FEEDBACK

Julia, you don’t know me, but I love what you are doing for Orlando’s music scene. I like the way you move, you’ve been handling your business and giving back to Orlando. The thing that amazes me the most is the fact that you are a female, a white female, who actually knows hip-hop, and you seem to know what’s going on in the streets and stay involved. People know who you are and respect you, and you stay showing love and support to all those people. It’s great - Orlando needed something like this a long time ago. But, there was one thing I didn’t really approve of. I was at a certain radio station (really a computer, mixer, CD player, and a Dreamcast) and saw the June issue of OZONE. I was surprised to see a so-called “rap duo” (a black and Oriental rap gimmick) on the cover. I must admit, I am well-known for hating, but I decided to give these guys a shot and see what they’re all about. Reading one line in the interview, I realized that this local duo which is supposed to open doors for Orlando is nothing more than a gimmick. You asked them, “I rarely see you guys at the club together. Would you say you have a friendship or more of a business relationship?” They responded, “It’s all business. Nah, we’re cool. But we have our own lives, our own friends.” Is it just me? Doesn’t anyone else see through this? Two artists who have never been through beef or dirt together were just put together, and now they’re considered hot? I’ve put in work, paid dues, showed respect, and gotten love all over these streets. Do I have a deal? No. Is it because these guys are hotter than me, or put in more work than me? No. Then why? They were in the right place at the right time. But, what made it even worse was the July issue, when their album was reviewed. I’ve heard the album, and their so-called freestyles on certain mixtapes. “Pulling up to Magic Mall on 20-inch rims?!?” Um, when did that happen? I’ve never seen that, or them toting guns. I know the truth, so I won’t hate. What shocked me was that their album actually got a good rating from your mag. While I agree more with Vibe, I’m pretty sure these guys put in work and paid their dues, and I hope that they do open the doors for some of the artists in Orlando with real talent and ideas. - Mr1Skeemz@aol.com 

Jade, you’re doing a great job with your column. I was reading the July issue, and the feedback you give people is great. You’re good at what you do, and I wish you the best in your field. - Darsheen McClain

What I want to know is when ya’ll are going to do some reviews on more 91.7 FM DJs like White Dawg? I think your mag is kinda bullshit, a front. All I see is these NY artists, no dirty south peoples. Orlando Source was the same way. This is Orlando, this is the dirty south. You guys talk about all these bullshit DJs in your magazine which I have never heard of when you’ve got the hottest DJs right in your backyard on 91.7. What’s the deal? Let me know what’s going on, are you guys just so biased you don’t see it right in front of you? Holla back - Orlando Hot Boy

Editor Responds: We featured White Dawg (of 91.7 Clientell Radio), producer Goldfinga, and Thrill da Playa last month, but if that didn’t make you happy, take a look at this month’s cover. Who says we aren’t Dirty South?

The magazine is bangin’, I like the way you have a variety of artists - both those known and those working their way up to the top. I’m out here in Tampa, I got the mag through my dog Johnny Negron. Hope to see more out here. - Al Boogy 

In Big Earl’s article he claimed that Theodore invented the scratch on his uncle Grandmaster Flash’s tables. Theodore was the first to apply the scratch as a rhythmic technique, but Flash was his older brother, not uncle. Please note this, because people already don’t know their hip-hop history well enough without having misinformation fed to them as “fact.” It might seem small, but it is important to DJs and turntablists like myself. Illustrate gave us copies of the mag. Keep up the good work. You need local graffiti artist interviews, though. - DJ Dolo

Urbanesque and I can’t thank you enough for putting us on the cover of your magazine. It’s opening some doors for us in the Orlando urban market, and we just wanted to relay our thanks. – Janice Renn, RMP Studios

I was listening to 102 Jamz Wake Up Posse this morning when they were interviewing you. I’m impressed with what you are doing with OZONE! It was the first time I heard about the mag but as soon as I got to my cubicle and turned on my PC, I went straight to your website (OZONEMAG.com). The whole format is tight. I’m looking forward to your next issue. The one article that stood out was the Nas piece. I was born and bred on the streets of Brooklyn, in Flatbush. A few weeks ago I was listening to DJ Prostyle let off a whole rendition of classic Nas joints that forced me to pull over and have my wife drive, cuz I was going into a coma! It was off the HINGEZ!!! It was too much for me to handle at one time. Right now, Nelly is trying to battle KRS-ONE, which is just ridiculous. But at least it won’t escalate any further – Nelly was on BET’s The Bassment the other day saying, “it’s just hip-hop.” The Nas and Jay-Z dilemma is more than just HIP-HOP. It’s about respect, money, and egos. When Nas exploded on 105, he basically said what everyone else in the hip-hop community was feeling, but was afraid to say. Why? Because none of them are going to bite the hand that feeds them (Hot 97). I’m getting heated just typing about it! – Eddie Vargas

I just wanted to say thanks to OZONE and DJ Steel for the positive review on CN3. Actually, his review was on some tracks that were recorded 4 years ago and the guys have gotten much better in everything they do since then. They are still in the studio but once everything gets done I’ll make sure you guys are the first to hear it. - Mike Garrett
 
I heard about your magazine on 102 Jamz. Thanks A BUNCH for the pics of the chocolate Chippendales! GIRL, GIRL, GIRL. Hell yeah!!!! I missed the show, but I will be sure to make the next one! You have a very unique, informative magazine! Keep up the great work! – Jamilah Coleman

Julia, I really admire the fact that you can put up with other people’s bullshit. My journalism teacher told me that I don’t have to fight using my hands or by cussing people out. I immediately disagreed because that’s the only way I knew, but you showed me that I can fight anything or anyone with my writing. Seeing you working on the magazine by yourself, dolo, handling shit, I wasn’t surprised, because you look like the dolo type. You want something done, you gotta do it yourself. Thank you for giving me a chance to showcase my skills for what I love. I don’t know anybody else that would take a chance on a troublemaking writer straight out of high school, but you did. - Sheneather Burns 

The article on Roy Jones, Jr., was great! It’s impressive that you can obtain interview like this. Big ups to Janet, her questions were right on point. This is the stuff I’d want to know about a boxer turned rapper. I’m a big fan of Roy Jones Jr., he’s the greatest fighter ever. Good work. - BoneyK@bellsouth.net

I was reading the July issue and saw that you were feeling Thrill’s title track, “Broamz, Chrome, and Redbones.” Me and Legacy the Apparition (of Napalm Federation) did that track, along with another called “Instructions,” featuring T.I. I wanted to see if we could possibly get interviewed in your mag. I picked up a copy at 102 Jamz, and was impressed at what you’ve done. Then when I learned you were young and doing all this, I was like whoa! - Montage

First, I would like to congratulate you on your magazine. I was very impressed reading articles from the June issue. I noticed there was a section about internships. I am a recent graduate. I have never had an internship with anyone before, so how would I go about doing it? - Lisa Boykin 

Editor Responds: To apply for internships in writing, graphic design, or advertising sales, call 407-963-6360 or email ozonemag@hotmail.com  to set up an interview.

Correction: The photos of Nelly and Snoop in the July issue were taken at a trade show.

(Illustration at top left corner by Jemal McClary)