When we hear the word "comeback," we usually envision a middle-aged athlete returning to compete in a sport that has long since passed them by. But in the shifty, fast-paced industry that we know as the rap game, "comeback" takes on a whole new meaning. At age 19, Archie Eversole is already poised to make one. When he burst onto the scene two years ago as a charismatic high schooler with his hit "We Ready," it seemed like the world was his for the taking. But in actuality, he was having the world taken from him. "Niggas just wasn’t handling the money right, and family wasn’t eating," says Archie of his former recording home Phat Boy Records. "You had three niggas in the situation making some money, but there were fifteen niggas in the whole squad." When Archie speaks on the subject of his first record deal, there’s still a hint of anger in his voice. But he doesn’t let his past consume him, so he’s reloaded and regrouped with his longtime friend and business partner Superstar to form Tha Dynasty. They’re currently creating a buzz throughout the Southeast with their new single, "For Tha Club." Since Archie and Superstar have learned from prior experiences, Archie can’t wait to show the world that he’s still ready. "All this," he pauses as he points at his top-of-the-line studio equipment, "Came from me and [Superstar] sitting at the house saying, ‘Fuck this shit, I’m tired of this bullshit. Let’s start this company.’" Now that the company is off the ground, plans are underway to release a mixtape introducing Superstar and reintroducing Archie. It features all-new music and tracks that were scheduled for Archie’s sophomore release, including songs he recorded with Big Gipp, Petey Pablo, Mack 10, and Bobby Brown & Whitney Houston. – Maurice G. Garland (Photo: JB)

Even though this 20-year-old Baton Rouge native has no record deal, no management, and no marketing staff, he’s already pressed up four independent albums with impressive sales numbers of 15,000+. If you want to book Lil’ Boosie for a show, there is no booking agency to call; you just have to knock at his front door. With this kind of grassroots promotion, the street buzz he’s gathered all the way from Jacksonville to Houston is difficult to fathom. His name is mentioned more on the streets than most major artists with massive budgets. How did he get the people’s attention? "I really live my rhymes. A lot of people be lying," Boosie explains. He first started getting involved with rap through the No Limit camp, running with Cee-Lo and Young Bleed from the Concentration Camp. When Cee-Lo got into "a little trouble," Boosie started rapping with Pimp C. With his singles like "I Smoke, I Drink," "Do It Big," and "Baby Mama" helping him push units throughout Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky, Boosie boldly proclaims that he’s already an "underground legend." With his buzz steadily picking up on the underground circuit, it was only a matter of time before the majors came calling. "I been talking to some major [labels]," Boosie says nonchalantly. "They’re not talking the right numbers right now. I’m gonna hold out for more." Until the majors start talking right, he’s content grinding alone and independent. While many artists travel with an entourage, Boosie prefers to go at it solo. "I feel more comfortable that way," he reasons. He’s currently doing some promotional shows, preparing for the release of his fifth independent album, Boosie Bad Ass. "My momma nicknamed me Boosie," he explains. "And I’m a Bad Ass." - Photo and words by Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

Beezel may be new to the game as a solo artist, but he certainly isn’t new to the rap industry. His single, the thundering "See About Cha," featuring labelmate Bonecrusher and David Banner, has been a smash on the underground circuit. "We were in a group called the Lyrical Giants, me, Bonecrusher, and Cottin Mouf. We were signed to Erick Sermon’s label and Tommy Boy, but that didn’t work out so we all kinda split up and did our own thing. But, we also still remained as a group." Even though he doesn’t run around onstage with an enormous belly hanging out, Beezel has now found a record label home with Bonecrusher at Break ‘Em Off Records with distribution through Def Jam South. "Bone looked out for me and talked to the CEO of Break ‘Em Off, ‘Beezel’s tight, you need to sign him.’ That’s basically how it happened." Now, Beezel himself is starting to look out for upcoming talent. He’s keeping his mind focused as an entrepreneur and businessman, not just a rapper. In the future, he plans to seek out new talent and develop them based on his knowledge of the industry that he’s acquired over the past few years. "I wanna [rap] for a couple more years and then sign some other artists and give them the chance to get out there," he says. Beezel is confident, however, that he’ll satisfy everyone with his new album, Leave it to Beezel, which drops in the fall. His new single, "Luggage," features Juvenile. "We got a little something for everybody on the album. The ladies, the thugs, the gangstas, and the common man. I ain’t scared to say I’ve worked. I’ve done it all the way down to selling pharmaceuticals." Beezel has done a little bit of everything, but now it’s his time to shine as a solo artist. – Photo and words by Iisha Hillmon, iisha@ozonemag.com