editor’s note i’m just sayin’tho
Publisher Julia Beverly Editor-AT-LARGE D-Ray
Contributors Big Fase 100, Camilo Smith, DJ BackSide, DJ E-Z Cutt, Gary Archer, Jelani, Jessica Essien, Jessica “Mz Jae” Hagmaier, Joey Colombo, Kay Newell, Keita Jones, Luvva J, Nippy Swagga, Portia Jackson, Shemp, Todd Davis, Ty Watkins Street Reps Ant Wright, Anthony Deavers, Baydilla, Bigg P-Wee, Big Thangs, Big Will, Dee1, Demolition Men, DJ Jam-X, DJ Juice, DJ KTone, DJ Nik Bean, DJ Quote, DJ Skee, DJ Strong & Warrior, Gary Archer, J Hype, Jasmine Crowe, Jessica Essien, John Costen, Juice, Kewan Lewis, Luvva J, Maroy, Rob J Official, Rob Reyes, Shauntae Hill, Sherita Saulsberry, Sly Boogy, Syd Robertson, Tonio, Twin, William Major, Zack Cimini COVER CREDITS Town Thizzness photo by D-Ray.
I loved seeing so many West Coast faces out in Houston, my goodness! Every step I take may not be the easiest, but it felt good to see so many people reppin’ the West in Houston! We need to start gettin’ it together. We’re known for our hustle, so it’s time for us to travel and let the world see it. Let’s make a West Coast statement! The weekend was full of knowledge. TJ’s DJ’s Music Conference gave you that good game that you think you know, but aren’t sure. Everyone was there getting game and giving game. It was a great event. The OZONE weekend is always full of fun and surprises. Most people don’t know what to expect when they’re attending an award show, considering they’ve only watched them on TV. Ours was incredible! The show was jam packed with stars. We had acts like T-Pain, Rick Ross, Mistah FAB, Too $hort, G. Malone, B.o.B., Ace Hood, J Prince, Mannie Fresh, Young Jeezy, David Banner, DJ Drama, and Paul Wall, and the DJ conference had all of the above plus Nelly, Bun B, Ashanti, Chamillionaire, T.I., Big Boi, B.G. Killer Mike, Beeda Weeda, Roccett, and San Quinn, just to name a few.
On my road trip back home from Houston to the Bay Area in the OZONE/CRUNK!!! Wrapped truck, I stopped to show some support to Lil Chuckee who gave me a call to let me know he was in the West. Mind you, that’s a 24 hour drive from L.A. to Houston! I told him, “If you’re out West, I’m there!” We took the drive like savages and landed in L.A., and it was well worth it! Lil Chuckee, a Young Money artist at age 12, showed me his talent! I’ve heard his music before but this time I was able to see him in action along with Violet Brown in the house! Big shout out to Violet Brown. That kid is a young star! He is very intelligent. He pays close attention to the people around him. He rocked the house! Check him out when you get a chance. He’s one of the future youngsters coming up. P.S.: Vlad, I need my money! That project you put out is making money off my photos! Hit me… - D-Ray dray@ozonemag.com
KING YELLA
ADVERTISING SALES Che Johnson Gary Archer Isiah Campbell Richard Spoon
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I used to think my job was tough trying to help get artists in a photo going in the gallery. That was when I was just a photographer. Now that I’m the “editor at large,” it’s a different story. Now if I take a photo, people are expecting it to be in the magazine. I do my best to send a lot of photos every month to make sure everyone has the same shot at being in the OZONE galleries, but some people don’t seem to understand that. Believe me, I want the West to shine, and I’ll do my part! I’m always an open ear. Hit me if you have something I need to know!
TERRENCE TYSON
Music EditorS Randy Roper Maurice G. Garland
ow that I got all that out of the way, let’s talk about the TJ’s DJ’s Tastemakers Music Conference and the OZONE Awards. Wow! JB, TJ and the team pulled it off for the 3rd annual! Last year, I was still a fairly new face to the OZONE family, so I was doing what got me there: snapping shots. This year I did the same thing, but I have a title now, “Editor at Large.” That means I had juice this year!
TERRENCE TYSON
GRAPHIC DESIGNER David KA
Me and Eric
Me and fellow photographer J Lash
Me and J Prince
Me & 2 Pistols @ Summer Jam
OZONE WEST //