epok magazine august/september isuue

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF– KANEKIA SIMPKINS

PUBLISHERS– MAGCLOUD PUBLISHERS

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS-KANEKIA SIMP-

KINS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS– D.

LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY, O.J’s. PHO-

TOGRAPY, LARRY MOSLEY LASTING

LOOK PHOTOGRAPHY, MAGIC CITY PICS,

& KANEKIA SIMPKINS

CIRULATION-TREMAYNE HORTON

SENIOR LAYOUT AND DESIGN-KANEKIA

SIMPKINS

ASSOCIATE LAYOUT & DESIGN-

ALPHONSO SMITH

3. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE

I hope everyone is enjoying Birmingham’s very first entertainment magazine.

Lord already knows the feeling I experience with each and every issue that I com-

plete. I would like to shed some light and make clear a few sections inside Epok

Magazine entitled, “What’s The Dirty” column. Please don’t get this column con-

fused. This is not a section of Epok Magazine to talk about or poke fun at anyone.

We (Birmingham, Al) are called the Dirty South. So that means that everything

we do has to be prepared by our hands from the dirt and ground up. I know every-

one can remember as a youth riding your bicycle for the first time, falling to the

pavement on your knees, or flat on your face. Maybe you scratched up your knees

so badly that you still have the scar to date. Or maybe you knocked out your first

tooth. Then running frantically inside the house, as if you were dying, only to

have your Mom or Dad say to you, “Stop all that hollering and crying, its just a

scratch.” There’s nothing wrong with sometimes getting a little “Dirty.” We learn

from falling in the dirt and getting a scratch or two. It gives us Southerners a story

to tell about where we’ve been and how far we have come. The hot Summer is fi-

nally here and things have started to speed up. Stay on your grind during this long

hot Summer. This issue is called the Swag issue. I entitled volume four this for

many reasons. If you are a die hard Epok Magazine fan (which I know you are) I

know you paid close attention to the cover. On the cover of Epok Magazine is

Modesty Xo and Swagg Buddies. I chose these Alabama artist because they have

both been a huge staple in contributing to the Hip Hop community in Alabama. As

for me, I promise in 2012 and beyond, Birmingham will never be the same. Join

Epok Magazine to help transform Alabama into what were suppose to be. Repre-

senting our community, our music, our history and our southern Hip Hop culture.

So all you poets, singers, rappers, dancers, and local businesses that believe

you’re the one, please step forward and be apart of history in the making.

Love Always

Kanekia Simpkins


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EPOK MAGAZINE: Who are all the members of S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES?

Introduce yourselves.

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Young Chevy, King Kuma, Petey Mo, and DJ Dity Ant.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Describe the Swagg Buddies and what you guys are all

about.

S.W.A.G.G BUDDIES: Swagg buddies is a group of unique individuals with a

common goal... Seriously Workin And Gettin Guap. That’s were the acronym

S.W.A.G.G. comes from in our name.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Most of you guys are solo artist. King Kuma has been

doing his thing for years and Dirty Ant is a Deejay. Why start a group now

called Swagg Buddies?

S.W.A.G.G BUDDIES:

We all just wanted to do

something different with

our music. The group was

formed in 08' in a time

where Southern Hip-Hop

was in a transitional phase.

EPOK MAGAZINE:

How did the Swagg Bud-

dies meet?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Initially myself (Kuma) and Young Chevy were just

gonna collaborate on two tracks but the vibe we had was so good we decided to

do a mixtape. Petey had just began rapping, and Dirty Ant was already workin

with Chevy...things just kind of fell in place.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What are each person role in the group S.W.A.G.G.

BUDDIES?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Dirty Ant is the DJ/manager, Kuma is an artist/engineer/

graphic designer, Chevy is an artist/model/actor, and Petey just raps.


EPOK MAGAZINE: So how long have Swagg Buddies been together?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We started the group in 08'. We four years deep in this thang.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Who is the most creative in the group when coming up with

new material for the group?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We all play an integral part in the song writing process hon-

estly. Everybody puts their ideas in the pot and whatever is the hottest is what we run .

EPOK MAGAZINE: Who is the crunkest out of the group when you guys have a

night out in the club?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Petey Mo gonna buy the bar, and Dirty Ant gonna show the

club the latest dance craze! Everybody know about us on the Huntsville, Al club sce-

ne…

EPOK MAGAZINE: Lets talk about your song "My Chevy." "My Chevy" is def-

initely an energetic club banger and my favorite by the S.W.A.G.G. Buddies. How


did the song "My Chevy" come together. What producer or producers did

you work

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: The concept just came from us vibin in the studio... It

was the last song we recorded for our first mixtape. We wanted something that

was real universal. Something that old, young, black, white, orange, and green

people would listen to. S/O to Vybe on the beat!

