AUSTIN, TX:
Summer has gotten off to a good start in the live music capital of the world. Slim Thug, Big Pokey, Rob G, ESG, and Big Tuck all came through town to perform at various venues. Bavu Blakes is up to week 26 of his weekly free 08issogreat.com flows. Domy, a new independent retail bookstore, opened up on the East Side off of Caesar Chavez. Rapid Ric headed out to New York for a show. Matt Sonzala continues to hold it down via AustinSurReal.com. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (www.luxurymindz.com)
BALTIMORE, MD:
This month we regretfully report the passing of a local Bmore Hip Hop heavyweight Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson has blessed our city with local hits over the years and he will sorely be missed. RIP big homie. Mullyman just released his debut DVD Bmore’s Buffalo Soldier and his new mixtape The Return. - Darkroom Productions (TheDarkRoomInc@yahoo.com)
BIRMINGHAM, AL:
Plies hit the Magic City and Demeco Ryans of the Houston Texans came home for the summer and hosted an event at Club 1709. DJ C. Ross of 103.1/Freewill Records dropped Showtyme Take 2 with features from Baby D, Gucci Mane, Get Low Khao, Shawty Lo, Yung Killa, Plies, and many more. DJ Stikubush had numerous acts on stage at Club Elevations. Mastermind Group is doing their thing every Thursday at Club 1709. All or Nothing Promotions is doing their thing on Fridays at Club Onyx with Big Tony. B-Money of 95.7 Jamz hosted a great event during 4th of July weekend. - K. Bibbs (AllOrNothingPromo@hotmail.com)
CHICAGO, IL:
Stretch 1 Radio has embraced Chicago music with live interviews with artists, DJs, and producers. Sho has a new single “I’m Showing Off.” According to statements made by Luda during a recent Chicago visit, it seems that Shawnna may be heading back to DTP. Timbuck2, Jamal Smallz, and DJ Sean Mac were recently seen on BET’s Rap City with DJ Q45. Producer Boogz has started a new blog called Ucan’tfuckwitchicago that highlights past and present history of Chicago Hip Hop. Other sites such as E biz, gowherehiphop, fakeshoredrive, and the blog by artist Lungz are also helping the movement. Malik Shabazz and DJ Averi Minor are at Funky Buddah Lounge every other Monday. DJ Shotime just dropped his new mixtape Too Hot for TV and DJ Shaun T and DTLR are hosting a weekly showcase. - Jamal Hooks (JHooks@tmail.com) 18 // OZONE MAG
LOUISVILLE, KY:
DJ ThruDaRoof hosted his first Slip-N-Slide DJs mixtape with Solo, Kentucky USA’s Babe Nelson, and others. Hurra-Season has been on the road. Nappy Roots are back with Greg Street. J Skillz has production on lock. G-Mack got a hot one for the ladies. The KYMP Kamp took their show on the road as well. A couple of new clubs opened, Versatile and Club Premiere. - Divine Da Instagata (OuttaDaShopEnt@hotmail.com)
CINCINNATI, OH:
JYS production has finally done it – The Shoot is an exciting new video magazine that covers a wide range of urban entertainment, sports, news events, technology, and documentaries of local and national artists (www.jysproductions.com, 513-739-9252). Congratulations to Blaze and Harmony for the release of their new album The Collision and the video for the first single “Girlfriend.” These white boys have been grinding for a long time and this shit is super hot. The Tri-State (OH, KY, IN) has seen a huge decline in music sales due to at least 10-15 key store closings. It’s so hot outside that G-Mack’s new single “Get Naked” has the females strippin’ not only in the clubs, but on the streets. - Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)
CLEVELAND, OH:
Swisha House has it with Still Smokin’ and Eviction Notice. Both can be heard on any block. SMC Recording artist Killer Mike made a special appearance at this year’s Buckeye Community Festival courtesy of Ron Spaulding (Fontana) and Nikkis Music. The city represented and forced a second Tech N9ne/Paul Wall show. The 3rd Annual Ohio Hip Hop awards is coming September 22. Cali Miles “Snowbunni” video shoot featured dimes galore. Peep her Myspace for a preview. - “X” Allah (X@NuBludManagement.com)