebook.com/FullKlip35 Youtube.com/LiveAndLetLiveRecord
Makin’ It Magazine | 5
#TheFollowUP WHERE ARE THEY NOW??? RECONNECTING WITH MEMBERS AND PAST MAGAZINE FEATURES. TONY NEAL Issue #12 In 2009, we featured DJ Tony Neal on the cover of our first Full Gloss issue because of the national DJ movement he had built. Since then, T-Neal has consistently grown the Core DJ’s brand, with their events serving as staples for independent artists to network with top industry tastemakers. Still a beast on the turntables, his business resume now includes major media holdings (FM Radio and Online), International Speaking Engagements (Seoul, Korea) and inclusion in Source Magazine’s Power 30 list for the past two years. Follow @IAmTonyNeal
DJ HEAT Issue #15 Since last being featured, DJ Heat has been killing the DMV area. As the first female to win DJ of the Year, at last year’s FAB Awards, she is once again nominated for 2015. Catch her in the mix at 10PM (MonThur) on WPGC 95.5 & Follow @DJHeatDC
SCOTTY Issue #16
B.O.B Issue #11 Since last being featured, B.O.B has become somewhat of a household name. With a list of massive singles, grammy nominations, and international performances under his belt, he has transitioned
6 | Makin’ It Magazine
into Boss-mode by launching his own imprint, No Genre, to provide a platform to develop and promote other uniquely talented artists. Be sure to follow the movement at @BobATL and #NoGenre
After being featured, Scotty went on to collaborate closely with DJ Burn One. Releasing several well received mixtapes, he solidified a strong online following leading to features on BET, Complex, and eventually signing with BoB’s No Genre Label. Be sure to follow his movement @ScottyATL
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CURTIS FIELDS Issue #25
PRYZE Issue #16
Since being featured in our last issue, Epic Records Singer/Songwriter Curtis Fields has been busy working on music for his forthcoming album. Stopping through #MusicMondayATL to give us an exclusive listen to the material, he debuted his new single “Fool for You” which he had just shot the video for in New York. Be sure to follow his movement at @TheCurtisFields and purchase the new single on iTunes.
Since being last featured, Pryze A.K.A Cool Boy Pryze, has been focused on restructuring his label. Now back in the studio working closely with a select group of producers, he’s building toward a potential publishing situation while also pushing his own music. His latest single “Dance” has been featured on over 50 Mixtapes. Be sure to follow him at @CBPryze FRANK WILLIS Issue #24
FLYGO Issue #25 Since being featured in our last issue, Flygo’s stock has gone up significantly. From being booked to open for T.I. and Rae Sremmurd at Morehouse college’s Forbes Arena, to having his latest single “Alright” being featured on close to 100 mixtapes, he has caught the industry’s attention. With the single starting to pick up mixshow spins on FM radio and show offers starting to roll in, he’s busy in the studio working to complete his next project. Be sure to follow his movement at @IAmFlygo
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With the successful release of his latest mixtape, The Franc Willis LP, South Carolina born artist, Frank Willis, has been steadily building his brand in Atlanta. Now getting paid for features, he is looking to increase his booking in other markets. Follow him at @IAmFrankWillis
Makin’ It Magazine | 7
ALEXIS AYAANA written by K. Cannick
Atlanta native, Alexis Ayaana, has dreamed of entertaining crowds since she began singing at age 8. Graduating from Tri-Cities Performing Arts High School, acting, modeling and music have always occupied a portion of her life, but after signing with Grown Money Entertainment (G.M.E) in 2014 her childhood dreams started becoming a reality. With a tremendous promotional presence in the city, her debut single, “Balenciaga” featuring Kwony Cash, has made strong waves. Winning “Best Female Vocalist” at the 2014 Atlanta Underground Music Awards, her energetic stage presence and cool demeanor has also landed her on the pages of Rolling Out and
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Hype Magazine. Featured on nearly 100 mixtapes and starting to pick up mixshow spins based off of buzz alone, paid shows are starting to come in from around the Southeast. Currently a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, Alexis juggles performances and classes, all while recording new music for her EP, scheduled to drop this summer. For bookings, features, beat submissions, or business related inquiries contact the following:
770.265.8092 AlexisAyaanaBiz@gmail.com Twitter: @AlexisAyaana Instagram: @AlexisAyaana www.AlexisAyaana.com
www.MakinItMag.com
KWE KWE written by K. Cannick
Born in Brooklyn, Kwe spent his youth between New York and London before settling down in Atlanta where he attended high school. From there he received a scholarship to attend Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where he majored in music education. Having always been passionate about music, his eclectic tastes and desire for expression drove him to professionally pursue his artistry.
creating something fresh and new. His debut EP, “Love, Kwe Kwe”, is a fusion of sounds drawing inspiration from contemporary sounds, and his classical training. The lead single from the project, “Love Touchdown”, has a world music feel and positive vibes that underscore his message of love. Having transposed versions of the EP to jazz and march, he recently completed mastering at Patchwerk Studios.
