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Fly Richy Rich

"The New Sound of Memphis"

~Jasmine Anderson

At the age of 20 Tommy Cash, better known as Young Fly Richy, has accomplished being the new sound of Memphis, TN, and designing for two up-and-coming clothing lines, Flyer Society Clothing Co. and Fli Pelican. “Basically I work for two clothing lines one called Flyer Society Clothing Co., and another one called Fli Pelican. Basically both of the lines heard my music, and was like we want you to rock some of our shirts or wat eva’! I was thinking on more of trying to do business with them or wateva’ …Flyer Society stuff is coming out real soon, I sell whole bunch of Fli Pelican stuff, we have a group for it on Facebook and you can also go to www.myspace.com/flipelican.”

When did you start rapping?
Back in the 6th grade! Me and My lil’ homie lil’ Delton Edwards use to beat on tables and stuff, and that’s how I started rapping. I use to get sent to the office for rapping, and the only way to get out of trouble was to rap the same thing over and over again!(laughs)
Where are you originally from?
I am from Memphis, TN…Eastside All Day!
What sets Young Fly Richy aside from other rappers?
What sets me aside from other rappers, especially rappers in my city, I guess you can say I’m different, I’m eccentric, I’m very versatile, most rappers from Memphis are “trap” rappers or like “dope-boy” rappers. I’m really just going against the normal, which is in Memphis by just being me, how I live, the people I have around me, how I dress, and everything.
Who are you mostly influenced by?
Big influences…you can say Micheal Jackson, that’s somebody who inspired me, Run DMC, Sugar Hill Gang, Kayne West, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, new influences…people in Memphis like Skewby, me and him are getting close and he’s kind of setting a trademark for new rappers in Memphis. So I really like what he got going on!
What is something that other people might not expect from you? (interests, hobbies, etc.)
That I skate! I’m a skateboarder; I do it all the time…Most of my friends know that I do it! I’m always practicing on the skateboard, that’s my new hobby!
If Young Fly Richy wasn’t rapping, he would be…?
Designing clothes, but I do that already anyway!
What’s your favorite song to perform?
“Same Difference,” it’s really been a big song for me! I performed it in some big spots, and it gets anybody motivated…So it’s a good look!
What’s the craziest thing a groupie has ever done to get your attention?
Like on Facebook ,this actually happened a couple of times, a couple of girls had asked me for my email address and these girls had said they wanted to take a picture to promote our music, and the pictures they sent…they were kind of nude in them junks! Facebook is crazy…honesty box is to; they leave crazy stuff all the time, so yeah groupies are ff the chain!
Who are some people you would like to collab with in the future?
Skewby, we working on that right now actually. Kayne, Pharrell, Lupe. This chick name M.I.A, and the Cool Kids, that would be off the chain!
What’s your favorite song of all time?
“The Show” by Dougie Fresh & Slick Rick.
What’s your favorite album of all time?
“Graduation”, that’s my favorite album of all time…and “Off the Wall” by Micheal Jackson.
So are you single or taken?
I’m single…some girls might claim they talk to me but as far as statuses and all that, but right now I’m single! I’m looking for my “Fly Girl” right now.
Would you consider yourself to be an overachiever?
I guess you can say that I’m a perfectionist, and that’s why like with my music right now… I’m taking so long to put it out, because I just strive to be the best! I get influenced by my dad, and it makes me just go out there and grind hard.
Who is your favorite rapper?
A rapper I really get my inspiration from is Kayne West.
Do you think Hip Hop Music accurately portrays sex or do you think it negatively influences younger kids?
I think with Hip Hop today it’s in both categories, because you have a lot of people these days that are trying to go for this “dope-boy” image, and sometimes you’ll see these cats outside the booth and they not really doing what they say in their lyrics or wateva’. Then at the same time you got to look at it in the art form …it can be positive for some people, like saying don’t do this, don’t go the route I go. I don’t think we have a lot of rappers today that’s trying to speak the truth, and really trying to educate these kids out here on what’s real, and what we can do, and how we can be leaders in this nation! It’s like the voting thing going down with Obama, is the presidential campaigns and stuff, we could have rappers promoting that… but they rather rap and grind hard talking about how many 0’s they slanged, and all the clothes we rocking. Some of that stuff just gets played out, and everybody needs to just start being their self and start being real with what they say!
What can we expect from you in 2008?
A lot of crazy, different type of music that you have never heard from out of Memphis, I’m really going left from a traditional rapper! I got some mixtapes coming real soon, the biggest one coming soon is called “The Goodtime Mixtape,” I got some production from Skewby coming, this kid name Iceman and a list of others…I’m really excited about it, hopefully everything will be dropping around May or June.
What’s your opinion on Superhead and the recent trend of women writing tell-all books?
I guess you can say “sex sales”! Superhead, in a way it’s a good thing that she made some money, but at the same time it’s like what would you do to get money?....I think that she could be doing a whole bunch of stuff, rather then telling how she use to “do” all these guys, tell the video girls how to go around from getting setup like she did, even though she was getting paid by these guys…. When it all falls down, most guys probably look at her as a “hoe”. I just think it’s a better route to go and make money!
Any advice to upcoming rappers?
Keep God first; keep your family with you all the time…Really on the God thing, just pray because you go through stuff all the time, and the devil will test you hard! Just practice, practice what you preach, practice what you live, and just grind hard and be yourself, and don’t let the media fool you into being something that your not!
Shout-out:
To everybody who supports the music, my mom, my pops, my little sister, everybody in Memphis, to the crime, the good, the bad, and the ugly, to Tatiana, Pat J., Bonafide, and thank you for your time!
Odd End
You would say no to…
Drugs!
Fish & Grits or Chicken & Waffles?
Chicken & Waffles… All day ‘er day!
Celebrity Crush?
Lauren London.
Bathroom or Kitchen?
Bathroom…we just gon’ keep it at that! (laughs)
Favorite cereal?
I don’t eat cereal. I eat like bacon, eggs, and like waffles and stuff. Cereal is like for 6 or 7 yr. olds… I got to eat something that’s gon’ fill ya’ up! (laughs)

