FEEDBACK

I’m writing to clear up a misunderstanding that some of your readers may have had after seeing my ad [for G-Mack] in OZONE. I dropped a mixtape in Kentucky back in 2001 which had a freestyle over the Nappy Roots’ single, “Aw Naw, Hell Naw” beat. In my rhyme, I said, “I’m from Kentucky, but not neighbors with Nappy Roots.” I received a lot of good feedback from the record and decided to use the line as the slogan for my magazine ads. It never crossed my mind that people would consider the statement to be a low blow at the Nappy Roots. When I ran the ad in OZONE, I began to hear different stories about the Nappy Roots and I allegedly beefing. I have always been on good terms with the Nappy Roots, but at the time I had lost contact with them which didn’t help the situation. People would ask, “Do you and Nappy Roots still talk?” When I tell people that I haven’t heard from them in a while it causes them to make further assumptions that we are beefing. But the fact is, they’re busy working on their music and touring and I am busy with my career so that leaves minimal time to communicate with one another. People should realize that just because we do not keep constant communication doesn’t mean that we don’t have a positive relationship. This weekend I was in Tallahassee for TJ’s DJ’s Record Pool meeting, and I met up with a partner of mine who goes to school in Tallahassee. He informed me that he was at a local barbershop recently and walked in on a discussion about the alleged conflict between me and the Nappy Roots. He said the people in the barbershop weren’t talking as if they were confused about the beef; instead, they were talking as if we were officially at war against one another. Apparently, they had seen the ad in OZONE. To hear that this G-Mack vs. Nappy Roots topic was coming up randomly was disturbing, because I didn’t realize how widespread the subject was. It amazes me how people are so controversial, and forget about what happened to 2pac and Biggie. Big V [of the Nappy Roots] and I decided not to feed into the hype, and we’re working on a mixtape together with Rob Jackson. – G-Mack, bigmack859@aol.com (Lexington, KY)

I loved your DJ Profile on DJ B-Lord. He is a great DJ, and every time I hear about him being at a club in the [Myrtle Beach, SC] area I’m there, because I admire him and his work. From my point of view, he’s the number one DJ in South Carolina. He’ll always be number one to me, and the only one I like with the utmost passion. – Hchocolated@aol.com (Myrtle Beach, SC)

Thanks for your article on Lil’ Scrappy, or Darryl Richardson II. He is sexy as hell, and we love him in H-Town like he was one of our own. He keeps all the clubs crunk. His name says it all: Prince of Crunk! What can I say, he’s great at what he does. – Myoshi, myoshikw34@aol.com (Houston, TX)

Thanks for your cover story on Pitbull. I knew he would blow ever since the first time I heard that nigga! As a Latino, there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching another Hispanic succeed, especially in an industry that’s mostly black. That lil’ Chico is going to the top fa’ sho. – Colombiano Johny Gil, chavarriag@bellsouth.net (Boca Raton, FL)

We loved your cover story on Pitbull and are wondering if he has a fan club of some kind. We don’t want to come across like hoes, we just love how he raps about his pride of being Cuban. And damn, does he look good! We went to his concert in Las Vegas last month, and when went to Miami for vacation we ended up seeing his show again. We could feel the love there. Please keep hitting us up with those Pit pictures! – Leiklianloni and Mahiki, ftsbmc2g@aol.com (Salt Lake City, UT)

I love the picture you printed of Peedi Crakk in the bubble bath. He’s so fine, I love him so much. His rhymes are tight and State Property is doing their thing! I love my Puerto Ricans! – Jade Long (Philadelphia, PA)

I like the way you gave information on Pitbull, ‘cause I’m his number one fan in the entire world. I give you big props for doing that. You made me happy today. Thank you! – Kathlette, bbyth182@aol.com

QUOTE BOOK

“I’m not sayin’, ‘Don’t go to school.’ but if you do go, know that you still have to make decision
for yourself. It ‘s not just, ‘Get straight A’s and your life will be happy ever after.’”
- Kanye West, Blender Magazine (December 2004)

“Everybody got a muthafuckin’ pimp cup. The next nigga that walks by me with a pimp cup,
I’m gon’ pee in that muthafucker.” - Roam (DJ B-Lord mix CD)

“The reason I came on stage so late is because this bum-ass promoter didn’t have all my money. So the next time you hear this bum-ass promoter is having a show, don’t show up! How much did you pay to get in here, anyway? See, that’s what I hate about bum-ass promoters.” - Lloyd Banks, addressing the crowd at a show at Icon Nightclub (Orlando, FL)

“[To spice up your sex life], get yourself a brand new shower curtain, throw it on the bed, squeeze some baby oil all over that joint, and do a little slip and slide. I have done that many times.” - LL Cool J, Blender Magazine (November 2004)

“[In the South], we’ve got more togetherness than anybody else in hip-hop. Everybody know everybody in the South. When I’m in your town, I’m in good hands...As long as the South keeps that kind of mentality, we’ll be around here forever.” - Mannie Fresh, Scratch Magazine (Winter 2005)

“You can’t lose sight of how much of a blessing it is to be sitting in an air-conditioned room chilling, smoking, and getting paid.” - Young Guru, VIBE Magazine (December 2004)