Primarily focused on writing, Kwe, is on a perpetual quest for music enlightenment. Stretching the limits of his talents as a singer, artist and entertainer, he disregards genres in search of
Kwe is currently working on new material for his album and is looking to collaborate with other artists and producers who share his cosmic vision on the profound interconnectivity of
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music and life. He hopes to have the project completed by the beginning of summer, in which his focus will shift to promoting it through press releases, social media and touring. Realizing that his audience is a global one, he is prepared to take his talents to their limits. For collaborations, bookings or more information contact at the following: Phone: 404.956.4323 kwekweuniverse@gmail.com Kwegoldenbridge24@yahoo.com Twitter: @kwekweuniverse IG: @KweUniverse KweUniverse.com ReverbNation.com/KweUniverse
Makin’ It Magazine | 9
ISSA Shortly after appearing in the last issue of Makin’ It Magazine, Issa’s then latest single, “Dopeman” caught fire. Appearing on well over 100 mixtapes and in high demand with DJs across the country, the record’s success was a gift and a curse. At the time, his official single, “Breathe” featuring Jacob Latimore was the #1 independent charting record in the country. In rotation at over 40 stations, the music video had just premiered on 106 & Park and was scheduled to debut on MTV Jams. Now, DJs (and his label) were torn between the two colossal records. The huge groundswell of support behind the music ultimately led to new doors being opened as MTV doubled back to do a reality show featuring the young star’s movement. Now with two deals on the table and shows rolling in throughout the South-
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written by K. Cannick east and Midwest, he continues to drop new records that have the industry a buzz. Partnering with VIBE for the exclusive release of his most recent single “Like You” featuring Mila J, the record quickly proliferated throughout the blogosphere. Constantly in the studio working on new material, Issa’s attention has turned toward the Good Life Music group project with label mates, Frontstreet and Law G. With each already having successful singles and a great chemistry in the studio, together they’re sure to shake things up. Most of the project will be produced by Good Life Music’s own T Black the Hitmaker, who just scored 8 records on the new Immature project being released this spring. All and all, 2015 is already shaping up to be a powerful year for Issa and the entire Good Life Music family.
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COLONEL LOUD
KIA RAP PRINCESS by B. Walker
by C. Mathews
With shows still coming in from the success of his “Old Money, New Money” mixtape with Project Pat, Colonel Loud is gearing up for the release of his latest mixtape “Plug Talk”. Expected to drop late in the first quarter, the project’s lead single, “California”, enlists the production assistance of Mr. Hanky, and features vocals by Rico Barrino and Young Dolph. The contrast of the record’s laid back tempo and upbeat vibe have made it a success at radio, picking up spins in Augusta, Jackson, Huntsville, Shreveport, New Orleans, Norfolk, St. Louis, Fayetteville, Memphis, and Columbus (GA).
Perseverance and grind are the attributes of a great artist. As winner of Makin’ It Magazine 6th official Kill the Track competition, Milwaukee rapper, Kia Rap Princess, killed the competition with both her lyrics and hustle. Putting a unique spin on the the provided Zaytoven track, she made it her own and pushed it like winning was inevitable. Complementing a strong social media campaign with solid footwork she traveled between Atlanta and the Midwest performing her single, “Work”, landing rave reviews and ads at many internet radio stations.
