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Transcript of The New Power Magazine
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not neces-
sarily the views and opinion of Colom Media Group LLC, The
New Power Magazine, nor any of our advertisers. Colom Media
Group, LLC does not claim any responsibility for stories, photo-
graphs, interviews, audio, video, nor any other advertising or pro-
motional material sent to us that has been misrepresented; nor any
other unsolicited material. The New Power, the diamond fist, and all
related logos are trademarks of Colom Media Group, LLC. This
publication may not be reproduced in whole nor in part without
the written permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2010,
Colom Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Editorial, advertis-
ing, subscriptions, and reviews: P.O. Box 8465 Columbus, MS 39705.
FEATURES MARCH/APRIL 2010
NPMNPMWHERE READING IS FUNDAMENTAL.
BIG BANK
BLACKPAGE 8-B
MIA X PAGE 9-B
ICESPAGE 13-B
MARKETING & PROMOTION
PAGE 7-B
++
SHAWTY LOI’M DA MAN
PAGE 12
PUBLISHER / EDITORAnthony Colom
MUSIC EDITORTodd Young
ART DIRECTOR
Selena Lopez
ADVERTISING DIRECTORYvonne Wilson
COVER GRAPHICSJoe Dent
CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Baker, James Johnson, Njai Joszar,
Singersroom.Com, Lauren M. Walker
Advertise Your Business, Product, or Service in
our upcoming ALL-MISSISSIPPI Issue
Deadline: May 3, 2010
08 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 09
earnedessonL
Words : Njai Joszor Photo : Michael Blackwell
Courtesy Singersroom.Com
EXTREMELY
VOCAL
Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 09
AAfter parting ways with longtime label
home The Inc, R&B singer Lloyd is look-
ing forward to a stellar future with the
forthcoming release of his fourth studio
album and yet another Hip-Hop infused
single (in vein of “You”) titled “Pusha”.
Sitting down with us shortly after secur-
ing a release from The Inc and parting
ways with music mogul Irv Gotti, the
“You” and “Get It Shawty” singer talks
everything from his new single and col-
laborative works with DJ Khaled to the
state of R&B and the ever present for-
mula and love found between Urban
Pop/R&B and Hip Hop.
Now last time we spoke with you, you
had “Lessons In Love” out. What has
been the biggest change for you since the
last couple of years?
Lloyd: I officially left The INC. Records.
Personally, the biggest change… I don’t
know… my chin hair and facial hair
(laughter).
Oh okay (laughter). So in terms of
The INC, that’s official now?
Lloyd: Yes. I’m going to take the inde-
pendent route, not for an album, just for
a single, which is called “Pusha”.
Okay, so “Pusha” is the official new
single?
Lloyd: It’s a great song. I plan on releas-
ing that to create a buzz the exact same
way I did with “You.”
Each time I hear you man, you are
taking it to the next level, which is
good. What’s next for you,
sound/lyric wise on this fourth
album?
Lloyd: As far as direction I think, “If it
ain’t broke don’t fix it”… With “Pusha”
though, it shows a more mature and
more wittier side of me and writing side
of me as far as me relating ‘her’ love to a
drug. I think that it’s something for both
sides. It’s something for the hardcore
audience and it’s something for the soft-
er side of women’s ears.
Cool. Now you’ve done the collabs
with Lil Wayne, Jibbs and so many
others in Hip Hop. Hip Hop and
R&B continue to mesh so well. In
your opinion, what makes the chem-
istry between the two so sought
after…. even now?
Lloyd: I think what’s most important is
that we not try to mash up one genre and
make it sort of like “What the hell is
going on..” I think what’s cool about the
records we’ve done, me and my fellow
artist friends, is that we find a way to
show each genre in its respective light. So
the R&B meets the rap in a very witty
and very clever way. That’s half of it. The
other half is just God and leaving your
faith in the man upstairs.
Do you think we’ll ever lose that Hip
Hop and R&B sound?
Lloyd: Of course not, they’re two of the
most influential genres of music in the
world, especially right now. Just coming
from Europe I had a chance to see how
people respond to our music. It was
incredible and
t h e y
love it. They’re out there making beats,
making crunk beats, and doing gangsta
rap. Sometimes it might not necessarily
meet the authenticity we’re looking for. ..
like I guess whenever you have too much
of one thing, you get too much of one
thing, like fake thugs and wanna be
gangstas. For the most part, the music
helps people. It influences their lives in
ways you can’t even imagine.