EPOK MAGAZINE: Will the S.W.A.G.G. Budddies shoot a video for "My

Chevy?"

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We actually already did the video and it should be out as

your reading this! Look it up on YouTube.

EPOK MAGAZINE: The S.W.A.G.G. Buddies have worked with big Ala-

bama names like King South. What other artist have you worked with so far

or would like to work with out of Alabama?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We haven't worked with any other "BIG" Bama artist as


of yet, but we have recorded music with Gorilla Zoe and a few other celebrities.

EPOK MAGAZINE: "Going Ham" was a cool video directed by Jimmy Heart of The

Heartbeat Show. I saw a lot of cameo appearances from Cant Stop Muzik’s Scootaboy Da

Mayor, model Diva Status and Jurian Isabelle. Who came up with the treatment and con-

cept for the video "Going Ham?"

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Jimmy Heart and I came up with the concept and treatment together.

We played off of the theme of the song.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Any new mixtape or music that S.W.A.G.G. Buddies is currently

working on?

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: We are currently finishing up the "Finesse Gang" mixtape, scheduled

to release this fall.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Let the readers know your Twitter, and any show and performances

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES have coming up in the near future.

S.W.A.G.G. BUDDIES: Follow us @swaggbuddies on twitter and instagram, and like Swagg

Buddies on Facebook to stay updated on our latest music and our tour schedule .



http://theheartbeat.ning.com/

Yelawolf is the guy that made it popular again to be a white

boy that raps. Signed to Slaughter House a year prior to Bad

Boys Machine Gun Kelley, Yelawolf is the perfect addition to

Eminem’s record label. And we are not talking about Vanilla

Ice. Yelawolf is a true lyricist from the hard streets of Gasden,

Alabama. And he proves just that each and every time he opens

his mouth tearing down BET cyphers alike. So don't let

Yelawolf’s calm exterior fool you. He has worked with Dip

Set’s Juelz Santana, and rapper/country singer Kid Rock. You

can catch Yelawolf in concert at Sloss Furnace in Birming-

ham, Alabama on September 14, 2012.

A native of Albany, GA, Translee is quickly becoming an underground

name in the streets of Atlanta. Raised in Huntsville, AL Translee began

recording at the age of 18 when he decided to seriously pursue a career

in music. His management and production team, DIGITAL NATIV3

Culture (DNC) is spearheaded by his college roommate Chris Hunter

and Todd Marshall. Arriving in Atlanta in 2009, Translee entered into

the industry by interning and assisting in promotions for Young Mogul

Entertainment artist V.I.C ("Get Silly" "SAY BOW") and ColliPark

Music's girl group Vistoso Bosses. "I wanted to learn everything I could

about the business. The experience has helped me to shape my goals for

my own career." HIs career is quickly coming into fruition with his two cur-

rent singles "AYO" and "Cool as I Wanna Be." " My Music is a reflection of

my dream to create art. I want to make music that people enjoy."

How does a rapper become one of the most talked about under-

ground names in Alabama? Well one way is to become one of

the first pioneers of rap music in Birmingham, Al as BJ

aka Birmingham J has been doing for years. He not only

carries the cities name as his marquee but Birmingham J has

managed to continuously put out popular independent music for

well over ten years. With legendary anthems like How You

Like My Style, Neighborhood Super Star, Move Back to to-

day’s On Dat, Birmingham J has literally carried the state of

Birmingham music scene on his back. And it doesn't look like BJ will be

slowing down anytime soon. I want people to know where I’m from. People

think (Birmingham) is country, backwoods dirt streets. Its not really like

that here. I want to do what Outkast did for Atlanta.

A native of Albany, GA, Translee is quickly becoming an underground

name in the streets of Atlanta. Raised in Huntsville, AL Translee began

recording at the age of 18 when he decided to seriously pursue a career

in music. His management and production team, DIGITAL NATIV3

Culture (DNC) is spearheaded by his college roommate Chris Hunter

and Todd Marshall. Arriving in Atlanta in 2009, Translee entered into

the industry by interning and assisting in promotions for Young Mogul

Entertainment artist V.I.C ("Get Silly" "SAY BOW") and ColliPark

Music's girl group Vistoso Bosses. "I wanted to learn everything I could

about the business. The experience has helped me to shape my goals for

my own career." HIs career is quickly coming into fruition with his two cur-

rent singles "AYO" and "Cool as I Wanna Be." " My Music is a reflection of

my dream to create art. I want to make music that people enjoy."

