ver the last few years, DJ Drama and his Gangsta Grillz series have transcended Southern mixtapes and in the process broke numerous artists. O From T.I.’s Down With the King to Young Jeezy’s Trap or Die, Gangsta Grillz without question has been the greatest mixtape series to come out below the Mason Dixon Line (and arguably the country). Shit, some of the mixtapes are better than artists’ albums. Given Drama, Cannon and the
Aphilliates’ current legal troubles, the fate of Gangsta Grillz and the mixtape circuit as we know it hangs in the balance. Since we maybe never hear another DJ Drama mixtape, we thought of some Gangsta Grillz that we hope one day will hit the streets... and some that we’re glad never materialized. Nick Cannon Respect Me As a Rapper We respect Nick Cannon as an actor, comedian and television producer (also, the fact that he blew Christina Milian’s back out gives him added points in our book). But Nick Cannon the rapper can’t rap his way out of a wet paper bag. By now, Nick has probably tried to bribe Drama by offering him DJ DWreck’s position on Wild’n Out. As much as we’d love to hear a Nick Cannon diss towards Christina and her new boyfriend Dre (of Cool & Dre) on wax, we’re glad Drama never agreed to do this tape. Master P & Romeo Like Percy, Like Romeo Give Master P credit for making Southern rap music relevant and making multimillions as an entrepreneur. But we all know Master P is, was and never will be much of a rapper. Romeo is slightly better than his father, but the rapper doesn’t fall far from the whack rapper family tree. No Limit has struggled over the last few years and we’re happy Drama has never extended a hand to bring the Millers back. Pretty Ricky Not Tonight There’s nothing gangsta about horny teenagers dry humping. Mr. Thanksgiving and the new millennium New Edition? No thanks. If Dram’ works with these guys, DJ “The Fuck” Drama may be inclined to pull a Kells with those underage Scream Tour groupies, and Dram already has enough problems in his life. 26 // OZONE MAG
DMX All Dogs Go To Heaven DMX’s rap career is dead and gone, and not even the iPod King could resurrect this decreased dog. X had a good run but he’s better off as an actor or even a preacher. Hey, there’s money to be made in the church, X. Just ask Mase. Cadillac Don & J Money Our Album Already Dropped The “Peanut Butter & Jelly” boys released their album in November, but I don’t think anyone knows. Drama is notorious for helping artists build buzzes after their albums drop. But in this case, he’s better off making these dudes a couple of sandwiches and let them ride off into obscurity in their different color Chevys. Uncle Luke Gangstas Are Freaks Too Let’s be honest, Miami bass and Gangsta Grillz don’t mix, like two dicks and no chicks. Sure, Drama’s pussy rate would go up working with Luke Campbell, but this mixtape would be better off thrown from the port of Miami than on the streets. Ying Yang Twins Me, My Brother & DJ Drama The Twins learned a valuable lesson last year. No one will buy your album if you don’t have a hit single (unless you’re Nas). Look for the Twins to run to Drama for help. But booty shaking, whispering
and saying “I-yi-yi” isn’t what Drama’s brand is made of. DJ Webstar & Young B Truancy Officers The only time Drama should make it rain is in Magic City. And the only time he should chicken noodle soup is never. Let’s save the party dances for Fat Man Scoop’s mixtapes and make sure Young B is going to class. Ray J Brandy’s Brother Gone Wild Wait a minute, what’s gotten into Ray J lately? He’s been hanging out with Whitney Houston, smoking weed with Snoop and making pornos with his ex-girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. Next thing you know, his “One Wish” will be a DJ Drama exclusive. Hell no! Brandy, we thought y’all were good kids. Mistah F.A.B. The Bus Stops Here With all due respect to The Bay, we don’t ghostride our whips in the South. Do you know how much money we put into our cars to risk foolishly wrecking them? The iPod King won’t be ghostriding yellow buses or dropping a hyphy Gangsta Grillz anytime soon. If he does, we might revoke his Southern card (we haven’t forgotten that Drama’s really from Philly). // - Randy Roper