A far as this new album, who are you
working with or have you worked with
thus far?
Lloyd: So far I’ve worked with some
incredible producers: The Runners, Jim
Jonsin, and E(Eric) Hudson but, I’m real-
ly looking forward to working with new
faces and creating new relationships
through music, which is why I went
down to Miami and spent two weeks
recording with Cool & Dre, (DJ) Khaled,
The Runners and Jim Jonsin. I feel that
this time in my life is symbolic to build-
ing bridges and opening new doors…
doors that weren’t open before. Going
out and working with new people like
Pharell and Timbaland or even Dr. Dre,
in my dream world, that would be some-
thing that would surprise a lot of people.
The Runners did “Pusha,” how did
that come about?
Lloyd: Me and Khaled… just kicking it
from time to time. I’ve known (DJ)
Khaled for years now and we first met
through Irv, actually through Fat Joe back
when I was running with Joe and Terror
Squad in Miami. Next thing you know
he’s calling out “We The Best”. He’s put-
ting Miami back on the map. There’s just
something about that guy that is just
entertaining. He’s fun to be around and I
wanted to get that in my music. I had to
find a way to mix my sound with some
Miami hood tracks and make good stuff
and I think that’s what we did.
What world event has changed your
perspective on life or affected your
music?
Lloyd: Hurricane Katrina.. Definitely.
Born in New Orleans, and yes I rep the
“A” (Atlanta) all day but, my family’s
there and my history is there. When that
happened, it hit close to home and a lot
of family members were displaced. I real-
ly had to step up and use my blessings for
personal reasons. It was like, I got money
but, does this mean that I go out and put
the rims on the ride or do I hold this and
support my family. That’s kind of what
it was man.
Did Katrina and its effect on your
family affect your music?
Lloyd: Most definitely. When something
like that happens it makes you go harder
because it’s bigger than you now. I was
doing it for everyone in the family and I
would hope that that would reflect in the
music. I released “Street Love” (“You,”
“Get It Shawty”) shortly after Katrina. I
think the fact that I really worked hard on
the record and it showed in the response,
was just a testament to what me and my
family were going through at the time.
Now the ladies still love that hair
man, but beyond that, what piece of
apparel, jewelry or some type of
accessory makes you feel powerful?
Tattoos. You can’t buy them in a store
and you can’t change them. I can’t change
them with my shirt or with my necklace.
You know, I can cut my hair off but, my
tattoos will remain the same.
2. Sean "Diddy" Combs
$30 million
Dapper don of hip-hop contin-
ues his decade-long run of good
fortune. Diversified Diddy brings
in cash from clothing line Sean
John, record label Bad Boy, pre-
mium vodka Ciroc and reality
TV shows Making the Band and
Run's House. With over 1 million
followers and an abundance of
exuberant posts, Diddy is among
the most prolific of hip-hop's
Twitterati.
3. Kanye West
$25 million
Stayed atop the hip-hop charts
with the release of his fourth
album, 808s and Heartbreak.
Though not as well-received as
his prior effort, the multiplat-
inum Graduation, experimental
oeuvre sold nearly 2 million
copies. Moonlights as a shoe
designer, recently crafting a suc-
cessful limited-run Nike line
called the Air Yeezy; designed
another shoe line for Louis
Vuitton, due out this summer.
4. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson
$20 million, tie
Last year's highest-earning hip-
hop star has seen annual pay fall
from $150 million to $20 million.
Reason: a $100 million windfall
from the sale of VitaminWater
parent Glacéau to Coca-Cola last
year. Steep drop in earnings
makes him look like a crashing
bank stock, but Queens-born
rapper might survive future
stress tests better than most: His
portfolio includes popular G-
Unit clothing line and record
label, plus films, videogames and
a slew of platinum albums.
Launched cologne for Macy's in
June. Fourth album, Before I Self
Destruct, is set for release later
this year.
1. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
$35 million
Reclaimed his crown as the top Hip-Hop
Cash King despite taking a steep pay cut
from the $82 million he brought in a year
ago. The reason? That figure was inflated
by a top-heavy 10-year, $150 million deal
he signed with Live Nation last April. Still
had a good year: wrapped up a huge an
international tour, made a groundbreaking
appearance at the U.K.'s Glastonbury
Festival and honeymooned with new wife
Beyoncé. Owns a stake in pro basketball's
New Jersey Nets and New York's 40/40
nightclub.