Mic Strange is just what the name states. STRANGE. But the word

Strange holds no negative connation here. This is Strange in his best

form. He is coming with an entire different angle on music. Mic

Strange is an Alabama rapper that is mostly under rated by many. His

lyrical ability and style is one unheard of in the state of Alabama. Alt-

hough a very grimy rapper that focuses on a lot of street content, Mic

Strange is a creative, out-of–the-box thinker when it comes to his musi-

cality. Just picture Jimmy Hendrix, Outkast, and Tupac all rolled into

one artist. Even through a drunken cloud of haze, Mic Strange is still

consciously or subconsciously able to delivery eclectic pieces such as

Going Hard and It Anit Hard To Tell.

As one of the members of the group XO, Mata cannot

be stopped. This overly-cocky MC is a product of Sel-

ma, Alabama’s Sel Muzik Era, going “Dum Dum” on

just about every track he graces. As a matter of fact, no

one can discuss Alabama’s music scene without men-

tioning Mata, XO, Slow Motions Soundz, PRGz, and

Artillery South. The Dread Man is affiliated with all

things music in some way or another. He has produced

a wide variety of music from Clean Everyday, The 100

Day Theory, I’m Different, and I’m Local. So if you’re

an artist in Alabama, chances are you’ve heard or worked with Mata the

Dread Man.

Not short of rhymes at all Short Change is one of the eight hottest rappers

of North Alabama’s Southern Hip-Hop world. Alabama has always had a

thriving underground capable for producing major stars such as Rich Boy,

Dirty, 6 Tre G, Rudi Deville, Jackie Chan, Slow Motion and lady rapper

Tam Tam. All mentioned above at one time dominated their city’s under-

ground rap scene before moving to the next level. Next up to bat is

SHORT CHANGE, Hunts-Vegas current underground Hip-Hop player or

just call him “Dope Boi Yella”. The Huntsville based rapper has been run-

ning the underground North Alabama scene with a new outlook on the

industry. Known and respected throughout the North side for his styles on

the mic, Short is one of the South’s most respected young rappers.

he poverty-stricken ghettos across the globe have produced some of the most influential tal-

ents ever. Whether the sweltering cotton fields under a merciless Mississippi sun that birthed

the blues of Muddy Waters and B.B. King, treacherous tenements of Jamaica that produced the

rebellious rhythms Bob Marley and Peter Tosh or the run-down, roach-infested projects of the

South Bronx giving way to Hip-Hop artist KRS-One and legendary DJ Kool Herc, the overcom-

ing of poverty, pain and hardships has molded some of the greatest contributions to music, art

and science.

Up next to share his trials, tribulations, victories and defeats to the masses now comes Alabama

-born ghetto dweller Modesty XO. After becoming a permanent fixture on the local Hip-Hop

scene more than a decade ago, Modesty’s reach has far surpassed the boundaries of Birming-

ham. With a string of regionally distributed mixtapes hosted by highly praised turntable techni-

cians DJ Infamous and DJ Smallz, Modesty is set to take the world by storm aided by his bub-

bling, R&B-tinged new singles “Baby Girl”, “Money Money” “Paper” and “What u

Got” (which accompanies an independent video shot on in Birmingham).

“My music is a reflection of my mood for the moment. If I’m feeling good, my style might be

crunk. If that day ain’t going right, you might get some blues. And that’s the average day that

people live. Their moods change, and so does my music,” Modesty explains. “A lot of rappers

put on images. I want people to know me. Everything is real in my music- 100 percent.”


Modesty grew up in Birmingham’s worst area known as the West End. The one-time center for

the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the section is now plagued by poverty, gangs and

drugs. And while Modesty was raised in a two-parent home and was a tad bit better off than

many of his neighbors, he still felt their same pains of coming up in the hood.

“I might have been blessed with only a little bit of something, but the people across the street

might not have nothing. So we leaned on each other’s shoulders,” he remembers. “Everybody

that grew up in West End has all gone without at one point. You may have to go to your next

door neighbor and ask for some ketchup or to get a ride to the store. Everybody is one big fami-

ly. We had to be in order to survive.”

Introduced to rap music by an older brother, Modesty first began penning lyrics at age 12. Mod-

esty instantly found his calling. He could be in the school cafeteria banging on the table to

make a beat, huddled up amongst a group of eager middle school students battling or going toe

to toe with competitors in an open mic contest, but Modesty could always be found somewhere

rapping.

