AUSTIN, TX:
RIP Hot 93.3. The Austin Hip-Hop station changed formats and the entire staff was unfortunately let go. The station had been on air for 6 years. Dorrough, Gorilla Zoe, and Del tha Funkee Homosapien all came through for shows at Aces Lounge on 6th Street. Area artists appearing on the lineups included KJ Hines and 2 Gunz Up. Lil Keke came through for a show at Fuze night club. J-Kapone won the Up-and-Coming Artist award at the 2009 Texas Latin HipHop award show. - O.G. of Luxury Mindz (www.luxurymindz.com)
BAY ST. LOUIS, MS:
There’s a new spot that highlights locals as well as national favorites. Club Kick Shots played host to New Orleans own Hot Boy Ronald, and 5th Ward Weebie. Yo Gotti visited B.J.’s in Gulfport, and even though he didn’t hit the stage ‘til late, he didn’t disappoint. Jacksonville, Florida’s own Pimp G hit regular rotation on J.Z.94.5 with his single “Cuddy Buddy.” The legendary Rakim threw down at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Charlie Murphy hit the Gulf Coast, and the Bay Boyz released their mixtape It’s in the Air. - DJ Deliyte (unodasound@yahoo.com)
BIRMINGHAM, AL:
Juvenile hit Mike’s Crossroad. K.D. dropped the Soul Inn mixtape with DJ Burn 1. DJ C. Ross & Freewill Records dropped Live From The Classic 5 featuring Corey Barbar, B.A. Boys, Fatthead, Nino Brown, Yelawolf, Kastro Murc, Camp, Ms. Carie, Eldorado Red, Young Breed of Triple Cs, and more. D-Real is working hard around city. Trick Daddy hit the The Palace. Nina Labelle is doing her thing at The High Note Lounge with her Wed. open mic night. Brian Todd dropped a video. Kandi & Calvin Richardson hit the M Lounge for the Swac Championship Weekend. - K. Bibbs (AllOrNothingPromo@hotmail.com)
CINCINNATI, OH:
DB Entertainment and the Mixx Ultra Lounge, along with Spade Kreations, kicked off their 5 Tha Hardway Basketball Tournament. Mixx Ultra Lounge took 1st Place and Tha Rock took 2nd Place. Count Much More Entertainment’s new single “Goon Walk” has got the G’s in the Nati slidin’ across the floor like they doing the “Moon Walk.” Newcomer Young Ex definitely has some hit records like “Popular” and “Party Girl.” Knowing Young Ex’s relationship with the Lil Wayne and Young Money camps, I expect to hear these songs nationwide real soon. - Judy Jones (Judy@JJonesent.com)
COLUMBUS, OH:
Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 Tour came to Columbus. R. Kelly stopped through on the Ladies Make Some Noise Tour with Pleasure P. Talib Kweli and Ghostface Killah came and brought capacity crowds with them. Columbusbased rappers The 3rd performed with Talib Kweli and announced the iTunes release of their debut album. Another Columbus group, Fly Union, got their record played during Monday Night Football on ESPN. Former NBA star Ruben Patterson got arrested and slapped with weapons charges while celebrating an Ohio State win over Michigan. - KayJay of the FlyPaper (designsbykayjay@gmail.com)
DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX: VK Studios (pictured above) is recording everybody. The NGenius Ent. label is becoming a household name. NGenius is home to Dorrough Music, Da Block Boi – whose single “Bottles and Models” f/ Chalie Boy is getting requested – and their newest member Lil Tony – who has the streets waiting on his Posted, Loaded, Floatin’ mixtape. Big HoodBoss signed with Soulja Boy’s SODMG. T-Kash dropped “Get 2 Da Real” and the Definition DJs celebrated their 3rd Anniversary. Flonitti’s “Steppin Out Clean” and Mashmode’s “So Fly” ft. Twisted Black are keeping Fort Worth strong. Tristan Trotter, Bigg V, and GO DJ Phat keep DFW artists on the road weekly. - Edward “Pookie” Hall (urbansouth@gmail.com)
DENVER, CO:
Rockie has the hottest song in the club with “Loaded.” Young Doe dropped another classic album titled The Secret. The Black Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mile High Legends Gala which honored Denver legends Chauncey Billups, Philip Bailey, Pam Greer, Big Jon Platte, and more. Not to mention the Nuggets, Broncos and Avalanche are looking good. W.O.W. at the Iliff Park Saloon is the newest outlet for artists every Wed night. Artists such as Mr. Midas, Fat Lee, Tone Skarfo, Juessman, Box Boyz, Big Rich, Moi Yo Yoi Boyz, and many more have already performed there. For info email wowdenver@gmail.com. - DJ Ktone (Myspace.com/djktonedotcom)
LAS VEGAS, NV:
A new mega-community called City Center opened on the Strip. 14 // OZONE MAG