FEEDBACK

Just wanted to drop you a line to encourage you to keep up the good work. I love the mag! I came across OZONE Magazine through my dawg Nick@Nite. Man, what a godsend, y’all are definitely keeping it real. Don’t stop bringing that true flava from Florida and all points in-between. On our trip back from the Super Bowl in H-Town, I couldn’t keep the Sex Issue outta my partner’s hands. The sex articles were on point, and I can feel ya pain about folks pushin the "hot garbage" artists down ya throat for some pub. Until I get the next issue in my hands, I’ll keep checkin’ out the website. – Al My-T, WBLX-FM, almyt@my2way.com (Mobile, AL)

I love the mag. You are truly the only person in Orlando who is seriously pushing the hip-hop culture. But I have a question. When are you going to do a month of R&B artists ready to blow? So much talent is here, it’s like a mini-Philly when it comes to neo-soul and R&B. You’ve got D’Ville, Shaun Mitchell, Duval, Shades of Brown – of course, I’ve got to put my own name in there too. God bless, and I wish you continued success. – Tony Knight, tknight60@hotmail.com (Orlando, FL)

I read your article on Reese & Bigalow. First and foremost, this isn’t a meaningless assumption of the situation, but in-depth knowledge from someone who knows the real deal first-hand. Yes, Bonecrusher stole Reese and Big’s shit, but he also gave them a very life-changing experience. If they learned anything from this, they should be able to deal with their own demons. They were involved in a very important movement in Jackson – The Renegades – which was a supergroup consisting of Mobsta, Trigga (who was also the founder), Bigalow, and Reese. These four guys elevated the rap scene in the state of Mississippi, not just in Jacktown, at a time when it seemed that the sky was the limit. But, at that exact time, the Renegades as we knew it ceased to exist. My dream is for one more Renegades album. I know it would be the shit. – Marvinvance@aol.com (Jackson, MS)

I recently read your article on Playboy Shane, and you certainly got your facts right. Shane has been working hard for a long time. He’s been a friend of mine for a long time, and I just want to thank you for taking the time to recognize this astonishingly talented man. – JulWils5@aol.com (Little Rock, AK)

I got the chance to read your mag in Pensacola. Me and my crew think it’s tight, interesting, and it’s got a lot of nice half-naked pictures and more info about rappers and other celebrities. We need more mags out here in Pensacola. Keep shakin’ your thang. Your mag is mad cool, I handed out all the ones your rep Natalia gave me, they went real quick. She reps hard for you out here. – Naveen, Wildthings store owner (Pensacola, FL)

When I read the title of OZONE’s "Sex Issue" I rolled my eyes, figuring it was gonna be soft, but I’m glad to say it came through. I skipped past everything else and went straight to the interviews. They started off kinda slow but once I got to Smoke’s (of Field Mob) interview I about died laughing. Some of the interviews were kinda tame but others were at the top of their game. When I finally got to read the rest of the issue I found some other hot pieces (just like Playboy, I read OZONE for the articles) like Copafeel’s Guide to Cheating, Noel’s Sex with a Stripper, and Industry 101 were great. Keep up the great work and I’ll stay a loyal subscriber. I can’t wait until the second annual Sex Issue, hopefully you can top yourselves! – Narc, loudpipes78@hotmail.com (Orlando, FL)

I’d like to thank you for your article on Jovishes, now Dirtbag. I got his first album, "Scriptures of a King," which was released on Bonafide Records. I should know, because I used to put up posters for him. I used to just chill and talk with him and it makes me happy to see him finally make it after he’s been slept on for so long. Right now I’m working with this kid named Murdah Rob. In Miami he is the next to represent for the 305 and he will hit big. He is bound to blow up. I said the same thing about Jovishes before he blew up, but everyone else laughed. Look at him now! – Johnny Blaze, apokalypse101@yahoo.com (Miami, FL)

I always read your magazine and I’m a huge supporter. I’m studying the music business, and I have a burning desire and passion for the industry too. By reading your magazine, I can more or less pinpoint your work ethic and determination to do what you’ve got to do. I really respect that. I’m proud of OZONE’s accomplishments. - Lynx, lynx607@hotmail.com (Miami, FL)

Just wanted to drop you a line to say that the magazine gets better every time! - Charles Wakeley, Earthwake Records, cwakeleyew@msn.com (Gainesville, FL)

I saw White Dawg on the cover of your magazine. I’m a big fan and I want to know when his new album is going to come out? I’m really into music and I have beginner equipment at my house. I’m going to college to learn how to produce music and hopefully someday I can produce a song with White Dawg. - Lil’ Mike, lilmikelexus@aol.com

JB, I just read your 2 Cents article from a previous issue. I didn’t know you were a white girl. Now I’m looking at you in a whole different light. I guess you can really feel my pain, since I’m a white boy in rap music and you’re in the magazine game. The fact that you’re a white girl running a hip-hop mag is a landmark in itself. I guess it’s true what they say, though. Being white in hip-hop, you’re the first one to get noticed and the last to get respect. People fail to realize that there’s no way to make music based on race. Saying that hip-hop is "black" music is like saying rock is "white" music. The truth is that music wouldn’t be where it is today without the cooperation of all races. Run-DMC wouldn’t be the same without Aerosmith and Eminem wouldn’t be the same without Dr. Dre. You’ve got a great magazine, and all the hard work will pay off. – Makell Bird, i_am_makell@yahoo.com (McDonough, GA)

I loved your "Rubber Band Man" article with T.I. and David Banner. The song gives inspiration to those who are still in the game. Even though I haven’t had to live the lifestyle of a hustler, I am from the ghetto and I’ve seen the struggle. Ex-cons cannot get a job, and youngstas fall into the game with the idea that wealth comes from material things. The real wealth is in stocks and bonds, not cars and jewelry. - DMoneybags, crazyd82@aol.com (Queens, NY)

Kudos for a job well-done. I’ve always thought, even prior to OZONE’s current popularity, that it’s an excellent magazine that will go far. I just wanted to commend you on your current success and future successes. Keep up the great work! - Sharon Butler, HPNOTIQ Central FL Rep (Orlando, FL)

I liked your "Patiently Waiting" article in the November issue on Relm. KOAL, the writer, seems to have a unique vision of music that has been lost recently. Bring us more articles from this fresh, inspiring writer! - Jackie Rhone, jackie_rhone@hotmail.com (Deerfield Beach, FL)

JB, I happen to be a white female in this hip-hop industry too, so I had to personally write you to tell you how much I appreciate your position in this game. It’s hard to get respect and for men to take you seriously in this industry. As long as we take our focus off that and use it to our advantage, we can get ahead while they aren’t even paying attention. Keep doing your thug thizzle! - Lynn Lumpkin, lynnspin@cox.net (Las Vegas, NV)

I’m one of Camoflauge’s biggest fans. He’s the only rapper I listen to from Savannah. I hope Roam’s CD does good. Tell all of Pure Pain that I said thanks for the ghetto hero they gave us. "No pain, no fame." - Tameka, tameka17@hotmail.com (Savannah, GA)