“I was always a fan of Hip-Hop,” he says. “When other kids were growing up saying they

wanted to be a fireman, a policeman or a football star, I wanted to be a rapper. I always was

good at poetry and writing stories. So I started rhyming and rapping my poetry.”

By high school, Modesty had made a name for himself around town for his music. He began

performing at clubs throughout the city and grew a strong local following because of his

straightforward southern style and dynamic stage presence.

Capitalizing on his fame across the city, Modesty began recording songs, burning them on discs

and passing them out in school in 2003. So that the CDs would be distributed throughout the

city, he wrote “burn me” on each CD with a magic marker.

“That was my way of marketing,” he details. “People started burning it and it started spread-

ing.” In 2006, Modesty hit pay dirt with his biggest local hit “Back It Up” and even brought

home a trophy for Live Best Male Performer for Birmingham’s Dirty 30 Awards.

The following year, his grind was recognized with a nomination for an Ozone Award for Pa-

tiently Waiting Birmingham in 2007. And he officially staked his claim in the game with his

own label Fully Driven Entertainment in collaboration with Zoo Boyz Entertainment and the

DJ Infamous-hosted mixtape 24/7 Grindin Chapter 1: Necessary By Any Means.

He solidified his stay in 2008 with DJ Smallz-hosted mixtape Hustler Muzik. In addition, he

was awarded an opportunity to collaborate with famed producers Marlo Mischief and J Millz,

who has produced tracks for Atlanta-based group Youngbloodz and Memphis rap legend Yo

Gotti. He also co-wrote the lyrics for song “Dope Boy Lean,” which appeared on Tyler Perry’s

2008 comedy Meet The Browns.


“I’m trying to be a counselor to the game,” says Modesty. “Everybody’s pockets ain’t fat every

day. Everybody don’t have a ball every day. People lose people close to them some days. Some

days, people’s money ain’t right. Somebody’s momma might be on drugs. Somebody’s daddy

ain’t there. Some people from the hood just finished college and got to get on their hustle cause

there ain’t no jobs.

He continues, “I speak for and to those people, because they are me. They understand me be-

cause I understand their struggles and put it in my music.” And we are have ears.


EPOK MAGAZINE: What does your name mean? How did you come up with Modesty

Xo? Are you Modest? Explain.

MODESTY XO: Well, Modesty XO came from my upbringing. I’m from the Westside of Bir-

mingham. When I was younger, I lived in a community where people were doing different

things. There were drug dealers, preachers, hustlers, teachers, whatever. I was modest because I

listened and learned from all of them. I think a lot of that contributed to my success. I feel it

takes an extraordinary person to do that. And I go extraordinarily hard in everything I do!

EPOK MAGAZINE: Explain what Driven Entertainment is all about? When did you

start your record label Driven Entertainment?

MODESTY XO: The label started in 2008. The reason I started Driven because I always want-

ed to have my own company.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You say you started in music through your brother who had a rec-

ord label of his own called Slow & Low Production. What are some things you’ve learned

while being associated with your brothers record label Slow & Low Production? How

long was Slow & Low company in business?

MODESTY XO: My brother had a record label along with his childhood friend. What I

learned the most from them as a youngster was being more familiar with understanding the

basic concepts of the music business.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Being a production company, was your brother a rapper, writer or

producer? Did your brother teach you how to rhyme?

MODES-

TY XO:

Actually he

did, both

but his

main role

in the com-

pany was

the CEO.


EPOK MAGAZINE: Your signature statement "Ok Ni Uh" has become very catchy. How

did you come with your very own signature statement "OK Ni Uh?"

MODESTY XO: That’s just branding. I always would say “OK Ni ” before I rapped or did a

freestyle. It’s just me and branding myself.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Lets talk about Kush Pack. What's Kush Pack all about?

MODESTY XO: Well “Kush Pack” is off the upcoming mixtape “Loud Pack.” We shot the

video for it on third avenue. It’s just a song I did representing the whole city….the 205.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Rapper Elee mentioned you in Epok Magazine June issue. You two

collaborated for her new album and single "Beleeve." How was it working with female

rapper Elee?

MODESTY XO: It was cool….real cool. Elee is a dope artist. Actually this wasn’t our first

time collaborating. “Beleeve” is a great song. As a artist it’s good to work with people that you

have chemistry with.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You also co-wrote on "Dope Boy Lean" for Tyler Perry's sound-

track. What was it like writing for Tyler Perry's Soundtrack? Do you feel that was a piv-

otal move for you as an artist?

