MILWAUKEE, WI:
Baby Drew, Strick, Taste Emcees, Black Elephant, Beefe, Fam 1st and Cincere are a few names buzzing in The Mil right now. There are many different venues supporting independent Hip Hop in the 414. Myspace. com/414Luv is a cool spot to check out local events, artists and labels. One Mic/Many Voices gets a significant mention for encouraging artists to help promote peace on the streets. Miltown also has one of the hottest spoken word scenes in the country. We build with all independent artists. - Fidel Vasquez (VivaFidel@tmail.com)
WASHINGTON, DC:
The DMV Awards are gearing up for their second show. The categories are widespread, ranging from best spoken word artist to most supportive radio personality. While some of the names on the recently released nominees list are noticeable, many of the nominees are not well-known outside of their immediate circles. Many higher-profiled rap acts that should’ve been obvious nominees are noticeably absent. Notable nominees that did get a nod include 20 Bello, Multiple Man, Laelo Hood, Shy Thoro, Porche 9-11, Da Committee, Harlem X, and Tabi Bonney. - Pharoh Talib (Ptalib@gmail.com)
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA:
McArthur Mall was flooded this holiday season with all types of celebrities from Pharrell to Timbaland. Young Fame recruits Torch and Dirty Nation to bring B-More club music to the airwaves of VA. Also, Young Fame’s debut album Hip-Hopcrisy is coming to your hood soon. You can catch Anguz Black doing this stand up comedy thing at The Funnybone on Wednesday nights. The Clipse signed with Columbia Records and the streets are patiently awaiting their release. Fam-Lay is coming one step closer to strangling his label’s executives. He’s been pushed back again. - Derrick Tha Franchise (ContactYoungFame@gmail.com)
MYRTLE BEACH, SC:
Myrtle Beach is the 4th fastest growing market in the country so it’s about to go down in the ‘08. It would not be right if I didn’t say RIP to Pimp C. I will miss his music but Pimp C will still live in all of us real niggas’ hearts. My prayers go out to his family and friends and to all of my people who have lost a love one. The only way to honor your lost people is to keep them in your thoughts and prayers and continue to go out and make success for yourself. In the words of UGK, please keep it trill. - Mr. Smith (Myspace.com/SmithBigShow)
MACON, GA:
Jeezy came through Macon and showed love. The Kadalack Boyz (Myspace.com/KadalackBoyz), with a little help from DJ Rick Flare (Myspace.com/DJRicFlare), threw the New Year’s Eve party to remember. They also dropped the Together We Stand/Divided We Fall mixtape. Tex James’ solo mixtape dropped in February. The 11th Hour Mag People’s Choice Awards started off the year (Myspace.com/The11thHourMacon). They showed Hip Hop love and pitted some of Mac Town’s hottest emcees against each other. - Ali Roc (radiodj242000@yahoo.com)
MONTGOMERY, AL:
This month Montgomery was on fire with performances by Jeezy, Shawty Lo, Chrisette Michelle, Rocko, and Yung Ralph. Jeezy’s performance was tight as hell. He stayed on stage for thirty minutes giving the crowd exactly what they wanted. He didn’t have to do his own ad libs because the crowd had his back. Shawty Lo turned out the Rose Supper Club twice this month right before Long Money Entertainment’s Patron party. Boycott Records have big things popping for 2008. - Hot Girl Maximum (HotGirl.Maximum@gmail.com)
NEW ORLEANS, LA:
This month had some of the biggest parties New Orleans has ever seen. Everyone who is someone watched the ball drop at Club Dream New Orleans with DJ Hollaback. Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets threw his Certified All Star Party at Club Ampersand. Speaking of the Hornets, the Hornets Buzz Fest 2007 was successful with the hot girl group Elysian Fields performing live. Everyone was at Club Metro for Ultra Sundays with Raj Smoove; Young Fame was even in there poppin’ bottles. If you’re looking for a dime that’s top of the line, hit up She She’s on Chef Highway. - Derrick Tha Franchise (www.Myspace.com/DerrickThaFranchise)
TALLAHASSEE, FL:
Demp Week went down January 7th through the 13th. The annual celebration, which has been around for over 10 years, jumped off with lots of special celebrity guests, games, fashion shows, community events and more. Stars like Buddha from I Love New York 2 (who is a former Tallahassee resident), Lil Duval, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled, and Juvenile came through. Notty Black of the Nappy Headz, the group that T-Pain got his start in, is on the charts with “Freaky Song” featuring T-Pain. Vote for Obama in ‘08! - DJ Dap (DJDapOnline@gmail.com)
HOUSTON, TX: ORLANDO, FL:
Kheep Entertainment presented Tony Khuu’s American Gangster birthday party hosted by TV Johnny. Ajaxxx won 102 JAMZ’ Rap Against Violence contest. R. Kelly made the Double Up tour official when he stepped through Orlando alongside Keyshia Cole and J. Holiday. Iconz Night Club shut the city down with their Christmas party that was crammed from wall to wall. Blitz Krieg collaborated with TREAL on a record that promises to be a banger in 2008. Wes Fif inked a deal with Slip-N-Slide. - Destine Cajuste (upromoteme@aol.com)
SAN ANTONIO, TX:
We had some big things popping off in San Antonio, including the biggest MLK march in the country. The Annual Hip Hop Summit was that same weekend and included the likes of Bun B, Rob G, and Tha Coalition – San Antonio’s very own super group. Even more people and visitors than last year showed up. - Bishop Maxx (bishop_maxx@yahoo.com)
A true pioneer, Klondike Kat of the S.P.C. is prepping his spring release The Game Needs Me. The Dre Steel Project is coming soon. He’s got the streets buzzing with his new song “Whole Hood’s Behind Me.” Slim Thug and the Boss Hogg Outlawz are back all over the city. Kid Stylez and Jayne Wilda Designs are hooking up the streets with whatever they need. MC Qua makes everybody feel comfortable at the Downtown office. Need studio time or beats? If you have the money at the door, Cory Mo has what you need. Uppa Dek is dropping The NoseBleed Section soon. - Jamar “J Gamble” Irby (My.Upclose@gmail.com)
FORT MYERS/NAPLES, FL:
Charlie Murphy came to the Off The Hook Comedy Club to help us piss our pants fresh for the New Year. The New York Times named Riskay’s “Smell Yo Dick” (produced by DJ Quest) as one of the top underground hits of 2007. The 35th Annual City of Palm Classics hit Southwest Florida with a bang. It’s said to be the best high school basketball in the country. Irv Gotti was in the house watching his nephew play, posing for pictures, and signing autographs. - Jae Rae (JaeRae1055@aol.com)
OZONE MAG // 17