Central Florida is betting on a new star to be born from Orlando. Hom e of Mickey Mouse and Smilez & Sout this rap act seems like less of an act than the aforementioned and hstar, more like rap in action. One of the found lyricists to come from Orla most prondo so far, Adept, represents the La Messa camp. Most likely you’ from his work on various mixtapes ll know him in the O, or maybe you even hear d him spitting fire on “Bang” off compilation album last summer. the DOA Wherever you’ve heard him, you shou ld have figured out by now that his aren’t typical for most new rapp ers. You won’t hear the same regu lyrics rgitated lines about ice trays arou and bitches in abundance like catt nd necks le. Adept takes the road less trav eled, he comes at you with stories, of the pain that’s tormented his real tales own soul. Adept has been busy preparing for his album release, scheduled for summer 2004. Even tentatively though it may seem a bit early to call anything on his new album a singl doesn’t stop the fact that right now his catalogue is over fifty song e, that s deep. After hearing some samp it’s safe to say that with the help les myself, of Orlando’s own multi-platinum production team, Nasty Beatmak has a nice beat selection to work ers, Adept with, taking his music to another level. At the end of the day, how his rhymes that separate him from ever, it’s the pack. Somewhat reminiscent of Nas and Biggie, Adept is one of rappers who actually has a mess the few age to deliver. His rhymes stay rawe r than fish markets. Never holding own emotions, you would think he’s back his throwing chairs in the booth. Adep t is one of Orlando’s most promising picks in a long time. Next time you draft plan your Disney vacation, make sure you ask your travel agent for La Messa studios. – Noel Malcolm, a tour of noel@ozonemag.com (Photo: Rayfi eld Warren)
a ghetto boy and ghetto girl.” Out of these “I was born in this ghetto world – a product of a ghetto fuck between – was born in Atlanta, GA. He spent his adoseemingly dismal circumstances, James – later crowned “Yung Wun” Vietnam.” Early on, Yung Wun’s poetic gifts lescent years training for battle in housing projects known as “little d in the streets and landed in the juvenile immerse became He ent. environm ruthless were overshadowed by his expression and began rhyming as a form lyrical through relief found justice system. Throughout this time, he grandmother, Vera, continually pleaded His awards. of escape, winning several oratorical contests and writing In the single most pivotal moment of talents. n God-give his on ate concentr and streets the off get with him to he was determined to focus on death, her by lmed Overwhe arms. his in died ther his life, Yung Wun’s grandmo by 2Pac, Biggie, and DMX, he Inspired form. art his to life his the good his grandmother saw in him and devoted music executives. Many several of n attentio the g began showcasing his talent all over metro Atlanta, attractin in to exploit him. Despite his disaphim lured only dream his achieve him help to promised that of the people there would be “consequences and repercuspointments, Yung Wun pressed on with a vengeance, vowing that in 1998 when he signed with Atlanta-based turn upward an took sions” if anyone tried to stop him. His career platinum-selling super producer, Swizz Beatz. production company Dark Society, who presented his project to Since then, Yung Wun has been featured on Swizz offered them a production deal with Full Surface/J Records. , Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, and Scarface. His Drag-On of likes the e alongsid rapping several platinum rap albums, creating a heavy buzz. (Photo: JB) is Banner, David and Flip, current single, “Tear It Up,” with DMX, Lil’
Triple J has a gift for making bad shit sound real good. From Riviera Beach, Florida, otherwise known as “The Raw,” Triple J dropped out of school with a vision to come up. “I paint a picture with words. It’s real – you feel it or you don’t,” he explains. Dedicated to the hip-hop game, he left school to pursue his passion for rhyming, incorporating nothing but life experience. Hustlin’ his way though several local projects, including the most recent “Gladiator,” he independently moved over 12,000 units. In 1996, Triple J lined with producer Tone Capone of Da Luniz fame, fusing Oakland pimp style into the track “Nationa l Players” for a complilation CD, “Dollars & Spence Family Tree,” which enjoyed solid distribution througho ut the South, Midwest, and California. While working with Triple J, Tone Capone was also deep into Scarface ’s “Untouchable” (“Mary Jane” and “Smile”). Scarface took note of Triple J’s distinctive flow, plugging him to Def Jam South as “Bumpy Johnson.” He was on his way – or so it seemed. After signing with Def Jam South in July 2002, Triple J’s project was shelved. He returned to hometown love, releasing his fifth project, “My Addictio ns,” under Black Market (not to be confused with Lil’ Jon’s BME) in March 2004. “I’m at my peak now,” he says confidently. “My Addictions” is a distinctive blend of influences and collaborations. He teams up with produce r Jim Jonsin (Trick Daddy, Trina, Pitbull) on “Point ‘Em Out” and links with South Florida’s Suave Smooth on “Ridin’ Wit’ Us.” Triple J has enjoyed play on mainstream radio such as West Palm Beach’s WMBX and has various tracks on steady rotation on the underground stations. But making local noise is just a springboard for bigger and better thing. “I’m the most lyrical rapper comin’ up. If you think otherwise, I’m ready to see you!” – Katerina Perez for Fresh Entertainment