AUSTIN, TX:
MTV aired a special that featured Austin MC Loudmouf, an Iraqi war veteran. Kanye West and Sway visited him at home and gave him the opportunity to share his story and thoughts on the war, and how music plays an important role in his life. Same Struggle brought down Killer Mike (above) for a great show at The Parish Room. Snoop Dogg came through for a show at the Back Yard. Nuf Sed Ent brought Paul Wall, Soulja Boy, Lil Will, Lil Boosie and more to the 08’ Texas Heat Wave. Locked Down Inc. released the ATX All-Stars mixtape. DJ Rapid Ric and DJ LL just dropped Afta Da Relays 2k8. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (www.luxurymindz.com)
ABILENE/SAN ANGELO, TX:
Dub-Tex Entertainment heated up the summer with Texas Legend Lil Mario and performances by Tha 325 Fam-Bam, Lil Matt, Bigga Boi Click, and Adrian Washington at The Backroom. Big Pictures and T-Jack-T Entertainment teamed up with Star 106 for an appreciation concert in the City of Lene with special appearances by First Class, A.M.I.G.M., Bad Biznezz, M T Clique, Dat Girl Famous, Baby Loc, Texa Rican and Legion Link. Lil Matt released his much anticipated mixtape Back Against the Wall mixed by DJ Castro with production by Crooked Activity Studios. - Christian Flores (cdog@radioabilene.com)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM:
BIRMINGHAM, AL:
Gucci Mane, Shawty Lo, and 8Ball & MJG graced the stage at the Platinum. Modesty X.O. dropped a solid mixtape with DJ Smallz. Regional promoter Redd continues to do his thing around the city. Club Onyx’s popularity grows even more with the success of Tropical Fridays. Jay-I keeps pushing with his record pool. DJ C. Ross dropped Show Tyme 2 (above). Producers like Snipe, B-Phlat, M-16, Big Gunt, Twan Beatmaker and others continue doing beats for numerous acts from the South. The launch of www.bhammusicblog.blogspot.com will help keep the grind moving stronger for many acts in the Magic City and in the state. - K. Bibbs (AllOrNothingPromo@hotmail.com)
CHICAGO, IL:
Albuquerque played host to Erykah Badu and The Roots and they put on a great show. Too Short and Plies came down to do a show that started late. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Big Cheese and the Legendary Spice 1 just performed as well. Stevie and Fat Fish are at it again and shooting more videos to support their local artists. DJ Noble is back in town putting it down on the production side and spinning on the radio. E Jones is back at Tha Lab full-time so make sure you stop by and get your OZONE Magazines there. - Beno (Beno@eadymusicgroup.com)
Ben 1 just signed with Universal Records off his bubblin’ single “Never Leave My Girl” featuring Shawnna. The Definition Showcase is a new monthly event showcasing emerging talents in and out of the city. Bo G, Versatile, Rio, Skooa Choose, The Boardroom and Peeda Pan are new artists coming from the city. DJ Bamn was just inducted into the Derrty DJs crew. We as a city have to get beyond the hate to really make a city movement happen. Everybody has to play the part even if they don’t want to. - Jamal Hooks (JHooks@tmail.com)
BALTIMORE, MD:
GAINESVILLE, FL:
Kevin English, CEO of Southpaw Ent., put on an all female Hip Hop showcase featuring April Love, Nik Styles, the Get ‘Em Mamis, and Kia Calloway. It was a massive success. On a sad note, R.I.P. to Baltimore’s Club Queen DJ K-Swift who passed away after an unfortunate accident. K-Swift was the face of 92Q and was known for her parties and club CDs. The entire city of Bmore showed support as over 5,000 people attended her funeral. She will surely be missed. - Darkroom Productions (TheDarkRoomInc@yahoo.com) 18 // OZONE MAG
Young Kodak of Battle Proof Ent. is making noise with his new single “Swole” which is catching the ears of a few major labels. Up-and-coming producers C4 are kicking out some quality tracks and bringing a new sound to the industry. C Wakeley is promoting unity amongst Florida artists through the Gainesville Music Summit, bringing out big names such as The Iconz, Slip-N-Slide, Big Gates and many others. - Jett Jackson (g5jett@gmail.com)