10NPM
top
Source: Forbes.Com
COVER STORY
4. Aliaune "Akon" Thiam
$20 million, tie
Split childhood between Senegal and the U.S., gained worldwide fame with 2004 hit "Locked Up." Since then,
has become one of hip-hop's most versatile artists--one of few to make more money this year than last. Can
thank diversification: writes, sings, raps and produces; makes lucrative guest appearances on other artists' songs
and tours frequently. Other business ventures include Konvict Clothing and Konvict Music, a label that boasts
pop princess Lady Gaga.
6. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter
$18 million
Started hip-hop career as a teenager with group Hot Boys, blossomed into a mainstream celebrity
with hits like "Tha Block is Hot" and "Lollipop." This year, pulled in an estimated $10 million from
his 65-show mega-tour alone; latest album, Tha Carter III, went platinum in its opening week. Follow-
up Tha Carter IV said to be in the works. Also starred alongside Forrest Whitaker in the film
Hurricane Season, due out later this year. Longtime buddy Birdman reportedly gave Lil Wayne $1 mil-
lion in cash for his 26th birthday in October.
7. Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley
$17 million
Hip-hop super-producer continues to churn out tracks at a frenetic pace; catalog of classic hits
include Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" and Ludacris' "Roll Out." More recently, produced pop songs for the
likes of Madonna and Chris Cornell. Second solo album Shock Value went platinum shortly after its
release in 2007; follow-up is scheduled for later this year. Hollywood beckons: Timba is reportedly set
to produce the soundtrack to Simon Cowell's rumored Saturday Night Fever remake.
8. Pharrell Williams
$16 million
Versatile star made his name penning hits for rappers and pop artists alike as part of popular pro-
duction duo The Neptunes. Recently produced songs for Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss. Now fronts the
funk-rock band N*E*R*D and is said to be an avid Star Trek fan. A geek with exquisite taste,
Williams designs sunglasses for Louis Vuitton and owns apparel lines Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys
Club. Reportedly owns a solid gold BlackBerry.
9. Faheem "T-Pain" Najm
$15 million
Circus-themed album Thr33 Ringz debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's chart and has sold nearly 700,000
copies to date. Dreadlocked star also cashed in on a slew of guest appearances, including Flo Rida's
"Low" and Kanye West's Grammy-winner "Good Life" last year. Nominated for three more Grammys
in 2009. Appearance on Saturday Night Live digital short "On a Boat" became an Internet sensation,
earning over 30 million YouTube views. Hip-hop's Jay Leno owns 32 cars, including the first Rolls
Royce Phantom convertible sold in the U.S
11. Andre "Dr. Dre" Young
$13 million10. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers
$14 million
14. Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean
$8 million, tie
18. Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin
$7 million, tie
18. Antwan "Big Boi" Patton
$7 million, tie
20. Tramar "Flo Rida" Dillard
$6 million
20. William "Rick Ross" Roberts
$6 million, tie
20. Jayceon "The Game" Taylor
$6 million, tie
20. Jay "Young Jeezy" Jenkins
$6 million, tie
14. Clifford "T.I." Harris
$8 million, tie
12. Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus
$11 million
13. Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges
$10 million
14. Lonnie "Common" Lynn
$8 million, tie
14. William "will.i.am" Adams
$8 million, tie
SHAWTYLO
12 l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 13
LLast time we spoke,
you were riding high
with D4L off of
“Laffy Taffy.” So it’s
been a while. You’ve
had major success
since then with your
solo projects. Talk to
us about how things
have changed for you
and what you’ve got
going on.
Man, I got my new mix-
tape. I got my new alco-
hol called Stunna. I got
my new cologne called
Lo Seduction. I got a lot
of stuff I’m working
on; you know, my dia-
betes foundation. I’ve
got some new artists on
my label, and I put my
group D4L back togeth-
er also.
You received the
“Rookie of the Year
Award” a couple of
years ago at the BET
Hip-Hop Awards. We
know that you had
been recording with
D4L and weren’t real-
ly a rookie, but just a
solo rookie. What
made you step from
behind the scene and
get out front ?
