SOHH Atlanta

This past year err'body learned how to snap, raise motorcycles and walk it out via the video machine. Admit it, Atlanta put the "V" in video entertainment of the past year. Whether you liked it or not you wanted to see what we would drop new on that a&%. Question is, "Will the VMAs pay the piper tonight?

Here are a few of our (Atlanta) nominees.
Best Male Video:
T.I., "What You Know"

Best Group Video:
Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy"

Best Rap Video:

T.I., "What You Know"

Yung Joc featuring Nitty, "It's Goin' Down"

OK, I know what THEY say but which video was really the best thing smokin this past year? I already gave you my hint, "Shoulder Lean" was my pick but 'Dro won't cop an award for that. And in a close second "Lean With It" or "Ridin Rims" really showed Atlanta at it's truest point this year. Speaking of videos, check out these ATL cats supposedly on the come up. I doubt if this got a VMA nomination but it's a trip. Aint nothing like the westside of Atlanta.

In the changer today...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (83)

It's been over a week since the release of the latest Outkast album, Idlewild, and I'm wondering what the response is to the album. I've heard and read mixed reviews on it but the jury is still out. I did pick it up on the day it dropped with high expectations and the album met those expectations for me but others aren't so sold on it.

My thinking is that it's almost too far left for the average hip hop ear, an ear that has grown accustomed to the gun packers of the industry. The game has been in serious transition since their last release. Were they able to reel some of the lost back in with this album or are the lost too far gone?

Whenever Danity Kane is even mentioned to be possibly pushing as many units as Outkast I have to ask some serious questions here?

Also, what's the word on "Idlewild" the movie?

"Easily the most wildly innovative film of the year."--Bruce Kirkland of The Toronto Sun

Oppositely, here's a negative review

There was a great deal of hype leading up to the release but I'm sensing the momentum slowing down. I thought both were excellent products, and a needed change but what's the overall perception?

What I'm Sittin Sidewayz to today...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (162)

"What's the point of waiting anymore/ 'Cuz girl I've never been more sure [That baby it's you]" -- Justin Timberlake from "My Love"

As much as I hate to admit this, Justin Timberlake's new single "My Love" featuring T.I. is that joint right now. After the Janet Jackson situation, I lost some respect for J.T. like nearly everyone else. Through it all, there's no denying his talents. He's a cold white boy, period!

As for T.I., he has officially crossed that line... and it's not a bad thing. The industry, whether motion picture or music, know's a star when they see him/her and I don't believe this will alter how his gangsta is percieved at all. It's his moment for as long as he wants it to be right now. Get that money Tip. Some questioned this move but I see no wrong in it.

On "My Love," Justin's able to take us into a place that other pop artists attempt to venture into but have come out unsuccessful, as he provides a legitimate old-school soul feeling that actually passes the test. It was even more ingenious to throw T.I. on the track (musta been Timberland's idea) because the grit he provides on the track is evident. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Timberland is resposible for the production on this one.

Tim's killing the beat as usual with his abiltiy to talk to us through his synth, I know it's been a minute but he's still on it. I'm not sure what the thinking was behind Justin's Ready Rock C imitation on top of the beat but it worked somehow?

This is a well put together track and Jon B., I mean Justin, has dropped a jewel on us.

And don't forget to pick up Young Dro's Best Thang Smokin today, Grand Hustle is officially under the spotlight today.

You can download the "My Love" single here

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (58)

Many people missed the splash that 'the Sips Cadillac Don and J-Money made in the South throughout the summer with this verse....

"Inside peanut butter, outside jelly/Seven days of the week, seven different chevys/Black SS wit tha top blown off/(f*&^) with them boys and get ya top blown off." -- from the song "Peanut Butter and Jelly"

So, in case some of my East Coast/West Coast fam missed out on the heat, peep out their myspace page. The song sounds real laid back but believe me it gave the Mississippi rap game even more respect this summer. Their album is expected to drop later this year.

Meanwhile, get ready for The Best Thang Smokin'! Yeah, Young Dro is set to drop his CD tomorrow, and believe me the streetz iz watchin. To be honest, I've been satisfied with "Shoulder Lean," "Rubberband Banks" and Dro's mixtape collection beatin' in my system but I must admit that I'm anxiously awaiting this release.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (220)

It seems as if everybody in the city is gearing up for the big Mary J. Blige concert this weekend at HiFi Buys Ampitheater one way or another. Mary J. is getting the royal treatment throughout the city for this one too, so much so I'm beginning to wonder if she really is actually bigger than just the "Queen of R&B and Hip Hop."

