PATIENTLY WAITING 1

URBAN MYSTIC
“We still have young artists that can sing. For real!” exclaims Urban Mystic. His single “Where Were You?” from his debut album, Ghetto Revelations, confirms this statement. The Ft. Lauderdale native has a refreshing style. His old-school soul, smooth delivery, and command of vocal range is surprising for a twenty year old. It’s the classic soul style that simply satisfies. His debut single is currently the most requested song in Toledo, OH, and the second most played song in Syracuse, NY. The son of a minister, Urban Mystic began singing at age five and grew up listening to the likes of Al Green, the Temptations, Bobby Womack, and Barry White. He proudly admits that he’s greatly influenced by the legends. “I’m used to good quality music, live instruments, and strong vocals,” says Mystic. Heavyweight production from R&B great El DeBarge, Kay Gee, Eddie F, Troy Taylor, and Sam Branch pave the way for him to pay homage to the greats with songs like “Long Way” and “In Da Ghetto.” His album is the first release from SoBe/Warner, and while he gives much love and respect to his label for their support he also acknowledges the enormous pressures of being the premiere artist on a label with major backing. He’s grateful that the label trusts his musical judgment, allowing him creative control over his project. With the business handled, it’s easy for Mystic to use the votes of confidence as motivation and pour his soul into his music. He recently opened for OutKast at the Orange Bowl half-time show in Miami and performed at two MLK Day celebrations in two counties on the same day. This hustler is young, talented, and humble. – Koal Point Media

YOUNG NOAH
Some of the best artists are the ones who have traveled the world and lived in many different places, because the variety gives them more experience to put into their music. This statement surely applies to California-born, Detroit-bred, and current Atlanta representative Young Noah. You may remember him as the winner of the short-lived MTV talent competition “The Cut,” hosted by the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (R.I.P.) or you may remember him as one of the first signings to Tony Draper’s Suave House imprint post-8Ball & MJG. The influence of music well beyond his years is evident in Young Noah’s music. His current single “Dat Boy Chevy” is reminiscent of the Sir-Mix-A-Lot classic, “Posse on Broadway.” Having collaborated with a number of well respected artists like 8Ball & MJG, Erick Sermon, Nivea, Ciara, and others, Noah has proved that he’s got what it takes to step into the limelight. Even when spitting alongside some of the South’s premiere rhyme slingers, like T.I. and Young City on the cut “So Gangsta,” Young Noah holds his own easily. Although his journey in the industry has been a roller coaster ride, he still remains focused. While his lead single has been in constant rotation on DJ Smallz’ “Southern Smoke Radio” show on Sirius satellite radio, Young Noah has been on the grind, hosting mixtapes for DJs like DJ Explicit and Wally Sparks (yours truly). His hard work paid off, catching the attention of A&Rs from the likes of Bad Boy and Jive Records. He recently inked a deal with Jive, so 2005 looks as if it’ll be a good year for Noah to take it to the next level. With his strong industry ties, work ethic, and sheer resilience in an unstable industry, Young Noah definitely has all the tools he needs to succeed. – Wally Sparks, wally@ozonemag.com  (Photo: Julia Beverly)

PAPERVIEW
Born and raised in Brooklyn, it’s only appropriate that Paperview is making his mark in the game on a track called “Brooklyn Shit.” On his newest street single, Paperview easily holds his own alongside vocals from the late, great B.I.G. The track appears on DJ Clue’s newest mixtape and is generating radio play in New York. “I started rapping as a hobby,” Paperview recalls. “I started seeing people from my neighborhood getting serious into the music thing, and people were telling me I was better than them so I decided I’d go ahead and take it serious too.” Paperview’s musical skills extend beyond the average street freestyle battle, though. “I’m a songwriter,” he says confidently. “I’m able to write R&B songs, rap songs, all kinds of songs. Battle rap isn’t really my thing.” As he developed his talent, the legend Pee Wee Kirkland encouraged him to take it seriously. “I used to always get in trouble, getting arrested and stuff,” says Paperview. “Pee Wee looked out for kids like me. I didn’t have no mother or father, so Pee Wee was like a father to me.” He still fell into the street life as a teenager, but while hustling, his constant arrests caused Paperview to reevaluate his lifestyle and start planning for a future career. “I made a decision after seeing my surroundings,” he says. “I would just be going to jail back and forth, it was nothing substantial coming. I was spending more money on lawyer fees to stay out of jail than I was making on the streets.” When Pee Wee started up his label, S.O.G. Records (So Gangsta), he invited Paperview to be the label’s flagship artist. Paperview’s upcoming album features UGK, Young Jeezy, and more. Right now, Paperview is focusing all his energies on building a buzz, utilizing Pee Wee’s connections in the music business. – Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com