Phresh Prince

Yes your Royal Highness...The Prince is now in the building..."And his Swag definitely equals Phresh."

Who's the Prince?

-Lakeithea A.-.

Amir is a well-known upcoming artist on the rise. Unlike most of his competition Amir is actually on the come up THANKS to his wonderful fans. A artist from Detroit and Brooklyn Phresh has a cultural background like no other. Get to know the artist that is making noise with music and style, who's better known as "Phresh Prince."

What makes Phresh Prince sound different from other cats on the come up?

Phresh Prince: I'll say uh, the way I deliver. I'm a different kind of artist…I Combine more than just music. I incorporate my lifestyle with my music so my lyrics really rub off on the listener. Also the way I carry myself is different than most artist out now, I can be myself and people will respect it. Everything I deliver is coming from my everyday life.

The name "Phresh Prince" how did that come about?

Phresh Prince: I'd have to say my sophomore year in high school I went to a private school, where they wore uniforms, but they still gave us Friday to free dress, and I started building a reputation for being "fresh" because I'd always have on some fly gear or a fresh haircut…as corny as it sounds the PH. Rather than the F in Phresh derived from the PhDs which led from another nickname "Doctor" that my basketball coach would call me because he was friends with my father who is a doctor and has 2 PhD's. So now we know where the PH comes from in Phresh, now where Prince came from was my birth name Amir, which translated to Prince/Ruler in multiple languages. So the name wasn't something corny I just thought about it, it actually fits me well! LOL

How have you benefited coming from a family of music and art background?

Phresh Prince: What I was exposed to, as far as what my parents were listening to, or what was always in my living environment growing up it gave me a knowledge towards music and art that most kids my age were not interested in. I definitely would say I benefited because over time the appreciation of different music and arts would give me a tasteful ear for good music, and now that im an artist I incorporate everything I was exposed to into my own artistry.

When did you get that urge to put your writing with music? What influence did you believe it would have on music lovers?

Phresh Prince: I've always been credited as a good writer, I been good through school and in poetry; I have always been involved in some type of writing and………I'll say my culture and hip hop culture it formulated and started making music…..I think I'm bringing a new style of music to the plate so it would bring a fresh sound to all listening…

When you reflect back from when you first started till rite now (Today) how would you say you have progressed as an artist?

Phresh Prince: It made me progress as a person, got a little more to talk about, from girls to my style, also the way you start looking towards the future as a teen. As far as lyrics I really developed, my rhyming structure is a little different than most rappers. I try to rhyme whole sentences rather than just words, and give them meaning as well.