MODESTY XO: Of course it was! Ya’ know anytime you do something with Tyler Perry it’s

big. It was cool working with Splash from Zooboy Ent. He worked with me on the project. We

did that in New York. Shout out to Joe, Splash, Raegan and Lil Peedy.


EPOK MAGAZINE: What's the name of your new mixtape?

MODESTY XO: “Loud Pack.”

EPOK MAGAZINE: Mostly all of your videos have between one thousand to over three

thousand views, which is pretty decent for an independent artist. What video director do

you primarily work with?

MODESTY XO: I usually work with B. Mason. We work well together, he’s real dope. Shout

out to all the up and coming videographers.

EPOK MAGAZINE:I know you've worked with female rapper Elee. Durdy Muzik pro-

duced her hit single "Oowee." How are you affiliated with Durdy Muzik?

MODESTY XO: Well Durdy Muzik produced a couple of records for me. They make good

music.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You mention all the time the male rappers that you support and

have worked with. Sometimes female artists get overlooked. What female artist do you

respect on the Alabama music scene and you would work with? R/B, Rap, Models or Ac-

tresses.

MODESTY XO: All of them…..all of them!


EPOK MAGAZINE: One thing I like about you Modesty, I truly feel that you understand

this music industry from a independent artist or even becoming a signed artist with a ma-

jor label. Which do you prefer. Being Independent or being on a major label?

MODESTY XO: Well they both have their pros and cons .You just have to work both of them

to your advantage.

EPOK MAGAZINE:I hear that you are one of the Alabama Artist chosen to open up for

Rick Ross. What would a show consist of if you opened up for Rick Ross? What would

the energy be like?

MODESTY XO: Crazy!

EPOK MAGAZINE: Your video " All Up On Her" was very pimpish. What prompted

you to write the song "All On Her?" Who is the leading lady in your video "All On Her?"

How did you link up with her?

MODESTY XO: “All Up On Her” is just how I was feeling that time. When doing the treat-

ment for the video I knew that I had to have right girl. Juicy was a great fit.

EPOK MAGAZINE: The song that really put you on is "Bag It Up." Do you think you

22. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE 22. EPOK BHAM’S FIRST URBAN MAGAZINE

can ever top your single "Bag It Up?"

MODESTY XO: Of course that’s like asking Kobe could he get another ring.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You stay relevant by continuously keeping videos out of what you

have going on with your music. Whether that be just in the studio recording or plugging

your next big single. How important do you feel it is to stay relevant in the music indus-

try?

MODESTY XO: The music business is very fast. Especially Hip-Hop. An artist is only as big

as his last hit.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What does Modesty XO have coming up?

MODESTY XO: Constantly staying on the road doing shows. Recording and giving the

streets good music. Lookout for my new mixtape “Loud Pack and Hip Hop Holy Ghost.”

We’re launching and releasing both of ‘em on my site ModestyXO.com. You can also down-

load the mixtapes too from there.

Check me out on ModestyXO.com! You can purchase music there and on Itunes. Follow me on

Twitter at @XO205, my Facebook fan page is Modesty XO and also YouTube.com/

Modestyo205.


Sherman Hemsley, a comic actor who vaulted from a supporting role on Nor-

man Lear’s groundbreaking 1970s sitcom All In The Family to a lead role as

George in the spinoff “The Jefferson’s,” was found dead Tuesday in El Paso.

He was 74.

The death was confirmed by the El Paso Sheriff's Department, his agent, Todd

Frank, told The Times.

As George Jefferson, Hemsley bantered with his white neighbors Archie and Edith Bunker in Queens on "All in

the Family." On "The Jefferson’s," Hemsley showed sparkling chemistry with Isabel Sanford, who played his wife,

Louise, as the African American family “moving” on up to the Eastside of Manhattan.

A Texas medical examiner’s office says cancer led to the death of actor Sherman Hemsley, who starred as George

Jefferson in the hit television sitcom “The Jeffersons.” The El Paso County medical examiner’s office released a

report Wednesday attributing the actor’s death to a cancerous tumor obstructing a large vein.

Epok

Magazine

has

learned

exclu-

sively

that Mi-

chael K.

Williams,

45, will

star in an

upcom-

ing film

about the legendary Wu-Tang Clan rapper and all-around

troubled soul Russell Jones, a.k.a. Ol’ Dirty Bastard,

whose impressive mic skills and outrageous showmanship

were eclipsed by his erratic offstage behavior, assorted

arrests, and an early death.