Phone: 414.460.5490 BookKiaRapPrincess@gmail.com Twitter: @KiaRapPrincess Instagram: @iamKiaRapPrincess www.IAMKiaRapPrincess.com
for the inaugural Music Business Empowerment conference, he’s still working to finish music for his “Loud and Proud” EP, slated for a late summer release, and “Old Money, New Money 2” with Project Pat, slated to be released late spring. For more information, bookings, features or beat submissions, contact at the following: Phone: 404.886.4650 NuStar2014@gmail.com NuStarStudiosInc.com Twitter: @ColonelLoud Instagram: @ColonelLoud Facebook.com/ColonelLoud
Busy travelling to support the record, Colonel works hard to balance road life with studio time. With a schedule of upcoming paid shows and also booked as a special guest performer
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MIKE PERRIN by C. Mathews
An eager musician excited to explore the depths of his music creativity, Mike Perrin has deep love for all genres of music spanning from Jazz and Hip Hop, to Rock and EDM. Playing guitar, drums, bass, and piano, the 20 year old engineer is based in Saskatoon, SK (Canada) but leverages his
internet presence to network with artists, songwriters and music lovers from around the world. Open for travel, he is available for session work as well as mixing and producing. For more information contact him directly at the following meperrin.MP@gmail.com 306.291.4709
Reverbnation.com/MEperrinMusicStudios
Twitter: @MpMeperrin
Makin’ It Magazine | 11
EDDIE by K Cannick
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What is the color of hip hop? Exactly one year ago the internet was outraged that Macklemore beat out Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar for album of the year at the 2014 Grammys. As the year progressed, racial tension in the streets of America grew more divisive behind the Eric Garner murder, Michael Brown mistrial and events of Ferguson, Missouri. The argument concerning the gentrification of hip hop became more heated. Seeing artists like Iggy Azalea profit from the artistic product of black culture while being dismissive of its plights of black people sparked much online debate. As Q-Tip so eloquently put in a tweet to Iggy, Hip Hop is the love child of the civil rights movement. It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said that rioting was the language of the oppressed. Hip hop is a descendent of non violent protest, channelling the anger and frustration of disaffected youth into the artistic expressions of music, dance and graffiti. It has built bridges between a multitude of cultures. More than 25 years removed from the birth of hip hop, Eddie Jayy was just 8 years old when he began singing in the choir of a predominantly black church where his parents were senior pastors. His mother a choreographer, and his father previously a DJ back in New Jersey, his home was filled with music as far back as he can remember. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Eddie Jayy was the oldest of seven kids. When he got to high school, he realized his dreams of playing professional basketball were not likely in the cards, so he dove head first into music. With the full support of his parents, Eddie pursued singing as he straddled the fence between gospel and pop. Tragically, in 2010 at age 19, Jayy lost his father. A huge blow, it was infinitely compounded by his mother’s subsequent diagnoses of stage 2 cancer. Already an ordained minister, Jayy found himself practically running the church and raising his 6 younger brothers and sisters to lighten his mother’s load. Although always having been surrounded by rap music, he found a new appreciation for the gritty reality of the genre. Soon, it became his therapy. Combining his faith with a new found deeper appreciation for
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hip hop, Eddie began writing religious based raps. Sadly, just two years after losing his father, Eddie Jayy’s mother would succumb to cancer shortly after his 21st birthday. Confused and devastated, Jayy walked away from organized religion entirely. Finding solace only in music, hip hop became his religion of sorts. A conduit for channelling the pain and the anger he felt, he would exercise the depression that had set over him through his pen. Taking the next year to find himself as an artist, he realized through others that he had a unique message, and the ability to deliver it in a marketable way. Listening to his debut Mixtape, “The Chronicles Of Eddie Jayy: Sin City, White Knight“, the argument of hip hop’s gentrification has to melt away, if only for a moment, as the authenticity of an emcee must be measured by the passion behind his words, and not the hue of his skin. Painting an introspective picture from the pallette of his life, he doesn’t rap with dreams of riches, but merely connecting with audiences and someday becoming a voice for the culture to the likes of a J Cole or Kendrick Lamar. His bars are motivated by what he can give to hip hop, as he feels it has already given so much to him. He’s even built a well established local brand through his Royalty Regime Promotions by showcasing Las Vegas artists and talent. Currently working on his sophomore project, which he hopes to have completed by June, Eddie Jayy is seeking management and touring opportunities outside of Las Vegas. With a live show already consisting of dancers, lighting and dope production, he is actively seeking to add a live band into the mix. For beat submissions, more information or business inquiries, contact via the following: PHONE: 702.335.2039 royaltyregimeofficial@yahoo.com Twitter: @whiteknight702 Instagram: @whiteknight702 www.eddiejayy.com
Makin’ It Magazine | 13
5 REASONS DJS MAKE THE
BEST PRODUCERS by K Cannick
If you want to be Hip Hop’s next big Producer, don’t purchase Fruityloops or Reason.... BUY SERATO! While that may sound odd, a quick look at some of Hip Hop’s top hit makers will clearly illustrate the strong connection between DJing and great production. Just google the discography of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Timbaland or Swizz Beats, all of which cut their teeth as DJs prior to becoming some of the most influential producers in hip hop. Those who know their history understand that DJing is the fundamental element of Hip Hop. Before the MPC, SP1200 or FLStudio, Emcees rocked over instrumental beds provided by DJs. The role of today’s hip hop producers is the natural evolution of this relationship, and here are 5 reasons DJs make the best producers. 1. DJs Are Real Fans of Music! The advent of affordable production software like Reason made it possible for anyone to start making beats. This opened the floodgates for a wave of hobby producers, more infatuated with pop culture and playing industry than creating great records. Generally speaking, any DJ that makes the transition into producing is probably doing so because they’re true fans of music, and motivated to leave their mark on the industry.