Females everywhere talking about "That's my anthem!" not "That's my song"...Huh? As silly as it sounds, it kind of reminds me of how some of us (fellas) use to feel when hearing Tupac and Biggie tracks. You didn't just like Tupac and Biggie, you felt 'em. Her realness set's her apart from others and the ladies feel her un the same regard.

So for this reason, I put her on a level that many will fall short of.

So, Welcome to Atlanta Mary... and Letoya, and 'Toya please keep out your pen and pad throughout this tour and learn everything you can from the best in the .

I can't argue it though, she's done her thing for fifteen years strong, and the numbers don't lie. Now, Letoya as y as she is, has some respect to earn. Everytime I hear her name mentioned, the next statement immediately following is... "She's cool but she's only going to have that one hit." We'll see...

Since I'm on the R&B thing today, what is the feeling regarding the Cherish album? Is it worth the 11.99 (I saw it at Circuit City previously for 7.99-can't beat that)? I did like the way they flipped the script and gave us a chance to hear their vocal skills on "Unappreciated."

That was my Soul spill for the month, and I'm out!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (212)

And I bet you thought you were going to get my rundown of the Top 10 Atlanta artists in this game we call hip hop. But nope, that's too close to call right now and it depends on key factors like what are we basing it on? M.I.C. skills, sales, or commercial success, the list would vary for each category.

Stay tuned for my list in the future. You know the Southern list is the official list anyway, no bulls%^t. However, I did run across a fairly recent list on the net that by Atlanta Music Editor, Joy Johnston that went something like this...
1. Ludacris
2. T.I.
3. Outkast
4. Jermaine Dupri

5. Young Jeezy
6. Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz
7. Bonecrusher
8. Youngbloodz
9. Dem Franchise Boyz
10.Cee Lo

Like I said, I have no idea what this list is based on but you can click here to hear her reasoning for her selections. I have a few arguments, the big one being Cee Lo so far down on the list no matter what the criteria.

Also, a Belfast newspaper published an interesting story on Outkast yesterday and it was real interesting how they compared the swagger of the two in the leading paragraphs, especially Dre'. It's interesting to see some of the overseas perspectives of the two.

Regardless, they're probably buzzin' about the opening day sales figures. I know that by the time I hit the stores, it was a serious search to find a CD here.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (222)

It's not 6 o'clock yet, but it is definitely "time for Street to rock" as Atlanta's heavy hitter Greg Street is up to bat today, partnering with The Drama King, DJ Kay Slay on the album release of The Champions - North Meets South.

The Champions - North Meets South showcases MCs from both regions on one CD. It features exclusives from Fat Joe, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Busta Rhymes, Papoose, Yung Joc, Remy Ma, Lloyd Banks, Three 6 Mafia, The Diplomats, Ghostface, Raekwon, Cassidy, B.G., Sheek Louch, Lil' Jon and many more.

If you were thinking that there would be a great deal of cats from Atlanta on here, think again. It's a well-rounded CD that will bang. The first single didn't take off like it might have hoped but the album is wicked. My man Papoose shines alot on this album, so if you like Pap you should grab this disc.

Check out the video for the first release off the album "Can't Stop The Reign" feat. Bun-B, Papoose and Shaq (Video)

And of course Outkast's "Idlewild" the album drops today. No more needs to really be said on that.

It's also good to hear Gucci Mane is doing his thing still. There have been rumors of a split with Big Cat Records but now I guess it's official. He should bounce back nice. I still contend that "Corner Cuttin" with Khujo was/is a serious classic throughout the whole south. The backbeat beats your system up, literally.

(Read more on Gucci Mane here...)

And if you haven't made arrangements to get to the Luda tour, you're slippin. This will probably be one of Ludacris' best tours simply because of the talent around him. The DTP family is to be reckoned with these days. I'm sure the whole family will be on tour with him at points as he will also share stages with Juelz Santana, Yung Joc, Shareefa and Bobby Valentino.

(Read more on Ludacris' tour here...)

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (240)

We're now on the eve of the long-anticipated release of Outkast's "Idlewild" album and movie this week. I recently got a chance to view a real informative interview with both members of the group in which they answer the break-up rumors as well as fill us in on the album and the movie. Read that interview here...

After hearing the album, I'm pretty much convinced that Dre and Big will land on several podiums within the coming months, accepting awards for either the album or the movie. I've heard different reviews on the movie from those who have been able to see it but I always have to see a flick for myself to get a real gage on it.

