Central Florida is betting on a new star to be born from Orlando. Home of Mickey Mouse and Smilez & Southstar, this rap act seems like less of an act than the aforementioned and more like rap in action. One of the most profound lyricists to come from Orlando so far, Adept, represents the La Messa camp. Most likely you’ll know him from his work on various mixtapes in the O, or maybe you even heard him spitting fire on "Bang" off the DOA compilation album last summer. Wherever you’ve heard him, you should have figured out by now that his lyrics aren’t typical for most new rappers. You won’t hear the same regurgitated lines about ice trays around necks and bitches in abundance like cattle. Adept takes the road less traveled, he comes at you with stories, real tales of the pain that’s tormented his own soul. Adept has been busy preparing for his album release, tentatively scheduled for summer 2004. Even though it may seem a bit early to call anything on his new album a single, that doesn’t stop the fact that right now his catalogue is over fifty songs deep. After hearing some samples myself, it’s safe to say that with the help of Orlando’s own multi-platinum production team, Nasty Beatmakers, Adept has a nice beat selection to work with, taking his music to another level. At the end of the day, however, it’s his rhymes that separate him from the pack. Somewhat reminiscent of Nas and Biggie, Adept is one of the few rappers who actually has a message to deliver. His rhymes stay rawer than fish markets. Never holding back his own emotions, you would think he’s throwing chairs in the booth. Adept is one of Orlando’s most promising draft picks in a long time. Next time you plan your Disney vacation, make sure you ask your travel agent for a tour of La Messa studios. – Noel Malcolm, noel@ozonemag.com (Photo: Rayfield Warren)

"I was born in this ghetto world – a product of a ghetto fuck between a ghetto boy and ghetto girl." Out of these seemingly dismal circumstances, James – later crowned "Yung Wun" – was born in Atlanta, GA. He spent his adolescent years training for battle in housing projects known as "little Vietnam." Early on, Yung Wun’s poetic gifts were overshadowed by his ruthless environment. He became immersed in the streets and landed in the juvenile justice system. Throughout this time, he found relief through lyrical expression and began rhyming as a form of escape, winning several oratorical contests and writing awards. His grandmother, Vera, continually pleaded with him to get off the streets and concentrate on his God-given talents. In the single most pivotal moment of his life, Yung Wun’s grandmother died in his arms. Overwhelmed by her death, he was determined to focus on the good his grandmother saw in him and devoted his life to his art form. Inspired by 2Pac, Biggie, and DMX, he began showcasing his talent all over metro Atlanta, attracting the attention of several music executives. Many of the people that promised to help him achieve his dream only lured him in to exploit him. Despite his disappointments, Yung Wun pressed on with a vengeance, vowing that there would be "consequences and repercussions" if anyone tried to stop him. His career took an upward turn in 1998 when he signed with Atlanta-based production company Dark Society, who presented his project to platinum-selling super producer, Swizz Beatz. Swizz offered them a production deal with Full Surface/J Records. Since then, Yung Wun has been featured on several platinum rap albums, rapping alongside the likes of Drag-On, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, and Scarface. His current single, "Tear It Up," with DMX, Lil’ Flip, and David Banner, is creating a heavy buzz. (Photo: JB)

Triple J has a gift for making bad shit sound real good. From Riviera Beach, Florida, otherwise known as "The Raw," Triple J dropped out of school with a vision to come up. "I paint a picture with words. It’s real – you feel it or you don’t," he explains. Dedicated to the hip-hop game, he left school to pursue his passion for rhyming, incorporating nothing but life experience. Hustlin’ his way though several local projects, including the most recent "Gladiator," he independently moved over 12,000 units. In 1996, Triple J lined with producer Tone Capone of Da Luniz fame, fusing Oakland pimp style into the track "National Players" for a complilation CD, "Dollars & Spence Family Tree," which enjoyed solid distribution throughout the South, Midwest, and California. While working with Triple J, Tone Capone was also deep into Scarface’s "Untouchable" ("Mary Jane" and "Smile"). Scarface took note of Triple J’s distinctive flow, plugging him to Def Jam South as "Bumpy Johnson." He was on his way – or so it seemed. After signing with Def Jam South in July 2002, Triple J’s project was shelved. He returned to hometown love, releasing his fifth project, "My Addictions," under Black Market (not to be confused with Lil’ Jon’s BME) in March 2004. "I’m at my peak now," he says confidently. "My Addictions" is a distinctive blend of influences and collaborations. He teams up with producer Jim Jonsin (Trick Daddy, Trina, Pitbull) on "Point ‘Em Out" and links with South Florida’s Suave Smooth on "Ridin’ Wit’ Us." Triple J has enjoyed play on mainstream radio such as West Palm Beach’s WMBX and has various tracks on steady rotation on the underground stations. But making local noise is just a springboard for bigger and better thing. "I’m the most lyrical rapper comin’ up. If you think otherwise, I’m ready to see you!" – Katerina Perez for Fresh Entertainment