TAMPA, FL:
PITTSBURGH, PA
BloodRaw, Rocko, and Three 6 Mafia all stopped through the city to kick it. Fetti of Haleraza Records signed a major production deal and Black J is back and hitting the streets with “Y Not.” Vonn Treez released his new single “See You Later” and the Fast Lane Tour is gearing up for another run across the north and south. Hardcore Ent., Lady Homi, Freeze, F-Block, and G. Money are still making big moves while Crakk King is still producing that fire and working with major label artists. DJ Nitro got some things cooking and GQ continues to drop all the hottest new music every night of the week in the clubs. - Lola Sims (lolasims@gmail.com)
PORTLAND, OR & IDAHO:
DJ Reg West and the Future Star DJs helped DJ L-Nyce celebrate his birthday at The Soda Shop. KRS-One (above), Doug E. Fresh, and Special Ed rocked Jannus Landing for The 4th of July Kings of Hip Hop show. During his stay, K.R.S. granted The Hip-Hawk Hour an interview and lectured at Crossover Church for 5 hours. DJ Headbussa dropped multiple mixtapes including Call the Fire Marshall with TREAL. Jer-Z became Slip-N-Slide DJs’ next artist. He gave a memorable performance at Aych’s King of the Stage Performance Battle. 3LG debuted The Sunday Session on Wild 98.7fm. - Slick Worthington (SlickWorthi813@gmail.com)
SEA-TAC, WA:
Octavius Miller spearheaded the West Coast Hip Hop Awards at Portland’s Roseland Ballroom. Miller has been a fixture in the Northwest Hip Hop scene for years as a promoter and business man with Next Level Promotions. The awards were well attended and included tributes to local and national artists alike. Seattle’s D Sane was awarded producer of the year – he’s been perfecting his craft for years. Kool Boy won the Pop Locker of the Year award – it ain’t Hip Hop without the B-Boys and B-Girls. - Luvva J (Myspace.com/luvvaj)
DJs Roc’Phella and Topspin hold down one of the longest running club nights on the West Coast. The Blast at Contour (1st and Columbia) in Seattle is still alive and has literally been “boosted” by a partnership with Boost Mobile and Seaspot Magazine. Also, look for Olympia Dahwud’s album Basement Sessions. It is a tribute to the 2nd Golden Era of Hip Hop – the mid-90s. The Price of the Game double CD out of the Devastator Camp is coming soon. It’s a concept project that tells all sides of the D game – it’s not all bling, fame, and glory. - Luvva J (Myspace.com/luvvaj)
SAN DIEGO, CA:
TULSA, OK
Rock Hill Ent. keeps the Diego party scene revved to full throttle. Seedless Clothing just launched and looks to have you thinking green and growing your mind. Z90’s DJs Rich E Rich and D-Rock (a.k.a. The Tight @ Night Boyz) received a nomination for R&R Industry Mix Team of the Year. Check out their #1 night show Monday thru Thursday 8 PM - 10 PM. NFL football season cranks back up and our Chargers have Superbowl or Bust goals for ’08. See you in Tampa! - Ant Wright of Swag, Inc. (Myspace.com/antsandg)
PDA did the damn thing at Tulsa’s annual Diversafest. The 2-day conference brought out an epic Hip Hop group: The Roots with Questlove on the drums stole the show. The “My Swag Party” went down at club Barcode. DJs Goodground and Ramal from Fresh Jamz 105.3 were spinning the wheels of steel. Tulsa’s own Dangerous Rob is standing tall as the General of the DPGC Next Generation. DJ Civilrightz in is the lab mastering the I-44 Street Bangaz. Primetime Tulsa is on and popping. Come and party at Club Fusion located at 16th and Sheridan Ave. Also check out Tulsa’s newest hotspot, Ladies First Sports Bar on Pine Street. - Marshlynn (Marshlynn.Bolden@uscellular.com)
OZONE MAG // 21