Your first single was dropped on myspace with mad plays, what was your 1st reaction? And do you think you can branch off from being a myspace artist into mainstream entertainment?

Phresh Prince: I wasn't really surprised, because before I was on myspace I was getting very good responses. It made me push towards a music career made me more serious towards it. As far as being mainstream? C'mon you know the answer to that. Definately lol.

So, tell me when the album drop what are your expectations?

Phresh Prince: I can expect the album to sell well and I think my fan base will be satisfied. I'm real positive about my album drop, they can expect everything they look for in a good album and
they can like probably relate to me personally and realize how it feels to be me I guess…not in cocky way but understand how I live through being able to relate to my music…

Who are some artists out now that you would love to work with?

Phresh Prince: Lupe, Chris brown maybe, I know the fans would like to see me collab with Chris...but yea anybody that's really successful right now I would like to work with especially from different genres.

What does the future hold for "Phresh Prince"? and surprises we should watch out for?

Phresh Prince: Surprises…ummm…I guess I'm going to surprise you…lol and any events umm…I guess watching out for me doing me, like I'm really trying to bring out "PHRESH" music, that's it.

You seem to have an impressive team standing behind you, how have they helped with your success?

Phresh Prince: My team….well everything…without my producer I don't think I'd be making the music I want to make, because NYer's understands making music that's crisp, something that'll surprise your ears lol and without my manager D. Campbell I wouldn't be having this interview lol, I also would look like a lost puppy in the industry because there is a lot to understand of the music business that takes time and experience. So his guidance and punctuality definitely builds me as an artist, he took me in almost as a little brother so there's definitely a good chemistry. I also include my fans in my team, PHRESH REPUBLIK, that's a new approach im trying to take in as an artist. I want fans to feel they are with me on my successes, some artists try to "give back" to the fans occasionally, but I want my fans to feel how I feel, I want to get them involved because they have me where I'm at now, and they're all pushing me up the hill everyday.

Any lasting Words to leave especially for your impressive fan base?

Phresh Prince: Ummmm. I just want to thank the fans; I want to thank my manager, my producer, Everybody who supporting me, you know I want to thank you for having this interview. LOL

A MANAGER INSTINCT
-DAMON CAMPBELL-

We all know that it takes a lot for an artist to be successful. You can have the dopiest lyrics, the flyest gear, and even a hell of an SWAG but sometimes that can’t get you far without an hell of an team pushing you. Damon Campbell manager of “Phresh Prince” has just what it takes to push the artist exactly where he needs to be. Check out what he has to say about his artist and their focus together.

We all know it takes a great team, with a great vision to have a great artist, what direction are you taking to shop Phresh Prince to mainstream?

Damon: We are currently not focusing on shopping Phresh Prince to a label just yet; as our major concern is building up and expanding his fan demographic and himself as a polished product. We are operating much like the Obama campaign I'd say. I would rather the fans and legions of supporters address our worth to the industry. Let the voice of the people be the beckoning call to our evitable success. I always thought it's better to have others brag on you, than you doing the bragging and showboating all on your own. So for now we are catering to our fans and perfecting the Prince.

What about the connection between you and Prince himself, is the music taste the same, are yall on the same level when it comes to the direction of the artist, appearance, music, etc....?

Damon: Our music tastes are pretty much the same. The only difference with our music taste is; I will zone out to Bach or Chopin, to NIN (Nine Inch Nails), and back to Pharrell to Outkast on any given day. Hahaha Phresh is open to all facades of music, however, I think I O.D on the classical at times.
As far as the direction of the artist, Phresh and I are perfectly in accordance, noting that we are both very stereotypical perfectionist Virgos. In the end we both want a product that is beyond reproach. I find that Phresh has his own style of dress that addresses his dynamic creativity. I am extremely pleased with the direction he is going in as an artist, the music is catchy and it captures our fan base.

How important is it for an artist to understand his manager and manager to understand his artist?
Damon: It is imperative that there is a mutual level of understanding and respect between an artist and manager and vice versa. I believe it keeps the working relationship healthy.

What did you see in Phresh Prince that made you jump on board to be his manager?
Damon: Phresh is a dude I saw myself easily relating to, Amir and I are like brothers, I mean I have to dig you as a person to work with you. Amir just has this way about himself where he doesnt have to try hard to be recognized. I admire his drive, work ethic and persona. The fact that he is an easily marketable entertainer, is like the perfect icing. I'm a smart man, and I know a win win situation when I see one.