Just to keep you posted, Big Boi's Car Show is still jumping off this weekend too.

And since we are basically in 'Kast week, let me drop my Top 5 Outkast albums on you too (with no relation to sales and charts. I'm no expert, I just see the world from my perspective)

Top 5 Outkast Albums
1. Aquemini- They opened a can of worms on this one, changed the game.
2. Speakerboxx/The Love Below - How many Grammys? Production, lyrics, the vision... it was all in order. Plus Big got his chance to shine and he delivered.
3. SouthernPlayalisticCadillacMuzik (for yo' trunk)- Officially introduced Atlanta hip hop to the rest of the world
4. Atliens - "Jazzy Belle," "Wheels Of Steel," the Turbon, the album cover...classic muzak'
5. Stankonia- Only Outkast CD that had to grow on me but it did in a major way, now everybody knows a "Ms. Jackson"

Am I forgetting any, that's a heavy history? The question now is where will Idlewild fit into this list?

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (57)

I actually got wind of this a couple of weeks ago but I'm still puzzled? Anthony "Chip" Lumar, Atlanta Hip-Hop Entrepreneur and Businessman, who recently was named as a UN ambassador along with Russell Simmons, is now facing rape charges in Atlanta. Go figure?

Lumar is the son-in-law of entertainer James Brown and is now facing charges in Fulton County. An arrest warrant had to be issued for Lumar who serves as the managing partner of Pinnacle International Partners located in the SunTrust building downtown.

Check out the court video

He actually seems like a good brother just caught in a scandal, having recently donated $5 million to the National Urban League. He can't be too bad.

A Fulton County judge had to issue an arrest warrant for the man recently inducted as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. He was a no-show in court when he was to answer to the allegations of the two former employees who said he raped one of them and wrote bad checks to both of them. Their case against him sounds real weak though if you ask me. (Watch the video)

Ayo, keep in mind he's innocent until proven guilty. Or in the 21st Century they might want to change that to guilty until proven innocent in some jurisdictions. We don't make the news we just report it.

Also, I just wanted to keep everybody on top of some of the evnts that have been taking place this past week in the city...

First, Billboard and Clear Channel Radio announced their partnership to broadcast, online and on-demand, the 2006 Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Awards show on September 8th in Atlanta. If you haven't made serious arrangements for this show, you are slackin' big time.

The Billboard and Clear Channel webcast, which will be available for on demand viewing via Billboard.com and more than 50 Clear Channel radio station websites, will feature artist performances, award show highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Also, Atlanta big-tymer Devyne Stephens who executive-produced and engineered Akon’s platinum 2004 debut album, Trouble, has signed a distribution deal with SRC/Universal Motown Records to distribute Stephens’ new label Upfront Entertainment. He recently put together a deal for Akon’s Kon Live Music with Interscope Records.

In addition to Akon, Kandi of Xscape is also signed to Upfront Entertainment. Stephens is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on Akon’s sophomore CD. So be on the lookout for that later this year.

I told everybody about The Core DJ's conference this week, and it's poppin off as we speak. Hit the website for the complete schedule of events.

And I'm out until next week pimpin...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (67)

There's another big weekend being planned in the city, as The Core DJ's present their annual Core DJ's Retreeat V Awards. It promises to be a huge weekend with numerous artists being presented with awards over the weekend.

Some of the award recipients include DJ Red Alert, Rahiem The Dream, Jermaine Dupri, MC Shy D, DJ Smurf, Lil Jon, DJ Drama, Greg Street, Funkmaster Flex, Big Tigger, Ludacris, DJ Toomp and Kid Capri to name a few. They have several events planned so it should be a busy weekend.

Also, get ready for Big Boi's Riding Dirty Celebrity Car & Bike Show at the Convention Center. It's hailed as "The Official Car Show of the South" so be in the building for that on August 26th. It's common knowledge that nobody flosses a ride like we do in the south so this is a must-attend event. Let me check that, though I love the south but I have to say that they do it BIGGER on the car tip out west. I'm just saying...

The car show follows the release of Idlewild the movie and the album during that same week.

Dre and Big Boi have allowed for the public to listen to their album on their myspace page. I've heard people complain about the inability to skip through the album but real heads aren't even trying to skip through a 'Kast CD on first listen anyway. You might miss something. Nevertheless, pay attention to the entire album, especially "Hollywood Divorce" featuring Weezy and Snoop.