Joaquín Baca-Asay, the cinematographer on We Own the

Night, Roger Dodger and Jay-Z’s video for 99 Problems,

is also joining the project, making his feature directorial

debut.

The movie is based on the final years of ODB’s life — a

true story that is nonetheless stranger than fiction.

Titled Dirty White Boy, the film focuses on the offbeat

friendship between the Wu-Tang Clan co-founder and

Jarred Weisfeld, a 22-year-old VH1 production assistant

who through a lot of hustle (and the occasional lie) talked

his way into becoming the rapper’s manager when Jones

was serving a three-year stint in prison in the early 2000s.

Despite Weisfeld’s inexperience, and having a client

whose talent was undermined by addiction and mental

illness, the novice manager engineered an unlikely come-

back — only to have it cut short by the star’s fatal drug

overdose in 2004 at age 35.

A rep for the

VH1 reality star

confirmed re-

ports that Loza-

da filed for di-

vorce Tuesday.

“Given the re-

cent events that

have taken

place, Evelyn

has decided to

file for divorce

and move on

with her life,”

Lozada’s law-

yer, Michael B.

Gilden, told the TV show “The Insider” in a statement.

Johnson released his own statement — the first since

his arrest — on his official website, OCNN, and reaf-

firmed his love for Lozada.

“I am going to let the legal process run its course. I

wish Evelyn nothing but the best, I have no negative

words to say about her, the only thing I can say is I

love her very much,” said Johnson, who was dumped

by the Miami Dolphins a day after the arrest.

“I will continue to be positive and stay training hard

for another opportunity in the NFL. I appreciate all my

fans and supporters and if I have disappointed you in

any way, you have my sincerest apologies. Once again

I will continue to stay positive and appreciate all the

support during this tough period in my life.”


After weeks of speculation, Maybach Music Group (MMG) head Rick Ross announced today (May 2) that he has

signed former B2K singer and actor, Omarion, to his growing label roster.

The announcement of the Omarion addition was made at an invitation-only press conference at New York City’s

Eventi Hotel. Label representatives, press, and industry tastemakers were on-hand to welcome the new artist to the

roster that includes Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Masspike Miles, Teedra Moses, and others. MMG is distributed

through Warner Bros. Records.

Lyor Cohen, North American Chairman and CEO for Warner Music Group, spoke at the event about Rick Ross’

growing roster, saying, “He’s not satisfied. There’s no stopping him. The possibilities that Rick and Maybach Mu-

sic bring is unprecedent- ed.

“He reminded me, he’s got the biggest office in the

world, and that’s the streets. I don’t know anybody

that can stop this guy,” Cohen said of Rick Ross.

Rick Ross gave an im- promptu press conference inter-

view with Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, and producer

Swizz Beatz spoke about his friendship with Ross and how

he helped him get his deal with Reebok.

Omarion has been spotted with rapper Ma$e in the studio in

recent weeks, prompting speculation that the two were

working on new material and possibly new deals. Ma$e

recently appeared on Wale’s “Slight Work” remix

with Diddy and French Montana, fueling talk that he

would make a return to music, perhaps under MMG.

Rumors also swirled that Ma$e would serve as an A&R

representative for French- Montana, whose official signing

to both MMG and Bad Boy was announced to laughter at today’s press conference.

Omarion, a solo artist since the breakup of B2K nearly a decade ago, has worked as a singer, actor, and dancer

since childhood. MMG’s newly proclaimed “Maybach O”, was signed briefly with Lil Wayne’s Young Money in

2009 but left reportedly due to business concerns. Most recently, he released his DJ Drama-hosted The Awakening

mixtape in May 2011.

Rick Ross also announced that MMG’s Self Made Vol. 2 will be released June 26.

“This one is much better than the first,” said Rick Ross of the album. “This is more of a body of work,” chimed in

MMG artist, Wale.

In addition to the MMG compilation, in August, Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares will be released, and his

Dream Chasers 2 mixtape is due on May 7. Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Don’t will debut on July 31.

“Ross was and is a pioneer,” said Bad Boy Records label owner, Diddy, who reminded the crowd that the MMG

head had made mixtapes more disposable. “He’s a genius to me, and he’s my brother.”

About squelching the many rumors that he was announcing the signing of Ma$e or Shawnna, Rick Ross said, “I

just let the rumors circulate.”