Yeah, that was a big
award for me. I wasn’t
really no rap artist. I
formed D4L and just
really wanted to be
behind the scene. I
joined the group just to
add my flavor. I was a
dude from the street
who had been in the
drug game, and every-
body knew who I was.
One of my other artists
use to tell me people
were saying that D4L
wouldn’t be nothing
without Fabo, and I did-
n’t tell anyone, but I
took it kinda personal.
So I started going up in
the studio recording my
solo stuff. That’s when I
came up with my first
song, “I’m Da Man.”
People were like, ‘Lo,
that’s the kinda music
we wanna hear from
you, right there.’ That’s
pretty much how my
career came off as a
solo artist.
Talk about your new
project, I AM CAR-
LOS, that’s coming
soon.
Carlos is my real name,
and basically I’m just
talking about what went
down with me before
this whole Shawty Lo
thang. Carlos is a dude
that’s been on his own
since he was 17. Since
my grandmother died
from cancer, and my
mother was on drugs
when I was young. How
as an individual, where I
came from, and how I
came to be successful.
I heard that your song
“Supplier” is gonna be
on that CD. It was, but
since it’s been out so
long now, I don’t think
it’s gonna be on there. It
was on my mix tape.
Do you know what
track will be released
first ?
Umm... I’m not sure
because I don’t have a
set date. Everybody’s
kinda confused right
now about what to go
with. Right now, I’m just
trying to get my name
hot in the streets again.
When D4L first hit, a
lot of people laughed
at yall and called you
one-hit-wonders and
figured no one in the
group would be heard
from again. Has any-
one ever come to you
and apologized for
something they said,
and admitted to being
wrong about you ?
Cause you’ve been
doing your thing for
the last couple of
years.
I never heard anyone
say anything, but I
always heard about folk
saying something. I
never heard the one-hit-
wonder thing, but I
heard that we wouldn’t
be anything without
Fabo. 50 Cent did apol-
ogize and say he was
wrong about us. By the
way, people think me
and Fabo got beef with
each other, but we don’t.
He’s back with the
group for the new
album.
Words : Anthony Colom Photo: D4L / Asylum Records
Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 13
I’M DA
MAN
II’m well known in the
industry as Ices. I’m
from Illinois, and con-
sidered throughout the
entertainment industry
as down to earth and
100% focused.
I discovered my love for
dancing at an early age. I
live for breaking down
doors as a next -genera-
tion vixen.
I’ve hosted countless
mix-tape parties, to
being featured on flyers
and promo ads.
Occupation: beautician/
model/entertainer
Measurements:
34C - 24 - 34
Contact me at:www.myspace.com/bookices
13-B l The New Power
T
CHRISTELLELET THE PARTY BEGIN
Talk to us a little about who you are and where you're from. I'm Christelle from Gabon, which is on the equator in
West Africa. Gabon was a French colony, so I spoke French and my native language Fang. I am now a singer based in Las
Vegas.
At what age did you realize that you wanted to be a singer ? I always enjoyed singing from when I was very young. I can
remember singing at age 3. I never thought I would have the opportunity, so never considered this as a possibility until I
arrived in Las Vegas and was given the opportunity at age 17.
From your photos, I get the impression that you love party and dance music. I don't party a lot, but I do enjoy dancing
at home with my family and friends. I love dance music, but I also like R&B and pop music. I like all sorts of music. Dance is
special in Gabon, so of course music with a good dance beat is special to me. My album to soon be released is called Club
Christelle, and definitely makes you want to dance. I love that music.
What genre of music do you perform ? Everything from dance-pop to pop to R&B. I'm an international artist, so I really
feel I would enjoy singing any type of music. When you travel as much as I do, you realize that there are many kinds of music
that make you feel good.
Tell us about the singles that you have out right now. My current single is "Crush on you", which is about a girl having a
crush on a guy and telling him in song that she has a crush on him. The spell-out is so the guy can hear me loud and clear. I also
have had three other singles released in 2009. "I'm a Tease" is about a girl who knows she is beautiful and teases guys. She does
not want a relationship, she just wants to tease them. "Excess Vibration" is about a girl meeting the guy for the first time, feeling
the shakes and anxiety of that experience. And the first single, "What you gon' do wit it", is about a girl on the dance floor who
sees a single guy on the side just watching, obviously attracted to her, but cannot make the move. "Crush on you" and "What you
gon' do wit it" have raps from the southern rapper Dizzy D, who does a great rap.