Outkast will also be holding a private listening party for the Idlewild album tonight.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (204)

The Lil Wayne case is all over the streets now so I guess I qualify to speak on it a little bit. First let me provide the setting for you, Atlantic Station where the situation occurred is one of the newest, upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues in the city.

According to a couple of reliable sources in attendance, the situation went down down like this. A hotel liason was summoned to Weezy's room for a hotel repair and claimed to have spotted a little over a pound of weed in the room. From there, the hunt was on.

When the police finally caught up with him all they found was a piece of an already sparked blunt and some prescription pills. The pills were a violation because they were not in his name. If you have ever needed to pick up a prescription for someone else let alone yourself, then you already know the scrutiny you face.

[Check the official Police Report]

These are not serious charges, some other MCs in the city wish they were facing these minor infractions considering the cases they have picked up over the past few months. No need to mention their names and beat a dead horse. That's 1/2 of the problem with hip-hop now, we glorify the bad and alienate the good. Damn bloggers... LOL.

But anyway, if you were wondering where the pound of weed went? It was never found. So it appears to have been a fabrication to get the chase going, either that or we have a police duo or a maintenace worker chinky-eyed, running around smelling like purp?

So, basically this does not seem as major as it's being portrayed all over the news. Jus, hurry up and get back on on them mixtapes Weezy -- we don't care how old you aint. Just keep spittin that real pimpin because whatever you were smokin when you made The Carter II..., keeeep smokin it.

NOW BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING....

Blackberry Molasses''''...Is this the same cat? I forget sometimes.
But check out the new single from Bobby Valentino, "Turn the Page" produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. It's his first release from his forthcoming release Special Occasion, which drops September 19!

Truthfully, the track is cool! But that outfit, playa'?

And what about the silent battle between the two lead crooners of two of the most respected labels in the city? With Sleepy Brown's album dropping around the same time, it will be interesting to see who moves more units. We already know that Sleepy's debut track "Margarita" is killing it as we speak.

I don't know but personally.... give me Sleepy and "Me and my baby in my Cadillac" in the daytime and Bobby V.'s ballads for the late-nights.

(I've gotta throw Grand Hustle's Governor and Rashad in the mix too. They're next to make waves)

Big ups to the new Atlanta R&B movement.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 2:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (49)

I'm still giving away a pair of tickets to one SOHH ATLANTA reader to go see LeToya with Mary J. Blige in concert on Sunday, August 27th in Atlanta at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre.

If you want the tickets to see LeToya and Mary J., email me at sohhatl@sohh.com with the correct answers to the following trivia questions. I'll be taking submissions from today (8/14) until Friday (8/18) and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 21!

Question #1
The video for Dem Franchise Boys' smash hit "Lean Wit It" took place inside what club?

Question #2
T.I. owns a popular nightclub in Atlanta. What is the name of that spot?

Boy did Short come up off of this song! Talk about money in the bank, I can't wait for his CD to drop. He'll prove that simplicity is not always bad.

Speaking of "Money In The Bank" check out the video for Scrappy's latest single. I guess "it aint trickin if you got it."

Finally, I was recently asked "Which Atlanta artist, if given the choice would you like to hear on a solo album?" This was an easy question for me. My answer...

Khujo, because if you really sit down and listen to some of the things he say's it will blow your mind. I'm still waiting on him and T-Mo to drop their solo records. What's the word on that, somebody holla at me.

If I have any gripe with some of the new artists coming out of the city, it's that they don't pay enough respect to the MCs that paved the way like Khujo. He should be on everybody's tracks. Real talk.

Now, on a different note... "What artist do I wanna see get on the mic?"

Jus playin, I got you though.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (38)

Before we get into today's topic, I'm letting everybody know that I'm giving away a pair of tickets to one SOHH ATLANTA reader to go see LeToya with Mary J. Blige in concert on Sunday, August 27th in Atlanta at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre.

If you want two tickets to see LeToya and Mary J., email me at sohhatl@sohh.com with the correct answers to the following trivia questions. I'll be taking submissions from today (8/14) until Friday (8/18) and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 21!

Question #1
The video for Dem Franchise Boys' smash hit "Lean Wit It" took place inside what club?

Question #2
T.I. owns a popular nightclub in Atlanta. What is the name of that spot?

Yo, I'm still loving that "Money In The Bank" joint. I know it's been out for a minute but if it's any indication of what Lil Scrappy is about to set out for us, I can't wait. Had to say that since I've been bobbin' to it all morning. Did you know that the track is produced by Isaac Hayes III?