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2. DJing Breeds Creativity Being real fans of music, DJs that transition into production will typically pull inspiration from a wider base of music. Having listened to tons of records as DJs, their brains are virtually a database of melodies, drum patterns, riffs and obscure samples. This not only includes the hit records you hear in the club, on mixtapes and radio, but also the myriad of album fillers and B Sides that never hit your eardrums. This will often also include a variety of national, regional and independent records from various genres. All of these different impressions contribute to a wider palette of ideas when creating records. 3. DJs Make Music for the People Music is an interesting intersection of art and commerce. A record is just as much a product as it is an expression of raw emotion. Even the purest of artists want their work to reach the largest audience possible. In order to accomplish that goal, it must be marketed to the consumer. DJs must develop an intimate knowledge of the consumer. Many step into the role of producer, with years of inherent market research from seeing what songs make people dance, fight, drink and clear the floor. They pick up on the patterns of what people like, and the demographics that certain sounds appeal to. 4. DJs Make Music for DJs Sticking with our marketing theme, the most important thing standing between a product and
the consumer is the supply chain. DJs are a huge channel for music distribution. Whether it’s mixtape, radio or club spins, they get the music to the people’s ears and help build a demand. A producer who thoroughly understands the nuances of DJing, will build records that are not only enticing but easier for a DJ to work into their playlist. 5. DJs Are Real Producers There are plenty of beatmakers mislabeled as producers. A producer is someone who envisions the end product and brings it to life. A producer doesn’t make beats… they make records. As laid out in the previous four points, DJs who transition into production have a unique vantage point that keeps them focused on the end product. That end product being the experience of the listener. Having experience on the frontlines, they understand the power that music has, and their goal is to create magic.
Of course these are my own personal opinions, so if you think I’m wrong or missed an important point, I want to hear from you. Just log on to MakinItMag.com/coverstory26 and share your opinion. Do you think DJs have an advantage as producers? Do you think former artists make better producers? Who are your top 5 producers, and how many are DJs?
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CRASH BENZIE & 5AM by D Banks
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, hip hop artists and real-life brothers, Crash Benzie and 5AM developed an eclectic taste in music that gives them a truly unique sound. Both deeply influenced by 90’s hip hop artists such as Wu Tang, Tupac and Dr Dre, Crash first cut his teeth in the music industry playing bass and doing vocals for several successful local rock/metal bands. Although both developed a passion freestyling independently, it wasn’t long before they were making music together.
Having toured across the southeast, the two have rocked shows and connected with artists and producers throughout Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Now based on the West Coast (Juice County aka The OC), they explained how refreshing it was to be back in the south.
Starting their own production company, Shoctaw Nation Entertainment, the brothers look forward to expanding from just producing music to film, events and digital media. The goal is to further build their brand through online and offline Having opened for artists including Jedi strategies that will enable them to launch Mind Tricks, D12, Obie Trice, and Lil a full fledged label and expose other OC Scrappy, the two have honed their skills Talent such as SNE affiliate, Marley. as performers and consistently receive warm receptions from crowds. Having Currently working on their new album, recently released their new single, “Pow- which they hope to have completed by er Moves”, the record has already made the end of March, Crash and 5 are lookits way onto promotional CDs and mix- ing to connect with producers and build tapes along side industry heavyweights their management team. Once the project is completed, they plan to get back on such as Drake, Meek Mill and TI.