Being that you're not from the United States, how does your being marketed and promoted here differ from how you're
marketed and promoted overseas ? In my country of Gabon, there was no marketing or promotion done, but everyone knows
who I am by talking. The country is small, and I am famous there because I have been successful in America. In Europe, they are
just getting to know me from what has happened here in America. They learned about me through the internet. Here in America,
the promotion has been very basic. People talking at music meetings, websites, distributing information fliers, my performances,
and radio. It is very special to hear your song on the radio! The record stores that have been selling my music have been very help-
ful in spreading the word. I remember the special time I spent at Nikki's music in Cleveland when I was performing at the
Rock and Roll hall of fame and museum. Sanders was so nice to me and was really promoting me. Thank you!
What kind of an impact have you made as an artist in Europe ? I mean .... do the people respond well to what you
do? So far the impact has been small as they are just now learning about me as a group. The music on my Club Christelle
album has many European producers, so the sound is very much what they like. I enjoyed meeting so many people from
around the world when I was at the Midem music conference in Cannes, France last month. I am looking forward to being
known in Europe.
What are some of the things you're doing here in the U.S. to increase your visibility ? I am doing performances,
attending some industry meetings and events. Networking at the Grammy's was fun. Performing for TJsDJs, Columbia record
pool, and Core DJs was a special time for me to show DJs who I am. I met so many people at these events that hopefully
will become my fans.
Who were your musical influences growing up ? I listened to American music when I was in Gabon. I remember
especially Mariah, Brandy, and Beyonce. There were also artists with African and French music that of course built the
sound of music in my body.
What can we expect from you in the near future ? A full length album that is really, really good. More singles and more
of my music on the radio. I of course hope to be a name you and everyone else knows. My upbringing teaches me to be
humble and I will hopefully get to meet you or anyone else personally in the future. I am looking forward to meeting you
and all those attending the SEA awards. I will be performing at the awards ceremony and a club that weekend, March 4-7.
Thanks for your time, and we wish you much success. Thank you for giving me to the chance to tell about myself.
11-B www.newpowermagazine.com The New Power Magazine i 10-B
IIt’s been so long since we’ve heard
from you (musically). Just how long
has it been?
Mia X: Eleven years I’ve been gone. I’m
excited that the fans are accepting. It is
beautiful. I’m honored and humbled.
When it comes down to sites, you have a
choice. There are so many others in the
game.
Now if I’m recalling correctly, you lost
both your parents in the same year,
which is what took you away, right?
Mia X: My parents passed after I dropped
Mama Drama. First my mother, then my
father. I lost like 14 family members in 18
months. My mom was the caregiver. My
kids were in grade school at the time. I
had to be a full time mom. I wanted to
make sure my sister finished her educa-
tion. I’m happy to say she is now a doctor
of internal med and molecular genetics.
My kids are grown now. They have their
own places, and are productive citizens.
I’m so proud to be their mom. Now I’m
ready to return back to my first love. I got
my first itch at a time when Gangsta Boo
came over, and I had made dinner, and
she said I should go to the studio. I met
Gucci Mane, and he reminded me so
much of P. He suggested I get on a song
with him. Then Boo and I decided to go
in with Drama Boy and did a song. I was
feeling really ready. I started reaching out
to people on Myspace and Facebook.
When it got up to 70,000 people saying I
should, that was all I needed. That was my
core audience. My first record hit in 1992.
I sold 77,000 records, The Payback.
Do you worry about the nay-sayers, or
the people who will say that it’s past
your time?
Mia X: I don’t worry about
that at all. I have my core
fans, and I aim to please them. I sold
70,000 twice. At the same time, I know
who the core audience. Anyone else who
comes along, it’s good. I don’t run to the
red carpet. I bang the beats out in the stu-
dio, and take it to the fans in concert.
Anyone who knows me knows I put the
music down and am about my business.
Many are going to ask, what has
changed with Mama Mia now? What
do you feel has kept you relevant for a
return?
Mia X: Lyrically, I walk it like I talk it. I
have so much more subject matter than
before. I’ve grown as an artist, and as a
woman. That sums it up. There’s been a
hell of a lot of growth, and I’ve sharp-
ened my skills. I’m in the game, and I’m
doing this with no nonsense and no fool-
ishness.
How long has this return been brew-
ing? How long have you been working
on the new material?