But anyway, because the game is kind of at a still point in the city right now I guess I'll talk about the eclecticisity of my city. (No that's not a word! Fonzarelli taught me that one). So let me holla at my West Coast imports today.

Let me put everybody up on our versatility game, check out these under the radar West Coast treats. Also, one good spot to catch some cats with flow is Apache Cafe if you get a chance.

But yo, this is my man Beeda Weeda's video "Turf's Up" from his album Turfology 101. Fire underground track.

And does anybody remember Del tha Funky Homosapien? Peep his DVD and his freestyle flow. He's still in the game doing it B.i.G., big ups to Hieroglyphics still in the arena.

Finally, you can check out Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Rod Coleman showing out on MTV's Cribs tonight.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (214)

Last month I put the buzz out there regarding The Outlawz/Dead Prez collaboration mixtape entitled Can't Sell Dope Forever and it has been officially released. I actually recieved the disc a couple of weeks ago and it's been in the changer ever since.

In an era when the loudest messages heard are those of least importance, it was a needed breath of fresh air to hear lyrics with substance over plush 2006 production. Something real fans of hip-hop can appreciate in any region.

The slogan, Can't Sell Dope Forever has been around for a minute and this collaboration looks to bring the idea of "options after the dope game" into light.

I mean what more can you say, even Super Bowl-MVP Hines Ward has been rocking the "Can't Sell Dope Forever" t-shirts in the past and somewhat brought the idea into the public eye (but judging from this article mainstream Amerikkka were and is still clueless as to what the slogan really means). But now for the don't know's, you can pick this mixtape up and be instantly enlightened. It's a must cop.

The album features a variety of production from Stic.man and M1 of Dead Prez doing their thing to Edi of The Outlawz providing two pieces of work as well. Other producers are involved with the album as well. It was as if everybody was given their own lane to shine and bring their individual talents to the game.

I thought about giving a brief rundown and review of the CD for those who haven't picked it up yet...But I would rather present what others are saying. You already know how I feel on this one.

Check it out some of the reviews here, or here or even here!!

You already know I'm loving it, not to mention that it's all being cooked and brewed in Atlanta. Let me repeat that in case it went over some heads, IT'S ALL BEING COOKED UP IN ATLANTA. Sometimes, I can't help but imagine if 'Pac was here to be on this joint.

(Hear clips from the full disc here)

Note: Check for my interview with The Outlawz and Dead Prez next week as we discuss this project as well as a long list of others that are planned for the newly formed unit. We'll holla next week.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 5:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (278)

Dammit Diddy! I knew you were doing more than just kickin it out here in the city, I see you had your ears to the street big tymer.

It seems Diddy was paying close attention to Born Hustlers' (BHI) "Do It Do It" because as I was watching BET's Access Granted for the video to "Come To Me" I couldn't help but notice Diddy had stole the chant...word for word.

But look at how The Poole Palace is poppin' off on the BHI video, why wouldn't you want that feeling?

That damn Diddy, at it again? But that's his M.O., he's done it countless times so we're used to it now. Other than that the video was cool, I can watch Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls all day long so it works for me.

Diddy will put some serious marketing chips behind the song and it will blow soon. Hold me to that. Nevertheless, in more Diddy news, the rumors are still circulating that he's popped the question to model Kim Porter and is engaged. I ain't mad, just get a 'nup and call it a day. Ask Paul McCartney.

Also, that BHI album is scheduled to drop this month if it hasn't already.

And in some related sports news, it has been announced that Atlanta will be introducing a minor league basketball franchise under the Atlanta Krunk corporation. I'm not sure if the team will be called the Krunk? I just say that the uniforms should be the same color as the crunk juice cans.

Read the first paragraph of the press release. Since when did C&C Music Factory become hip hop icons? I'm just saying though...

They might just sell more season tickets than the Atlanta Hawks?

Finally, whoever said Rick Ross' album was no good, please go back and take a second listen.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (57)

Yo, I never got a chance to give ya boy T.I. his props for signing to appear in his second film, "American Gangster," which pits him alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Not bad for a youngster from Bankhead. (Or as some argue, Riverdale?) Nevertheless, this is big.

T.I. has gone through a rough year with regards to the game, and I remember after best friend Big Phil's death he hinted at occupying a different type of role in the game. I definitely understood where he was coming from and maybe the big screen will provide him that outlet.

He is working on his next project "T.I. vs. T.I.P." as we speak though so he's still planning on releasing music.