More on Phresh Prince check out: http://www.myspace.com/phreshprincemusic

GRAFITI BOYZ

Grafiti Boyz...Passion 4 the Industry
~Kristain M.

In 2007 The Grafiti Boyz Took Over The South, Hitting The Charts With Their Debut Hit, “Ride Swerve”. But With A Small Absence From The Radios, We Wanna Know More About The Graffiti Boyz And The Fans Wanna Know What Next?!....

How did you come up with the name ‘Grafiti Boyz’?

Skool boy: At first we were known as the all-stars then we went to this Def Jam showcase in St. Louis and found out that there were too many all-stars. So we all wrote some different names down on a piece of paper and ended up drawing the name GRAFITI BOYZ. Chris Liked It So We Went With It.

How would you describe the Grafiti Boyz style?
Fat Boy: I would describe it as in between crunk and our own personal swagger.

Who are your hip hop icons and how do they influence the way you make your music today?

Geno the Great: Jay-Z, Nas, Ludacris, anybody who is creative. They influence me in a way that pushes me to make our music better.

Skool Boy: Bobby Brown, Lil Richie, Boosie, Gotti, Naz, Jay-Z

Fat Boy: Pimp c., Jay-Z, Outkast. Pimp C. Raps about real stuff and always reps the south. Jay-Z is more lyrical and Outkast just kills everything they do. Their music is crazy and so is the Grafiti Boyz.

How would you describe your first time in the studio?

Geno the Great: “Man, hard and crazy! I remember we did a song call, “We Like ‘Em”. I liked It so much I was willing to put my own money into it and I was 16 working at Captain D’s. That Check Ain’t Big, But I was willing to put it into the studio, cuz it was something I liked to do and I knew it was gon bring me money later on in life. I knew it, but then I didn’t know it, I had to have that faith in myself and that’s what it was.”

What Plans Do The Grafiti Boyz Have For This Year?
Geno the Great: Acting and beats! We actually just finished doing a low budget film. I always feel that an artist should know two or three things in this industry.

What Is Something That Your Fans Wouldn’t Expect From You?

Fat Boy: I Think By Me Being Fatboy My Fans wouldn’t expect me to take my shirt off during A Performance.

What Can We Expect On The New Album?
Skool Boy: This album we got something for the ladies, we got a song called, “Body Body”.

Who are some artists that you’ve worked with?

Geno The Great: We’ve worked with Jibbs, Yo Gotti, Brad (w/universal records), Franchise Boys, Fate Eastwood, All-Star.

What Are Your Current Projects?

Skool Boy: We’re currently working on a mixtape called PAINT SHOP and then we have a new single coming out called LATEROLL.
More GRAFITI BOYZ!

Scruggs a Rare Breed

Scruggs...Content
~Jasmine A.

At the age of 19, Mike Scruggs is considered one of the heartthrobs of Rare Breed Entertainment, as well as Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. Rare Breed Entertainment was originated in August of 2006, in Murfreesboro, TN. “I came to Middle Tennessee State University wanting to be known as the best rapper, and decided to get with PIWA since PIWA was also a rapper at Middle Tennessee State University. So without me and PIWA there wouldn’t be a Rare Breed Entertainment,” says Mike Scruggs.

THE SCOOP

Some people may wonder where the name “Mike Scruggs” came about…

The name “Mike Scruggs” came about when I moved to South Chatt at the age of 15, and ‘er body called me just “Scruggs,” and Mike Scruggs is my real name so that’s just what er body calls me.

So when did you start rapping?

I started rapping at the age of 15.

What made you start rapping?

I was just sitting on Dorris Street one day with my brothers, I had just moved back to the South of Chatt. I seen them rapping, free-styling, and doing their thing, and they just kept on trying to build me up to rap, and they was like “just rap!” I didn’t know what I was doing…then one thing just lead to another, and I just kept doing it and we formed a group and ‘er since then it’s been my passion.

What influenced it?

My brother, but what I was up on hard was that T.I! That’s all I pretty much listened to and you couldn’t tell me about anybody else!

So who are you influenced by?

I am influenced by T.I., Pastor Troy, Tupac, Nas, and my brother.

So describe your style…what makes your style different from other rappers?