Mia X: I started working on this two
months ago. I have been talking over a
year and a half honestly, and doing tracks
with various people. About 7 months ago,
I started reaching out to producers and
artists for my project.
Now you have two projects, the
album, and the mixtape. How has the
time been split between the two?
Mia X: I’ve been working on both togeth-
er. I’ll do one for Unladylike Forever, then
one for Betty Rocka. I’ve also been doing
different things for other artists.
I think we would all expect your chil-
dren to be your number one support-
ers. What are their comments and
thoughts?
Mia X: My kids love it. They were so
young, and because my subject is so raw, I
didn’t have them involved before. My son
says I have punch lines from 12 years ago
that still cant be touched. My daughter
likes alternative and neo soul. She likes
what I do, but she’s not a real hip hop
head.
So have you been fielding offers and
ideas for deals?
Mia X: Yea, I’ve been dealing with a cou-
ple of offers. I am entertaining it, but I
want Betty Rocka Locksmith and the mix-
tape out to the fans so they have some-
thing dope to listen to. Give that feeling
that I gave to women long ago. My first
record in 92 was about designer labels and
whatnot. It’s a lot of females that go to
school and work everyday, balancing
being moms and wives, dealing with boss-
es. I want to bring that back to them. Now
is the time. I represent the ladies that
struggle, and make a dollar out of 15
cents.
How does it feel to be back in this?
Mia X: You know what, the thing is, shout
out to Mannie Fresh. We were kids in
1984, we met a guy, and started a group. I
loved rocking the mic then. We had the
privilege of opening up for several big
acts. I cut my first record in 92. Shout out
to Angie Stone. She’s one of the first
female rap pioneers. She was in the group
The Sequence. I was like, girls do this? I
wanted to do this. I’m in a happy place. I
love being creative, love making music
that makes you laugh, cry, shake, and have
sex. I love creating and giving to the peo-
ple. I’m eager to give the fans something.
I’m so honored. It’s a blessing because
people are checking for me. This is a
blessing. It’s the best birthday, Valentine,
or Christmas gift. I’m on my grind.
MIAX
MAMA’S HOMEWords: James Johnson
9-B l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com (662) 251-0075 Where Reading Is Fundamental www 8-B
BBlack, you’ve developed a buzz
around Atlanta lately. Tell us your
story.
Shit, you know ...... Duct Tape
Entertainment..... that’s my company. I
started it in ‘05. It’s your regular street-
nigga story. You know ....... success com-
ing. I got like 7 artists signed to me
already. Alley Boy, I got him signed with
a 50/50 joint venture between Duct Tape
and Atlantic Records.
Your track, “Try It Out,” got a lot of
play in Atlanta. Talk about that.
Yeah, I originally recorded it at Kandi’s
house (Kandi Burress). Then I put her
on the track and went down to
Patchwerk (studio) to boost it up, and put
that shit out in the streets. I started with
the muhfucka at ground level; went to
the clubs like every night with it. Shit
started picking up. Radio got on it after
that, and it went from there.
How did you and Kandi hook up ?
Well you know, A.J., rest his soul, that was
his
his old lady. A.J.
was from my
neighborhood.
Me and him use
to kick it before
he died, and
Kandi was like
family. Like I
said, before I
went to
Patchwerk to
really record, I
was at her house
fucking around
with it. She
heard it and
liked it. I put her
on it.
As CEO of
Duct Tape,
what made you step up to the micro-
phone ?
Well, my brother, Alley Boy, he got
locked up back in December of ‘08, and
I took it upon myself to start a FREE
ALLEY campaign. So I ended up picking
up the microphone in the clubs and
shoutin’ him out. Then I decided to drop
a song. But my main two artists got
locked up, so I took it upon myself to do
something. Ya feel me ? I had been pro-
ducing and helping em write hooks and
shit; but this was my first time just really
recording a record myself.
Do you plan to keep persuing it, or
was this just something to keep your
label and it’s name afloat until every-
one got out of jail ?
Naw, I’m a hustler. I’m gone keep on til
it slows down. If it does, I’ll accept my
lick and move on.
As far as your artists, who will we hear
about next ?
Alley Boy ! I ain’t gone say next. Alley
Boy droppin’ now ! We did his deal with
with Atlantic in July, and I did my deal
with Def Jam in October. That’s two
major accomplishments for Duct Tape. I
got a roster of people from Atlanta. It’s
the home team; everybody’s from the
same neighborhood. We all grew up
together.
