T.I. (@Tip)

F*ck Da City Up

I pride myself in being perfectly honest in my reviews; I try to be as transparent as possible and I will always let you know if I have any personal feelings/opinions about the artist being reviewed. With all that being said, here's what I've always said about T.I. (the “King of the South” depending on who you ask): he's the South's version of Nas. No two rappers, in the 27 yrs that I've been listening to rap/hip hop, have frustrated me more than the two aforementioned rappers. T.I. & Nas have indisputable, Top 5 G.O.A.T talent, but the results haven't matched it. They've been passed by peers that are not even on their talent level (Nas by Busta Rhymes, T.I by Rick Ross). So anyway, after his latest (and hopefully last) stint in federal custody, T.I drops his mixtape titled “F*ck Da City Up”.
Well let me start off by saying that once again, much like Ludacris and Ms. Bhavin, this is a mixtape in name only: 16 new releases, no freestyles. So since its an album, I'll judge it as an album: this is T.I.'s best album. Yes, even better than I'm Serious. There is something on this cd for everybody, and that hasn't every really been the case (maybe “Paper Trail” but that's it). I know that's a blasphemous statement, especially in the ATL, so please allow me to elaborate.
Much like a well written opera or concerto, this album has two distinct movements: the past and the future. If you have the cd, the past are the tracks before “Jeezy Speaks (Interlude)”, and the future are the tracks after that. I'm not sure if T.I planned or was aware of this clear delineation in his music (I have to believe that he did), but it was a damn stroke of genius. He has all the songs that pay homage to his hood/trap upbringing at the first half of the album (the T.I that we all know, which is the one that always frustrates me), then he pretty much placed all of his non-hood (mainstream) tracks on the second half of the album (featuring tracks produced by Just Blaze, Manny Fresh, DJ Toomp and Dr. Dre). Trap boyz and hood niccas probably found this part of the cd boring (or even lame). I vehemently disagree with those ascertions. T.I, on the second half of this album, became the rapper I'd only got glimpses of in the past. He's finally achieved the ability to balance the hood, and the whole world (local rappers that wanna be more than local/regional, please take note).
Best Song On The CD: “Pimp”, “Hot Wheels”, “Popped Off”

Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Pimp”, “I'll Show You”

Overall Rating: 5...this is T.I.'s magnum opus (great work), though my hood homies will probably disagree

Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous

Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
 

Ms. Bhavin (@msbhavin)

Dumb It Down

(The Patron & Lime Juice Edition)

Females in the rap game has always been looked at (for the most part) with a side-eye like, “Whateva bitch...we fcking???” I'm pleased to say that (finally) females have made significant strides in this male-dominated industry. An ATL veteran of hood/crunk music, as well as the artist that made the classic anthem “Bottle Action”, is Ms. Bhavin. She starts off 2K12 with her latest mixtape “Dumb It Down: The Patron & Lime Juice Edition.”
Where to start...where to start....oh I know...this is a certified club banger (dance, crunk and strip). No freestyles are on this release (like the Ludacris mixtape), so its really a street album as opposed to a mixtape. Ms. B, much like the Ying Yang Twinz and Lil John, knows/understands what her audience wants; most importantly, she delivers. Also, refreshingly, her lyrical content is on point and humorous.
Be advised: some of these songs, once they get in rotation, are gonna start some girl fights in the club (much like Bottle Action did, and still does). Top of the list, in my mind, is “Groupie”, although “Show & Tell” is gonna end a lot of friendships too. Then there are songs like “Girl On Girl” (self-explanatory, and if an explanation is required you're either too young or too stoooopid to be reading this review...MOVE ON!!!). I also like the honesty and openness she displayed on the guaranteed problem starter “Sex With My Ex”. Overall, this would've been a great album....seriously! No more mixtapes for you, B!

Best Song On The CD: “Show & Tell”, “Groupie”

Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Everybody Luv Me”

Overall Rating: 4.5...I almost gave it a 5...it's that damn good...check it out!

Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous

Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD

The bosses here at On Tha Real Magazine had been tweeting that if you wanted me to review your mixtape, hit me up. I guess folks saw how sarcastic my reviews can be and got scared (even though I haven't really roasted anyone with a review yet). After about a week, this young dude hit me and was like “review my $#it nicca!!” Okay, he didn't say it like that, but I know he was thinking it. I asked for the link to his music, and I'll be damned if he didn't hit me right back with it. So it's with great pleasure that I introduce to you, straight outta Savannah, Ga, Sir Walt Chamberlain and his mixtape titled “Deja Vu”.