I’m more laid back, more of a personal experience of what I’ve been thru with a punch line and everything at the same time.

What’s something that we wouldn’t expect from you, as far as talents, interests, etc.?

I guess you can say you wouldn’t expect for me to lie on a track. Also, as a natural hobby I just like to listen to R & B music, and get on my grown man!

So describe your first performance…

My first performance was at a club called “Club Jahari” with my boy Dez G., we performed “We Gettin’ Money.” At first the audience was quiet because nobody really knew the song, but in the end it was exciting, easy, fun, and off the chain!

So since you’re a rapper…what do you think about the industry lack of females? as far as DJs, Rappers, and Executives?

I feel it’s a lot of talent, not many females are doing it and it should be more, and people should really stop sleeping on them.

So if “Mike Scruggs” wasn’t rapping…he would be?

I would probably be working in an office doing business; because I had did some internship for business offices. So I would probably be somewhere in a suit.

What does the future hold for “Mike Scruggs?”

Success! Continuing to drop records with or without a label, and build up “King of the Streets” name with my brother, and also Rare Breed Entertainment name and the rest will come!

What do you have coming up? any projects, mixtapes, performances, etc.?

We got the album coming out, me and PIWA, called “Close To Extinction” and that’ll be coming out in March. You can look out for my solo album “Content”, I’m calling it “Content” because right now I’m content with just everything in my life and the people in it…who I’m with Rare Breed and I’m just content and I’m working on that right now. Also, you can be looking out for “Close To Extinction” Pt. 2, coming out next fall!

THE ODD END.

Favorite cereal?
Fruit Loops

Favorite Sneaker?
Jordan’s…da 11’s..da Original’s!

Chicken or Ribs?
Chicken

Cake or Pie?
Cake

Honey Mustard or Ranch?
Ranch

Ham or Turkey?
Ham

J-ILL Bangin' On Wax

J-ILL...Dipset South!
~Tatiana R.

Yes, Tennessee artists are featured in Culture Shock Mag! occasionally, nevertheless, there are endless amounts of talent so it is only right for them “to gain more exposure,” says rapper Jordan “J-ILL”.

Straight out of Nashville, Tenn. comes an artist with a cut throat realness, sick punch lines and willingness to make it no matter what. When asked what made him want to rap, he immediately speaks of the “Bloods & Crips Bangin’ On Wax…that his mother bought back when he was a young buck.

J-Ill started taking his talent serious in high school. After endless freestyle battles he knew he had a weapon, his words. His influences range from Tupac to Ludacris. But you can’t forget to mention, Harlem’s own movement, The Diplomats.

So it would be safe to say that Nashville’s own is connected with The Diplomats. After meeting Jim Jones and the late Stack Bundles on the Street Dreams Tour the connection was inevitable. Artist and President of Diplomat Records, Freeky Zeeky was just beginning his off branch movement, Dipset South with his first artist Ransom Dollars from North Carolina.
Later, Diplomat Records, President, Freeky Zeeky met J-Ill at an after party and liked what he was doing so it was only right to have him affiliated with Dipset South. He and Ransom Dollars also became associated and the rest is history.

Although he is a rapper he is still heavily involved in school, attending Middle Tennessee State University amongst many artists, what makes one stand out? Check him out and see for yourself.

INFO: myspace.com/soundlikemoneytn

Mixtape Available J-Ill Chapter 1

NEW MIXTAPE DUE APRIL Featuring DJ Crisis

Skewby Who!?

SKEWBY WHO?
~Tatiana R..

In the big world of music the ability to multi-task is essential. But taking it up a notch and adding more creativity and drive makes one stand out to claim the title of an “Ultra-Tasker.” Cameron a.K.a “Skewby” exemplifies just that. Rapping and producing is what he lives, eats, sleeps and breathes. He also claims graphic design as “just” a hobby (so fallback about getting him to design your mix tape cover.) But what is his method to madness? Where did the Memphis native find his creative juices?

TAKE A Look

When did you start making words rhyme to a melodic beat while creating a story to express your feelings?

S: Rapping came about when I moved to Memphis in third grade, that’s when I was really affected by it. In Memphis, Three Six Mafia was huge, No Limit. Seeing the culture and the impact it had on people made me want to rap.

How did producing come about?

S: I didn’t have any beats to rap on, so I just started making beats. I never really wanted to be a producer but you know it happened and it’s a blessing

How did graphic designing come about?