My question is, will he be like some of the others who taste that lucrative big screen money and soon end up releasing more movies than albums. If you look at artists like Will Smith, Ice Cube, Cool J, Ice T, DMX etc. they all made the jump and to be honest once they made that leap they were and are looked at somewhat differently by the public.

Bottom line is this, if it's not an auto-biographical flick or a gangster film, much of the public looks at you as an actor...who can also rap. Is Cube seen as that same Amerikkka's Most Wanted/Death Certificate rider that we once knew? To some (mostly us real heads) yes and to some he's the foolish dad from "Are We There Yet". It's all in perception.

I think it's big that he makes that move but will he be able to balance out his image as a credible "emcee from the trap" and a big-time actor is the million-dollar question? It's a fine line between "real street ni**a" and actor. Can he do it? I believe it will depend on the roles that he accepts. But, keep getting that money Tip, I aint mad at 'cha.

I think the reality is that he's making that progression into elite superstar status, like it or not.

T.I. is also developing a movie project through his own film company as we speak.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (228)

"Remember the face, Remember the name, Port of Miami from which you came"--Rick Ross from "Port of Miami"

Today, we find out if Rick Ross is the real deal or not as he drops his debut album Port of Miami on Def Jam/Slip-n-Slide Records. According to some, the jury is still out as to whether he is deserving of the hype. I say those critics need to really examine this man's flow.

Some argue that his content is limited. I've constantly heard the question "How much powder, crack, heroin, and Ex pills can you rap about?" But somebody must be interested because his first track "Hustlin" got major spins. I know somebody who might not be buying that joint...Akon. Check the diss.

*[Just In...Akon is doing production on the album so the beef is fraudelent]

I want to see him expand his lyrical content on this album myself. We know you hustle, we got that but tell us somethin' else. I heard Pimp C giving him big props a couple of weeks ago during an interview with Big Oomp so he's got industry respect and that speaks volumes.

I've heard a few tracks from the album including the title track and it's bangin, typical Rick Ross-Carol City ishh. I'm loving "Blow" keep an eye on that track. I'm hoping that the rest of the album will show versatility. A platinum prediction? Not yet, but I'm willing to bet that he will surpass gold easily.

You can log on to MTV2.com and check out "Port of Miami" on THE LEAK!!

On another Florida note, Trina and Khia have taken the gloves off and gone to war for real. They're pulling no punches, especially Khia. Her retalitation, "Hit Her Up," a response to Trina's "What's Beef" is a no holds barred rebuttal.

And the winner of round one? Trina might have won the first round on a 10-8 count. She killed her. The girl said Khia's "Titties look like they sleep" and "That they cut her out of her own video" which is real talk. I'm not sure why Khia only dropped one verse but I'm hoping she gets some tremendous get back since she is in ATL now, it's a must she represents.

Trina was on with DJ Kay Slay the other night and said that this is all she's giving Khia, one song and that's it. But in actuality, that one song was all Khia was looking for, Trina played right into her hands by even responding to the darts Khia was throwing in interviews. She's trying to push her album Gangstress and she should send Trina a thank you note for all of her help.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (215)

With the 2006 NFL Season jumping off this past weekend, let me jump into some interesting headlines facing the city this last week.

The face of the NFL, Michael Vick has been catching alot of criticism this past week in the media for a photo that has him plastered all over the net smoking something up for debate. Is it a cigar? Is it a blunt? Is it marijuana wrapped in a cigar?

Check out what Vick had to say in this Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the situation.

The thing that puzzles me is the fact that media keeps referring to Vick's "hip hop" lifestyle as being a contributing factor to some of his news scandals. My question is, what is a hip hop lifestyle? Do all marijuana smokers live a "hip hop" lifestyle? Negative. I can point you to some people who have never heard a hip hop track all the way through but will smoke you under 10 tables. Real talk.

Vick's case has nothing to do with hip hop. Yeah Vick stays on the scene but hey, he's 26 years old with 100 million dollars-plus to play with everyday.

Nobody will ever know what he's smoking but him. And for the record, I am 99% sure that that's a Black and Mild cigar that he's smoking (zoom in). Now what's in the black is anybody's guess.

At least he's not shooting up with steroids. However I will say this, I'm not sure which is worse? Smoking Black & Mild's or actually smoking marijuana...those black and milds will give your lungs the fight of their life.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 3:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (55)

This weekend, the city of Atlanta will bid a final farewell to arguably it's most popular nightspot, Club Vision. The club will close it's doors for good as it is being torn down because of redevelopment plans. The landowners will be building some brand new towers on the property which will leave the club in the cold.