This dude is niiiiiiice. All my industry connects that are reading this review, yall really need to look this dude up like yesterday. He's another of the growing trend of rapping singers, or singing rappers (think Drake and Big Sean). This image is further solidified when you consider he did a “Marvin's Room” freestyle titled....wait for it...Walt's Room! I'm willing to forgive him for that minor faux pas, because the project as a whole is beyond solid.


This is a true mixtape, in that there are original cuts as well as freestyles. The general theme of the cd is love and relationships (with the exception of “Deja Vu”, which is a swag-type club banger) so it has a great deal of potential to become a favorite of females anywhere, of any persuasion. I especially appreciate the fact that he has love songs that are about love, not fcking (for example “Life Together”). This is a very good mixtape well worth your time and support.


Best Song On The CD: “Life Together”, “Deja Vu”


Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Life Together”, “The Voucher Pt. 1”


Overall Rating: 4...I'm expecting big things from this young brother...heard it here first.


Rating System:


1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous


Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)

Who is Latin Prince ?

I'm a humble DJ, Friend, Mentor of the music game. !
 
Who influence you to start Djin ?

Jam Master Jay, Jazzy Jeff, Alex Mejia, Cameron Paul...
 
What sparked the move from San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles?

I felt i have done everything I could do on radio at that particular time. I was not going to be MD or PD of the station so I found a new direction by moving to Los Angeles working for HITS Magazine.
 
What inspired the creation of Bumsquad Djz  ?

I created Bum Squad DJz Forum in 2004 a place where DJS worldwide can meet & get to know each other. Once that got up & running I started to build the movement/the family of DJs from all around the world.
 
How can a DJ be part of  Bumsquad Djz ?

To be a part of the Bum Squad Djz, you have to be nominated by a fellow Bum & go thru a interview process.
 
What do you feel like missing part of DJ craft right now ?

Loyalty, & these days paying their dues! They think because they got Serato that they got it going on.
 
Do you feel like  today artist  are respectful and aware of the DJ role that the DJ plays ?

A lot of these artist are taking jobs away from the DJ by becoming DJs themselves. & of course there is a handfull of artist who don't give the respect to the DJ they deserve. & but over all I think that the smart artist who do give DJs their props are on the right track.
 
What artist are you feeling now ?

Estelle, The League, Adele, Trey Songz, Lupe Fiasco & a few others!
 
What been the most embarrassing moment while Djin?

I got into a fight while I was in the middle of my set. #notcool.
 
Do you have a contact info or twitter / facebook ?

Twitter.com/latinprince & facebook.com/deejaylatinprince
 
Any Last words ?

I tell all DJs to stay humble & work hard on their craft. This is no picnic, respect your fellow DJS! Take your game to the next level & become a leader in the game.!

Tell everybody your name and where you are from?
Hilliary GaymonBorn in Charlotte, NC ; Raised in Cary, NC , which is where I currently reside

How long have you been modeling?
About 5 months now

So what are you doing with yourself besides modeling?
Well I am Just being mommy, raising a beautiful baby girl; Currently studying cosmetology as well as focusing on a glamor line of designer tees and Formal wear.


What would you say is your best feature and why?
Face is because it is everything in your images. Narrowing that down to my eyes, I feel like you should be able to see the connection in your eyes along with your expression period because when it comes down to it that’ll make or break your look, There’s only so much Photo shopping you can do to achieve and expand an idea.
 

What do guys say is your best feature?
My Smile, and natural beauty no make-up or weave.
 

In your opinion what are the negatives and positives of modeling?
Positive outlook automatically is bettering my inner person, allowing myself to stay humble as well as becoming a stronger person, keeping hold of my upbringing. Modeling will also show you to build onto yourself, because there are new faces being found every day. In my eyes this is a footstep in branching out to other goals I have in the background of modeling using the resources I have in front.
Negative most deftly are the scams and hood bootleg photographers. Of course everyone claims to be someone along with, that many will use your face for what they need and not expect to pay out you’ll get stuck in the circle and never add the material you need to expand your portfolio. Many may tell you it’s good enough for you to use their work just to gain exposure but there are those that get caught up and began hoeing around doing free work all the time. (For the fellas) what would it take for a guy to win your heart?
Just be supportive, make me laugh everyday even when I'm having a moment. It'll win my heart over if there is that someone who can just put up with me period ;)

Any advice you want to give to people in your position or things you may have learned in the process of becoming model?
Advice I have is to stay true to you. Focus on your life not what others want in it. I have learned to pick wisely between jobs. Just be smart, because your image is everything and once that’s gone it’s hard to gain positive reference again.


