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I read your “Scam Afta Scam” article. I work in media as well and have done some work with So Ice. Everything about that label is shady, from the receptionist to the managers. I live in Daytona Beach and was trying to set up an interview with OJ da Juiceman while he was in town. I called So Icey and the receptionist told me that I would have to pay $500 for an interview. I almost fell out of my seat. How are you going to charge media for an interview when they are promoting you for free? I also spoke to his management, who told me they would give me an interview for the low price of $300. Every time I deal with So Icey it’s always on some fake shit, that’s why I refuse to support their movement any longer. It’s a shame that they’re doing such bad business and I’m happy that you shed the light on this. Thank you! - Jennifer Cortez, via email (Daytona Beach, FL) Your “Scam Afta Scam” piece about Gucci Mane’s management is hardcore journalism. This is the missing link in music media. Keep up the trailblazing. - Ali Muhammad, via email (New York, NY) Great article on Gucci Mane’s management scamming promoters. Kudos for having the balls to expose the truth as it appears to be. I’m sure you may have some backlash, but I am also certain you will have more support. It takes a lot to speak up for yourself but it takes an even bigger voice, spirit, and heart to speak up in defense of others and in defense of right from wrong. Everyone wants to be treated fairly but so many get away with treating people unfairly because so many are too scared or embarrassed to speak up for themselves. I truly appreciate OZONE Magazine, and TJ’s DJ’s, your hustle and drive is admirable and it motivates me to keep chasing my own dreams. Thank you and keep reporting “the real”! - Rashanda Payne, via email I read your “Scam Afta Scam” article and I have to take my hat off to you for taking the time and effort to put together such a sound article. I’ve been an international promoter for over 11 years and have toured a vast majority of urban acts in Australia and New Zealand and Europe. I started from the clubs and worked my way up to arenas and played an integral part in the growth and commercialization of urban music in those markets. I have great relationships with some of the leading booking agents in the business. I’ve been here [in the States] for a year now as I’ve expanded my business to now encompass management, and as I’ve observed the promotions game here I can only shake my head and some of the stuff I’ve seen or been approached with or offered. In reading your article I really thought I would come across Mark Reeder’s name (Logantown Entertainment – google him) but I didn’t. He was also in the mix of some of this and on top of that he told me about these two characters [Debra Antney and Johnnie Cabbell] in a conversation about two weeks ago. I also know a couple people who lost money booking Gucci shows through him as well as other acts such as Soulja Boy. He owes me money for Jeremih shows booked in L.A. and Australia. I think your story needs a part 2 or a list of warning signs for newcomers or smaller promoters. I’ve seen and dealt with a lot on the inter-
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national level but I’ve never been held for ransom as these poor promoters have. Being a female tour promoter (quite different from a party promoter) is quite rare so I had to work extremely hard over the years to build a solid reputation in the business. I’m a strong advocate for anything that is about doing good business. Congratulations on such an insightful article. - Mariah Athans, via email (Atlanta, GA) Hey JB, I’m glad someone is putting these scam artists [in Gucci Mane’s camp] on blast. Good shit. I saw how that one website was trying to put you on blast about getting some artist a feature and it was the stupidest shit I have ever seen. I looked through the whole story and email correspondence between you and that dude and I saw nothing that you did wrong. You were simply doing business selling verses like anyone else. Those people had no idea what they were talking about. This Gucci Mane shit is the definition of a real scam, and there’s a bunch more scumbag promoters, managers, and booking agents just like them. - Lil Fats, via email (Portland, OR) How much does Jazze Pha weigh? I’m just kidding…unless you’re gonna tell me? I’m looking at the OZONE Mag photo galleries now. I will always be a fan of OZONE Mag: Your favorite rapper’s favorite magazine. In “Sidekick Hackin’” y’all got Diddy on point, and Drake is all calm and shit. Any time of the day or night, you’ll see Diddy tweeting something. He’s crazy! Missing in Action? Khia ain’t missing… I saw her at Waffle House selling CDs. Lil Flip must have followed the rainbow home. My last comment is about this picture of Suge Knight and D-Ray. What does he do now besides smoke those dick-sized cigars? - Eric Hayes, via email (Detroit, MI) I wanted to say thanks for the heads-up on Gucci’s “vampires” that are scamming promoters. I picked up the issue of OZONE with Yo Gotti on the cover, reppin’ Tennessee, and read it twice on my way to L.A. Still doing the good work, I see. Keep it up and I’ll still be reading. - Dee Prince, via email (Nashville, TN) I understand you’re in the entertainment business and I have been watching in amazement the success OZONE Mag has had ever since it was a little magazine being passed out in Central Florida. However, I’m disappointed that you switched the online photo galleries back to where people can leave comments. I absolutely hate with a passion that people can leave comments and literally beat down and massacre a person’s image and self-esteem. I’m a fan of your site and your magazine but I refuse to take pictures for your website for that reason. I feel like you’re putting black artists in the spotlight but you’re also exposing the hate and ignorance we can have for one another. It’s such a disappointment looking at the lack of support we have for ourselves. I plead with you to not allow comments under the photos. PLEASE! - A longtime fan, via email (Jacksonville, FL)