Describe your sound for those who’ve
never had the opportunity to hear
your stuff.
I call it “Street Soul.” Sometimes I might
rap, and sometimes I might harmonize
on that shit. It all depends on how I feel
that day. Ya feel me ? I can’t really
describe it. A lot of people are already
pickin’ up on it though. I got a lot of rap-
pers calling me asking me for hooks. I
done sent hooks and verses to all type of
rappers. It’s overwhelming really. I can’t
believe people are acting like that. Even
Bow Wow wantin’ to jump on a track. It’s
just a new sound....... I guess.
What area of Atlanta are you from ?
East side of Atlanta: Zone 6.
Zaytoven produced “Try It Out.” Do
you have in-house producers ? How
do you get your tracks ?
I listen to a lot of tracks. If I like it, then
I like it. It don’t matter if it’s a local joker,
or a major cat. I ain’t on that big name
shit. I been knowing Zay for a long time.
He use to cut my son’s hair at the mall.
He’s a personal homie of mine. I had the
harmony in my head for a while. You
know, we been saying, “Fuck wit my
pimpin’: Try It Out” for over 2o years
now, right ? I been hearing that all my life.
I just put the “Try It Out” on there, went
over to Zay’s and was vibin’, and put it
together just like that.
What’s behind your label’s name:
Duct Tape Entertainment ?
It ain’t no negative shit. It just describes
how me and my partners stick together.
You know, at the end of the day, it can
be. But it’s just about stickin’ together.
BIG BANK BLACKAtlanta, GAWords: Anthony ColomPhoto: Diwang Valdez
Where Reading Is Fundamental www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 8-B
1. Rumblefish - Licensing for tel-evision, film, advertisements,websites, videos, games, pod-casts, and sonic branding - e.g.your music inside your local Gap.www.rumblefish.com
2. Gamecues - Licensing for thegaming industry.www.gamecues.com
3. YouLicense - Music licensingmarketplace - essentially, theirsystem enables artists and thoseseeking music to conduct busi-ness directly with each other.www.youlicense.com
4. Pump Audio - Artists canlicense their music in televisionand advertising without giving upany ownership.www.pumpaudio.com
5. BeatPick - Music licensingprovider. www.beatpick.com
6. Ricall - Music licensing mar-ketplace, connecting users want-ing to license music directly withthe relevant copyright owners.www.ricall.com
7. SoundReef - In private beta,this service exchanging musicfor promotion in television, film,a d v e r t i s i n g , e t c .www.soundreef.com
8. Renommee.net
9. Sentricmusic.com
10. magnatune.com
11. soundlounge.co.uk
These companies are not listed in any particular order.
TOP MUSIC LICENSING SITES
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Branding has been a business buzzword for many years.
But the term has implications far beyond corporate
logos, slick packaging and commercial jingles. Effective
branding is all about telling customers who you are, what
you do and how you do it. Despite a sluggish economy
and uncertainty throughout the world, more people are
spending time and money online than ever before. That's
why it's vitally important for small businesses and solo
entrepreneurs alike to use the Internet to make an
impact.
Here are four tips to help you carve a focused identity
online.
1. Define your brand up front. When visitors arrive at
your web site, let them know immediately what you do
and why they should care. Far too many web sites shroud
their identity in flashy graphics and ambiguous slogans
without telling people what the company or person actu-
ally does. View your site through the eyes of a new visi-
tor. Does it spell out exactly what your brand stands for?
If not, redesign it so your purpose and identity are
unmistakable. For example, Terri Lonier's Working Solo
site at www.workingsolo.com does a good job of estab-
lishing her as a resource for freelancers. The opening
paragraph lets visitors know exactly who the site is for.
2. Lead with what you do, not who you are. It may defy
logic, but making your company name the most visible
element on your home page may not be the most effec-
tive way to reinforce your brand. A web-based or e-mail
marketing message should state a benefit right off the
bat. Which of these paints a clearer identity: The busi-
ness name "Dog Owner Central" displayed in large let-
ters or the more specific description "Training tips for
busy dog owners"?