What are your Booking # or website / Social media?
Facebook and Fan page: Hilliary Gaymon
Twitter: @DEyemond_eyes
ModelMayham: 12368159
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tell everybody your name and where you are from?

Ebony LaVette I'm from Cleveland, Oh but I'm residing now in the Richmond, VA area

How long have you been modeling?

2 years

So what are you doing with yourself besides modeling?

(Working, school, etc.) I have a degree in healcare

What would you say is your best feature and why?

My eyes there very enticing

What do guys say is your best feature?

My lips

In your opinion what are the negatives and positives of modeling?

Negatives would be that we all are stupid, don't love ourselves and we are or were stripper. Positive side would be the love we get from fans and how we are comfortable with our bodies and sexuality

(For the fellas) what would it take for a guy to win your heart?

My mind I love intelligent men who can carry great conversation. I'm not easily impressed I have my own so money doesn't move me
Any advice you want to give to people in your position or things you may have learned in the process of becoming model? Research, Invest and Brand

What is your Booking # or  website / Social media ?

To book me email serious inquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Twitter: @ebonylavette

For those who are new to your music, will you describe your background, elaborating on the transition of youth to adulthood?
We have a saying, “If you know better, you’ll do better”.  With that being said, my mom and dad struggled but they always tried to provide for me.  Even though they were doing what they were doing they tried to keep me out of that lane they were so familiar with.  It was only a matter of time that I would jump off the porch and see it for myself.  With my sister getting shot and killed at only 6 years old, protecting me was all they wanted to do.  They gave me the game as well, and matter of fact they still do.  I just imply what I've learned over the years - from the streets to the books, to my day to day interactions with others and my music.

How has residing in Austin, TX influenced you, your music, and your popularity?
Living in Austin has its pro's and con's.  Being the capital of Texas and the “Live Music Capital of the World’, the outlets for rap, hip hop, and r&b are very small, but I've gained fame, support, and a great following in the city.  Austin is so diverse that we don't have our own sound and we can't be classified. Texas has become a huge influence of my music.  The pride and culture from the south is all over my lyrics.
 
What genres are you listening to these days, and who are among your favorite musicians?
I'm all over the place with my music right now, but I love "movements” -  cities or groups putting out bangers.  I'm also a big fan of a great lyricist.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I'm putting together my debut album called “The Struggle, the Strength, the Success”.  I’m also working on different mixtapes with several dj's, and my label - Nina Ross Records - will be releasing various projects as well.  Making good music and networking are my main objectives at this point.

Tell us about the record label you currently call home.
As I was saying my label is Nina Ross Records, or as we put it “NR4L”.  I'm a co-owner of the label along with K Paul.  We've been operating for a few years and have a couple of artists.  We're about to take every opportunity we can and make the most of it.

Who are some of the artists you have collaborated or performed with?
Most recently we did collaborations with Hezeleo, King Kyle Lee, Gritboys, and I've shared the stage with artist such as Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Trae the Truth, and legions like Hawk, Pimp C, and Bun B.
 
What your thoughts on hip hop right now?
My thoughts on hip hop are mixed.  I feel the game always asked for change and more reality, but it seems all of that gets pushed to the side and the mainstream gets flooded with a bunch of bologna.  I can't do anything else but do me.  I've soaked up a bunch of knowledge, now it's my time to give the people what they've been needing, wanting, and waiting for because there is a middle from the underground to the mainstream; you just have to discover it.

What do you do on your free time?
Sleep!!!  There's no free time in life; family and work.  If I'm having fun, family is involved or I'm making money.  From basketball to dominoes and chess, I'm all in!!  Oh wait, I can’t forget the Madden!!!
 
Who do you have in your deck right now?
Right now I'm listening to Pimp C's “Still Pimpin’” album.

What is your social media/booking info?
You can follow me on Twitter @Pimpin_Pen.  FB me, “Fred Pimpinpen Freeman” and check out videos, songs, and blogs at www.reverbnation.com/pimpinpen.

Any last words?
Shout out to On tha Real Magazine for all the support through the years, it's very much appreciated.  Be on the look out for NR4L, we have no time for games and no time for lames.  I will always keep it real and just remember being real doesn't cost u a dime it's FREE 99… and I'm out !!!

Words by Karl Orts