COLUMBUS, OH: In the past month we’ve popped bottles with Gorilla Zoe and Yung Joc, cranked that with Lil Wayne, cut and scratched with DJ Kid Capri and DJ Drama, and spotted Lyfe Jennings, Juvenile, Freeway, Gucci Mane, Ginuwine, and more. FlyUnion’s new video “Big Trucks” is blowing up on YouTube. Dreamlife artists Reese and Blaze jumped off the Greatest Rapper Alive concert with Lil Wayne. Their new mixtape American Dream is that deal. Everyone’s hope for a new urban radio station (106.7) was doused when they decided to go Modern Rock. Club ICE got that ACE of Spades finally and Club Karma (with its $500k facelift) is opening up. - Jorden Martin (Mz_Emjay23@yahoo.com)
JACKSON, MS:
DJ Q45 of Rap City put Jackson in the spotlight by filming his BET show live from Club Freelon’s. Malik came down and represented big for OZONE Magazine. DJ Drama came through for his album release. Hot 97.7 packed the house with Pretty Willie and local R&B singer Romaine. Everyone is on the grind for ‘08 with new albums and singles dropping. Expect to hear something real soon from Boo (1Life1Love) of CTE, J Money of 3535 Entertainment, and Jewman. Expect to see something hot from Banner. Other hot acts for ’08 are Lil C, Gutta Twins, and Paper Chasin Family (PCF). - Tambra Cherie (TambraCherie@aol.com) & Stax (blockwear@tmo.blackberry.net)
MEMPHIS, TN:
Former club The Premier has re-opened its doors as Level 2 and is creating quite a buzz around town with promises of a whole new atmosphere. From concerts to grown and sexy parties every week, this should keep Memphis entertained. Prophet Posse is on a promo radio tour this year stopping through cities such as Chicago, ATL, Orlando, and Dallas. They are also in the process of working on a new movie and a Nick Scarfo and Kelo compilation album The Pimp and the Dealer. Kia Shine is receiving bad reviews on his latest album and video from various media sources outside of Memphis. Haters love us. - Deanna Brown (Deanna.Brown@MemphisRap.com)
SAVANNAH, GA:
Black Monii hosted the Lil Red Cup party starring Savannah State University’s own A.M.I. Lil Wayne shut the city down at Frozen Paradise. 31 Flavurs – GA’s hottest female street team, Clouds, and Asia Black Entertainment hosted Rydin into The New Year with the new Nite Rydaz. Rowe Ent and 31 Flavurs presented the Double Up Tour starring Keyshia Cole, J. Holiday and R. Kelly. The hottest parties of the entire year went down at Island Breeze and Frozen with Blak Monii Ent. Lucky celebrated her birthday on New Year’s Eve with Clouds, Asia Black, Blak Monii Ent, A.M.I., and 31 Flavurs (Myspace.com/31Flavurs). - Lucky (LuckyCharmsEvents@gmail.com)
18 // OZONE MAG
MIAMI, FL:
The Double Up Tour was dope but the highlight was Keyshia Cole’s momma Frankie acting a straight nut! Imagine onstage “Pop, Lock and Drop It” to the Beyonce bounce. Frankie is now my official role model. Trina’s private mansion party was an NFL and NBA buffet. Trina introduced me to her new and fine man and said I could tell y’all who he is but because that might’ve been the Patron talking, I’m going to hold off. Here’s a hint: when she hugged him her nose was in his belly button! Look out for Grind Mode, Ball Greezy, CrackerJack and production by Gorilla Tek. - Supa Cindy (www.Myspace.com/Supadupe)
COLUMBUS, GA:
As 2007 came to an end, the biggest event in Columbus was the Foxie 105 Fall Talent Show. The talent show is like a right of passage for any local singer, rapper, or dance group. The event also brought performances by The Eastside Boys and Loony T, a Columbus Native, whose song “Dear Keyshia” is blowing up on YouTube. The song expresses views of people who attended the highly publicized concert that kicked off the R. Kelly Double Up Tour. Many concertgoers believed Keyshia Cole’s refusal to perform meant she felt as though she was too big of an artist for Columbus. The winners of the talent show were ROTC (dance), April Epps (singing), and Young Legacy (Rap). - Slick Seville (SlickSeville@gmail.com)
NASHVILLE, TN:
R&B powerhouse Descendants of Reality close out ‘07 and the Ray Charles Exhibit was a powerful show at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The city is trying to get the Place to close their doors simply because some could care less about anything urban which leads to the question in the streets, what’s up with The Cartel? All Star and Loyalty Records dropped Starlito’s Way II. NYE was crazy and Grammy winning producer Shannon Sanders opened it with a bang. The city also saw flyers promoting discounts with church programs and 2 for 1s on the same line? - Janiro (Janiro@southernentawards.com)
CINCINNATI, OH:
The ladies of the ‘Nati are making a huge comeback. DJ Dimepiece the Mixin’ Vixen started the year off with her new mixtape series I’m So Cincinnati featuring the hottest music in the area. Femme’ Cartel is a hot 2-piece that not only has good looks but also good music. Kadijah, the First Lady at Fort Chang, is also doing her thing. She’s featured on a track with Hi-Tek, who we all know makes nothing but hits. Attention: all local labels are still open and doing business despite the negative publicity, in other words fuck what you heard. - Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)
JACKSONVILLE, FL:
The Jaguars were knocked out of the NFL Playoffs by New England. This is a completely biased statement, but New England is a bunch of cheaters. Miss D.I.M.E. will host the “Party of the Decade” coming in March. Dukwon released a new single with Young Capone called “I’m Phresh” (Myspace.com/DukwonsMusic). Grand Prix was featured in OZONE’s Super Bowl edition. Point Blank Ent is killing everyone’s phone bill with mass text messages for their upcoming events. Lots going on. Lil Rudy is taking over Jax’s Rapquest as I have gone to Atlanta to work in the OZONE office. Email him your updates LilRudyRu@yahoo.com. - Ms. Rivercity (MsRivercity@yahoo.com)
TAMPA, FL:
Doug E. Fresh entertained all for the grand opening of the first Hip Hop Soda Shop here in Tampa. Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Andre Harrell and others were there signing autographs and taking pictures with fans and supporters. DJ Sandman and DJ Ekin keep the party going every Sunday night at Pin Chasers spinning old school Hip Hop and R&B. They also helped 3rd Leg Greg celebrate his birthday. The community suffered a huge loss with the sudden passing of DJ Clips. His music touched many and his soul touched even more. He will not be forgotten. - Mz T-Rock (MzTRock@yahoo.com)