3. Use a real person as a figure head. The online world
can be a cold, mechanical place. Your branding efforts
are more effective when you add a recognizable, consis-
tent human element. Think of the way Dave Thomas
used to promote Wendy's. If your company has a CEO
or spokesperson who is closely identified with the com-
pany offline, make sure that connection carries to the
cyberworld. If you run a business by yourself, by all
means, put your name, photo and personal message on
your web site. Nothing creates mystery and distrust more
than a site that is void of a human contact and asks visi-
tors to send e-mail to the "webmaster."
4. Develop a fan-club mentality. Most online marketers
try to generate readers, visitors or users. I encourage you
to switch gears and create fans. "Users" are people who
visit your web site, subscribe to your newsletter or buy
your products and services. "Fans," on the other hand,
cheer you on, rave about you to their friends, and eager-
ly follow everything you do. Which would you rather
have? [Bob Baker is the author of "Branding
Yourself Online: How to Use the Internet to
Become a Celebrity or Expert in Your Field.” ]
4 Ways to Create
a Rock-Solid Brand
Identity Online
By
Bob Baker
7-B l The New Power Magazine l www.newpowermagazine.com
P
Pleasure P, the former
crooner of Pretty Ricky we now all know
as “Boyfriend Number 2” was just nom-
inated for three Grammy awards.
However, the celebration of his nomina-
tion was deterred amid a firestorm
caused by a recent Twitter leaked rumor,
painting the “Under” singer as a dis-
turbed Child Molester. Not one to take
the allegations lightly, Mr. Cooper
reached out so that he can set the record
straight. You heard the story, now let’s
get it straight from the source.
Do you know what lead to the cir-
cumstances of the recent allegations?
Pleasure P: Honestly, I don’t know what
led to anything, regarding something
that’s not true, something that’s false.
You know the person that page it came
from is not a person at all, and it’s crazy
and it’s a vicious nasty lie.
How did you hear about the “vicious
lie”, as you say?
Pleasure P: I think I just got off of stage
or something and I was on my tour bus,
and I just started getting phone calls and
stuff and I was like: “Are you serious?!?”
So, I went on Twitter and I just started
reading comments. I was like: “Wow!
People actually…are you serious?” I
immediately left my tour and began to
stand up for myself and fight back?
How did you feel?
Pleasure P: I mean I felt hurt. It was the
day that It was announced I got nomi-
nated for three Grammys. It was the
same day so it kind of like ruined it, like
it happened around the same time.
Actually I found out about [the rumor]
first before I found out I was nominated
for 3 Grammys. And of course I’m very
upset about it because I have a 5-year-old
son that looks up to me, which I care
about dearly. He has to go to school and
hear stuff like this. Stuff that’s not true
and I take it very seriously.
Was there any animosity between you
and Pretty Ricky?
Pleasure P: I mean I don’t have any rela-
tionship with them, none whatsoever. So,
I couldn’t tell you when it comes to that
kind of stuff, I don’t speak to them, I
don’t talk to them we don’t have a rela-
tionship, so…
To your knowledge, was it them
(Pretty Ricky) that released the story?
Pleasure P: I can’t say that it’s them, and
I can’t say that it’s not them. But my liti-
gation team is working on this night and
day, and we’re getting to the bottom of
this. We went to Twitter and Twitter sus-
pended the page, and they actually inves-
tigating the fake person, or person who’s
not a person…its things called IP
addresses and stuff like that that you can
actually find out the person that did it.
So, I don’t see how people can believe a
no-face Blogger, a person that don’t
exist, a person that won’t show there face,
a person that’s not a person. And for a
person to present false and fake docu-
ments is just absurd.
How did this affect your family and
your career?
Well it does not affect anything. If people
believe lies then I don’t know what to tell
them. But I’m just going to keep doing
me, I’m going to keep making good
music, and I’m going to keep getting
nominated for Grammys and I’m going
to stay positive. I’m going to take the
high road every time. I’m better than
that, if I didn’t take the high road I’ll
probably end up in jail or something. So,
you have to stay away from the negative
stuff in life.
What’s your plan to move on?
Pleasure P: I already moved forward. But
I have to keep doing interview after
interview after interview and I got to let
people know…all over something that’s
not true, it’s crazy. Hopefully, a lot of
music overshadows all of this nonsense.
PLEASURE P.
FIGHTING VICIOUS LIES
WORDS: Lauren M. Walker COURTESY: Singersroom.Com
(662) 251-0075 www.newpowermagazine.com l The New Power Magazine l 6-B
Introducing the........
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