Diva Status-The Model &

The New Host of The Mix Show

Runway

Miss September 2011

Miss October 2011

Miss June 2012

Model of the Week For I phone,

Ipod,, I pod touch, & I pad

AP (Hsv Stream) 9 Wks April

2010

Epok Magazine Sweet Toothe Model

of The Month November 2010

Real Talk Magazine 2011

Zhe Magazine 2011

Countless Flyers/Posters

Videos

Wshh– Boy Wonda “Hater Chech”

Jaydott- “Daddy Gotta Go”

Jackie Chain

Tre Woods– “”Certified”

For booking contact

256.792.8398

[email protected]

Website


EPOK MAGAZINE: You say you don’t look like the typical rapper. Explain who is P-Air

or “Mr. Live Like This” is?

P-AIR: I really don't fit the physical description of the typical rapper. I get it all the time from

people everywhere. When I give them a CD in the street, I see the skepticism in their eyes.

Then after they check out my music, watch my videos, see me on Facebook and Twitter, and

see me perform, they always come back and give me great compliments, encouragement, and

respect. Plus I'm always working my professional job and attending church, so its normal to see

P-Air in a tie handling business and grinding.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What kind of style of rap would you consider it is that you do?

P-AIR: Its hard to say what my overall style is because I'm not one dimensional, and my style

is original. I bring lyrics, themes, messages, creative concepts, emotional connections, word-

play, differentiated delivery, metaphors and real-life situations to the booth with me. You never

know how I'm going to approach a record and I feel as if that mindset and approach is good for

the art and culture of Hip Hop.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Your name P-Air kind of just rolls off the tongue. Its very cool. How

did you come up with P-Air?

P-AIR: My middle name is Pierre and that's what I've been called my whole life. So I just de-

cided to keep it but spell it differently. It represents the real me.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Talk about your single "Let The Money Talk." What is the track all

about? What are you trying to convey with this track?

P-AIR: "Let the Money Talk" was created unexpectedly. The hook came from a verse I did on

another track. My rap partners, M-See and J. Purk, strongly suggested that I turn those bars into

a song. Lil Dre, a young producer in Selma, Alabama produced the record and it was perfect for

the hook. "Let the Money Talk" is my most popular song thus far and it gets radio play. It is

also available on iTunes. Its just all about just letting your money speak for itself and being

comfortable with who you really are.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What do you like mostly about Music? What first inspired you to

want to rhyme?

P-AIR: I love every aspect of music. But what I like most is the power music has to change

lives and influence people. Music plays a great role in our society and around the world. We

often learn from music and live out the songs we can relate to in our everyday lives. I

was inspired by so many different artists across all genres to start rhyming. I just wanted to tell

my story and use my God-given talent to make positive contributions to help make the world a

better place.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What rap artist would you compare yourself to that’s in the indus-

try now?


P-AIR: I'm a student of the game first. I look at all

my favorite rappers and take notes on the positive

attributes that made their careers successful and

made their music stand out. Therefore, I aspire to

have a career with longevity such as Jay-Z which is

very difficult to do, but I love the challenge. I also

want to be able to venture off into various avenues

of entertainment and business outside of rap. 2pac

and Jay-Z are my favorite two rappers ever, but I

wanna leave my own mark on the game by creating

my own legacy and exceeding expectations.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What producers are you

currently working with?

P-AIR: Well up to this point I have worked with D.

Moe, Lil Dre, M-See, E. Heard, Meechie, Poke Dog, Nigee, JB, OP, Anthrax, and Kountry

Money Jay. But D. Moe is my exclusive producer and manager.

EPOK MAGAZINE: I see you have Jabo on the mixtape as well. Another dope rapper out

of Alabama. What's the relationship like between you and Jabo?

P-AIR: I've been knowing Jabo for about five years. We have a solid relationship. We have a

lot in common and we work well together. We both share a genuine passion for Hip Hop and

we understand the game well and the hard-work it takes to make it to the next level. We're fans

for each other's music. We both have put in a lot of work to become respected names in our

hometowns and the city of Montgomery, Alabama. I see us both going really far in this game

and making a lot of money someday. We also released a collaborative mixtape entitled Point

Me 2 the Purple Tree hosted by DJ Deadly back in April 2012. I salute Jabo. That's my brother.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Why entitle your mixtape “Mr. Live Like This?”

P-AIR: After I did the song "Live Like This" it gave me the inspiration to create my alias "Mr.

LiveLikeThis" because it completely personified my image and personality. I decided it would

be perfect for my debut mixtape because my aim for that album was to show who P-Air really

was. Kinda like my introduction to the rap game.