This has been long-rumored but is now a finality. Not to worry, the word is club owners plan to open up another venue on the same block in the near future.

They more than made their money over the three years that it was open so I'm sure they aren't hurting a bit. On last night T.I., Slim Thug and others did a show and you can expect more of the same over the weekend in their last days. Actually, Diddy will be throwing the finale this weekend.

It's about that time, we've been waiting on Outkast to drop for a while now and we're only three weeks away from the release of "Idlewild," the movie and the album. In the meantime, we've been teased with the singles "Morris Brown" and "Mighty O."

The video for "Morris Brown" recently dropped and here are some SOHH exclusives photos from the shoot. The video's vintage Outkast, with it's unusual flair but it's growing on everybody. My favorite look on the video? It's gotta be the purple dog..."You make a ni**a wanna put a dog on it!"

And we out!!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 2:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (53)

The 1st Annual Ozone Awards, will be officially kicking off on tomorrow (August 4th) with events lasting all weekend in Orlando, FL and climaxing with the much-anticipated awards show on Sunday (August 6th). The artist lineup and various panels are now set and the weekend is shaping up to be a big-time celebration.

The weekend's events, put together in partnership with TJ's DJ's and David Banner will feature a who's who of artists that are scheduled to be involved with various events throughout the weekend including Lil Wayne, T.I., Pimp C & Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Too $hort, Shawnna, T-Pain, E-40, Yung Joc, DJ Drama, DJ Nasty., and DJ Khaled.

Oh yeah... and Young Dro, Plies, B.G., Trina, Trillville, Mr. Magic, Tampa Tony, J-Shin, David Banner, Juelz Santana, Killer Mike, Crime Mob, Chyna Whyte, B.H.I., Rich Boy, Young Capone, Mannish Man, Slim Thug, DJ Jelly, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Obie Trice, Stat Quo, and Webbie will also be there.

See anybody you like?

If you have yet to make plans to get to this event, what's the hold up? This will be a weekend of major proportions. The industry panels alone should be enough to have anybody involved in the game interested in making the trip to Orlando, FL.

It looks like Ozone Magazine and TJ's DJ's have gone all-out for this event-filled weekend and I'm sure it will live up to the hype.

Click here for SOHH's interview with TJ of TJ's DJ's.
Click here for SOHH's interview with Julia Beverly, publisher of Ozone Magazine.
Click here for the Ozone Award's Itinerary for this weekend.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 2:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Attention all Big Booty Women, Smoke of Field Mob has a special announcement for all y'all!!!

[THIS MESSAGE IS STRICTLY FOR WOMEN! WE REPEAT THIS MESSAGE IS STRICTLY FOR WOMEN!]

"This ya boy Smoke aka Chevy P of the almighty Field Mob and we just dropped our second single "Baby Bend Over" aka The Strip Club Anthem. Me and Shawn need to see who got the biggest donkey on the net! Get ya web cam out and make ya own "Baby Bend Over" video and send em in and well post the best video on our page! Only apple bottoms over the age of 18 need to apply"

Yep, Field Mob, has asked for fans to submit their own videos for the new single “Baby Bend Over” from their Disturbing Tha Peace/Geffen Records release Light Poles and Pine Trees (which is doing pretty damn good on the charts these days).

That's what's up I guess? I wouldn't mind being the one who screens the submitted videos, but if you want to submit your aSSets to the camera click here

Apple bottom submissions are pouring in as we speak, check this out!

Also, Monica debuts the video for her new single "Everytime Tha Beat Drop" on "BET Access Granted" tonight (August 2) so look for that. The song features Dem Franchise Boyz and was shot in Atlanta.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (41)

Based in Orlando, FL with a direct focus on southern hip hop, Ozone Magazine just celebrated their four year anniversary. Ozone Publisher Julia Beverly started the publication as a local magazine but has since established herself and the magazine to be major players in the south with a circulation of close to 100,000.

On Aug 4-6, the magazine along with TJ's DJ's will be hosting the first annual Ozone Magazine Awards Show weekend in it's homebase of Orlando.

I recently spoke with Julia about her reasons behind establishing the magazine's first awards show, as well as the rapid growth of Ozone Magazine. Here, she talks about the awards show, her partnership with TJ's DJ's, and takes us inside Ozone Magazine for a sneak peek at what she has planned for the future.

SOHH: So tell me, has an award show always been on the agenda for Ozone Magazine?