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the road touring and doing shows, this time on the west coast. To submit beats or reach regarding business inquiries contact using any of the following: 310.849.1859 crashbenzie@gmail.com 5indaAM@gmail.com Twitter: @RealCrashBenzie @5indaAM Instagram: @CrashBNZ @5indaAM Reverbnation.com/crashbenzie Soundcloud.com/shoctaw-nation-music Jango.com/music/Crash+Benzie
Makin’ It Magazine | 15
DJ STREETZ 2015 KING OF THE MIX
by D Banks
The music industry is flooded with Music Conferences, Showcases, Websites and Companies providing opportunities for independent artists, but somehow the aspirations of DJs got overlooked. While there are plenty of Record Pools, DJ Coalitions and Email Blasts that service records to DJs, there’s never been a platform dedicated to helping serious mixtape DJs get to the next level of their career. That’s why last year, Makin’ It Magazine launched the King of the Mix: $10,000 DJ Competition to FIND and BREAK hip-hop’s next BIG Mixtape DJ. Working with our promotional partners (Digiwaxx, The Nerve DJs, MsRivercity.com and DJServicePack) we put together an online mixtape competition to find the first ever King of the Mix. With nearly 400 DJs registering, all were given complete creative freedom for their mixtapes, as long as they included the 5 contest songs. With close to 70 mixtapes completed and 50 submitted by the deadline, we opened judging to every DJ that registered for the competition. We figured, who better to judge a mixtape competition than the DJs themselves!? After one week of judging and over 1,000 votes cast, we had our first ever King of the Mix. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, DJ Streetz explains that he can’t remember a time before he wanted to do music. Growing up loving hip hop, he describes playing around in the studio with his cousin Travis, rapping and making beats. Though never producing a chart topping hit, he did develop an ear for good music. As the two got older and Travis began promoting parties, Streetz would analyze and critique the DJs’ song selection and timing. Confident in his ear for music and knowledge of the people, he felt he could do a better job than some of the DJs his cousin was hiring. So, in 2009, armed with nothing but a laptop and unwilding ambition, DJ Streetz
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rocked his first event. Fueled by the energy of the crowd and the feedback he received afterwards, Streetz refocused his musical ambitions on DJing. Putting in dues, he spent the next 6 years developing his craft and building his brand. Consistently seeing posts about the King of the Mix competition in his timeline, Streetz decided to give it a serious look after receiving an email from DJ Johnny O of the Nerve DJs. After reading through the competition requirements, he confidently threw his hat in the ring and began working on the next volume of his Streetz Center mixtape series. With 14 previous volumes under his belt, the series had already built up a regional following prompting it to be picked up by several retail outlets. Volume 15 would prove to be some of his best work, earning him the respect of his DJ peers, and the winning score for the competition. Now crowned King of the Mix, the 25 year old DJ is looking to take things to the next level and provide the best for his two year old son, Devin Overstreet JR. With a residency at Lexington’s #1 strip club, consistent event bookings and increasing mixtape sales, DJ Streetz is already making a living off music. Now his goal is to make a killing! #KingOfTheMix2015 For Booking, Mixtape Slots, Hosting or Wholesale Orders contact via the info provided below.
PHONE: 859.494.1740 EMAIL: DJStreetzBC@gmail.com Twitter: @iamDJStreetz Instagram: @iamDJStreetz www.StreetzCenter.com
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Makin’ It Magazine | 23
Makin’ It
THE INDUSTRY’S #1 MUSIC CONFERENCE... IN PRINT!
DJ STREETZ
5
Makin’ It Magazine’s 2015 King of the Mix!
@IAmDJStreetz
@WhiteKnight702
OVER
100 CLUB, RADIO &
MIXTAPE DJ
CONTACTS INSIDE
ALEXIS AYAANA
ATL’s GME Princess Hits a Homerun w/ Debut Single Balenciaga!
@AlexisAyaana
REASONS DJS MAKE THE BEST PRODUCERS!
ALSO INSIDE: GLOBAL SPIN AWARDS + FK KWE KWE + CRASH BENZIE & 5AM PLUS MORE Follow The #1 Urban Music Industry Magazine at @MakinItMag
$9.95USD MakinItMag.com
Born in Sin City, Baptized in Hip Hop.
ISSUE 26 - Support The DJ
EDDIE JAYY