EPOK MAGAZINE: How does P-Air live his life?

P-AIR: I live my life knowing exactly what my purpose is here on earth. I live to inspire people

by leading by example. I'm a man of principles and character but more importantly a man

that loves God and family overall. I'm very confident, and I fight for what I believe in.

EPOK MAGAZINE: Selma, Alabama plays a huge part in this Alabama movement. From

Mr. Big aka Diamond Eye, Boy Wonda, Speed Hustle, Poke Dog, Mata, P-Air. How would

you categorize Selma, Alabama rappers and its Hip-Hop culture?


P-AIR: Selma is probably the most musi-

cally united city in Alabama. The crazy

thing about it is that most of the artist

here were rapping while we were

in High School. We have a plethora of

great artists with talent such as M-SEE,

Boy Wonda, Murda Mill, Poke Dog,

Kaotik, Selmates, J. Purk, 20 Foot Trill

Mobb, Trey Montana,

ALA, Meechie, WGMDJ's, J-Styles, Unk

Dee, Mata and so many more on the

rise. I also give credit to DJ Deadly and

Speedhustle.com for working hard

to bring the music scene to life in Sel-

ma.

EPOK MAGAZINE: I’m really feeling SEL Muzik. What is SEL Muzik for those who

don't know? Explain?

P-AIR: SEL Musik is basically an anthem for Selma, Alabama. We actually call Selma "SEL"

or the "27". So I had to dedicate a song to my city for my debut mixtape without question.

EPOK MAGAZINE: "Live Like This" has a very swagged out flow. Will you be shooting

a video for this joint?

P-AIR: Initially I did not intend to

shoot a video for it, but the streets

have been calling for it so it's pos-

sible. I did that song way back in

2010, but it turned out pretty good

and my fans love it.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You have

you're own record label called

Made Entertainment. Talk about

that. Explain.

P-AIR: Well Made Entertainment

stands for Money All Day Every-

day Entertainment. Our team is

comprised of M-See , J. Purk, and

me. M-SEE is the founder but we

all own it together. We've been friends since elementary and we started rapping together in

middle school and we're still here going strong. We are all solo artist and, we just completed

a compilation album entitled Money All Day Everyday which we will released this fall. All

three of us have solo projects coming out before the end of he year as well.


EPOK MAGAZINE: "Baptized and Alive" is very catharsis. Did you really have a dream

of having a conversation with Pimp C? Why Pimp C and not just any other rapper?

P-AIR: "Baptized in the Live" is one of my phrases for my image; kinda like how "Bling Bling"

was for Cash Money Records. I'm trying to bring a fresh new meaning to the word "Live" every

chance I get; whether through song or in person. I didn't actually have a dream of Pimp C speak-

ing to me but he is one of my favorite rappers and a great pioneer of the South. I jut respect how

Pimp kept it real and how he had the courage to say the things that he has said. So if you had to

pick a person to “Baptize you in the Live,” wouldn't it be Pimp C? So it was my way of paying

homage to a vet and introducing a phrase that's catchy and represents who I am.

EPOK MAGAZINE: You went a little deep on "Save The World." My favorite line, "No

Facebook. I got my face in a book." Dope. What would you like to see change about the

state of Alabama and the Alabama music scene?

P-AIR: “Save The World” is one of my most favorite songs I've ever done. I wanted to go deep

and paint a vivid picture of the world we live in. I strategically touched on politics, racism, vio-

lence, love, hate, children, bible, and God. I wanted to show my diversity and courage by speak-

ing about real issues. You don't hear tracks like Save the World very often in Hip Hop. I'm curi-

ous to see the reaction to that song once the video drops. Venom directed it for me and I predict

that the video and song will elevate my career and expand my fan base. The timing is perfect

for that song, especially with the presidential election coming up.

EPOK MAGAZINE: What shows does P-Air have coming up?

P-AIR:I just did a show in Atlanta on August 5th. I always compete in open mics and I'm al-

ways on stand by when an opportunity comes for me to perform. For booking and features I can

be reached at [email protected] or on twitter @Mr_LiveLikeThis. Finally You can

expect more videos and more good music from P-Air for the remainder of 2012. My upcoming

album "The Book of Live" is gonna be a classic and 3X better than my first album. Its gonna be

a masterpiece of a working genius and my best effort yet. I can guarantee that labels will be

blowing my phone up after this one. The productions and features are crazy. I haven't set a re-

lease date but it will be released in the 4th quarter of this year.


epok magazine august/september isuue

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