JB: Actually, I've never been big on promoting events but I wanted to have an award show that would be different than some of the others out there and that's why we tied things in with TJ's DJ's. I've attended so many events where I've been denied certain priveleges because of their various rules and regulations and I guess I'm stubborn because I feel like I should be given access just because of the relationships that I've built over the years. I like to be able to roam freely and build relationships with the artists and I guess I've just outgrown attending other peoples events so I decided to put together my own event.

SOHH: And how did the partnership with TJ's DJ's come about?

JB: We've always been linked up together. What we're trying to do now is combine the whole concept of having an industry event that combines the influences that TJ's DJ's and Ozone Magazine has. We've always been linked up indirectly and we just kind of play off each other. He's the music guy, people in the south who are familiar with TJ's know that TJ's has played a part in the success of several artists like Mike Jones, T-Pain and others. One minute they're performing at TJ's then four months later everybody knows who they are. We've helped each other indirectly for a long time, we fill out each other's strength and weaknesses.

SOHH: Were the award nominees selected and why choose an online voting format?

JB: The nominees were selected by an industry panel who came up with a selection process using Soundscan and BDS so alot of thought went into the selections. There were no random picks. We wanted the public to get involved as well and they can cast their votes at Ozonemag.com.

SOHH: How can the people expect this awards show to be any different than the others that are out there?

JB: You have the BET Awards and The Vibe Awards that only pay attention to the major artists and then you have some of the independent award shows like The Southern Entertainment Awards that cater to the independent artists solely, but we wanted draw the line somewhere in the middle. We have alot of independent love as well as good relationships with the majors. Like Rick Ross, we were involved with his career while he was on the independent level. Now he's major.

SOHH: Tell me some of the specific events that the weekend will entail, from the workshops to the awards show finale?

JB: Everything's looking good. The awards show will be hosted by David Banner and Trina. We'll have performances by Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Pimp C, Bub B, Too Short, Yung Joc, Trae, and Slim Thug and others. We'll also have some panels that include some of the top A&R's in the game. We've got the A&R's from Shady Records, Asylum, Atlantic, Sony and Jive to name a few. We're real excited about our Women In The Industry, Independent Labels, and DJ panels as well. I'm looking forward to a big weekend.

SOHH: The growth of Ozone Magazine during the past few years has been huge in the south, what do you attribute that success to?

JB: I think we just came along at the right time. Over the past few years we've seen southern acts getting alot of exposure and we like to think that we've played a big part in much of that success.

SOHH: Even though the magazine has been extremely successful throughout the south, have you ever thought about exploring avenues of expansion or branching out into other regions?

JB: We want to keep our core audience for the most part. It's a challenge though, because sometimes when you have a magazine that is so raw and uncensored and you try to put it on a national or international scale, you run into certain obstacles because the things we write about might not necessarily be meant for a wide audience. If we were to try to be on the level of a Vibe Magazine as far as numbers, we would have to change our content up instead of keeping everything raw.

SOHH: Finally, what else does Julia Beverly have her hand in at this time?

JB: I do want to go into some other avenues as far as media is concerned. For example, I'm doing an entertainment segment on the WB Morning Show every Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. if anybody's up that early? Plus, I'm looking at some television spots, mixtape appearances etc. I'm just trying to take advantage of every opportunity that I can right now but the awards show is our immediate concern right now.

The Ozone Magazine Award Show weekend will take place August 4-6th.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (214)

It seems as if VH1 has a fascination with the plus-size emcee these days. In their next edition of Celebrity Fit Club, the compass points the Adamsville way, aiming directly at Bonecrusher's size 50's. Previously, we've seen Bizarre and Young MCon the show.

If anybody has ever been around Bonecrusher then you know why they picked him. He's made and built for shows like this, he'll keep the cameras rolling because of his sense of humor and candid attitude. His selection was definitely no accident, he's got that Flavor Flav-type of swagger to him.

I think they thought Bizarre would have been more boistrous than he was but nope, Bizarre always looked like he had just got off of a fatty everytime he hit the scales. He was too laid back.

So who's next episode's "overweight lover?" I'm shooting for Jazze Pha, Prince Markie Dee, or maybe Guerilla Black? Or D-Angelo might be a helluva choice.

Nevermind the weight issues though, Bonecrusher is back in the studio workiing and has dropped a new single "Lights, Camera, Action." I like the shit too, now is the time to drop a boatload of tracks on everybody because starting this Sunday all eyes will be pointing his way.

For more on Bonecrusher, check out Ya Heard's exclusive interview with him here.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)