S: It’s the same thing. It’s about not waiting on somebody else to do something for you. I wouldn’t even use doing graphics as a title I just do it for myself.

What are you presently working on?

S: My main project Prom Kings & Drama Queens, right now I’m just making beats for it and going through beats and seeing which ones I want. I just wrapped up production with DJ 007 for a mixtape called Dedication of Tennessee, with artist P.A.T, another one for Rap Hustlaz DJ Flip and I’m working on another pre mixtape like the PROMO with all new material that’s coming out with DJ 007 it’s going to be Certified Gangsta.

What drives you?

S: Good music, I’m tired of people wanting to turn off their radios. I’m trying to save the day. Good music inspires me to do better.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

S: I see myself definitely as a multi-platinum artist. But I also see myself owning something real weird, like other rappers have clothing lines I’m going to own a shampoo or napkin line. I’m going make something everybody needs like spoons.

Who are some people you would like to work with
S: Mark Ronson, Jill Scott, anybody who loves music genuinely.

Prior to conducting a phone interview with Skewby, I interviewed him for my television show; Culture Shock with Tatiana! On the television show I asked basic question, but it’s time to step it up a notch. Welcome to the ODD END.

ODD END.

Favorite food

Mama’s HomeMade BCC

Favorite television show

Culture Shock with Tatiana!

Who play you in a movie?

Chris Brown or the dude from Coach Carter.

Favorite producer

Mannie Fresh made me want to produce, but right now Kanye West.

Favorite Day of the Week.

Friday

Favorite article of clothing?

Hoodies

What would you say no to?

Drugs

Kitchen or Bedroom?

Bedroom

Obama or Hilary

Obama

Lil’ Kim or Foxy Brown

Lil’ Kim

Biggie or Tupac?

Biggie is a better rapper than TUPAC. Tupac was the better all around entertainer. Rapping, wordplay and lyricism BIGGIE.

More Skewby.... myspace.com/skewby music

A Fresh New Sound!

Young Tone
By Melissa Kimble

This music business is full of hard knocks. It will force you out as quickly and you come in and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. When asked why he wanted to be in the business, rap artist Young Tone made a statement that seems like it should be the obvious answer: “I feel like I'm built for this...I love what I do. I love to rap! I'm one those cats that’s gonna survive the game. I'm gonna be around for a long time.”

At just 19 years old, the Memphis area artist is already aiming high and letting his work ethic, style, and confidence in him lead the way. “I want to go all the way though, I want to be a living legend. I want platinum-selling albums and all that. That’s why I work so hard.” A self defined “liquid artist” who can flow on any type of song, Young Tone started writing rhymes while in middle school but started to take his talent serious in high school and started going to recording studios around his city dropping mix-tape tracks. At school he met a guy that was producing for a lot of local talent who had heard some of the records he recorded, liked them, saw potential which helped turn Tone into what he is now: an independent/unsigned young dude, still paying dues, and still on the grind with a growing fan base. He’s done work with a couple of local cats in the "M"(Memphis), but just recorded a track called "I Be Werk'n" with Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist, Young Dro. His producer, Drumma Drama, works with a lot of people and promotes Tone’s music heavily in and out the studios of most of his clients, allowing him to sometimes be able to work with various artists. If he’s not in school, he promoting, performing and doing shows, networking, and pretty much anything he can think of to get his music in the right hands and tries to keep himself ahead of the competition- he has his own career to focus on. “I'm not in competition with the rest of the so-called rappers,” he says. “I'm Young Tone. I'm in my own space. I just do me!”

Check Out His Music At:
http://www.myspace.com/youngtoneddr

The New Kids On The Block!

By Melissa Kimble

Remember the days when hip-hop was fun? When a certain fresh faced prince from Philly and his DJ brought a lighter sound to a time when gangsta rap was on the rise? Individuality through music and freedom of self expression-without trying to be hard- became important. The group, The Pack, built from North California's independent hip hop scene are armed with a fresh hip hop sound quite different from whats going on now- just like the before mentioned artist. Consisting of MC's Young L, 20, Lil Uno, 18, Stunna Man, 20 and Lil B, 18 the foursome met while attending Berkeley High School in the Bay Area are steady building a constant fan base with local success and their movement is quickly spreading. Their 2006 homage to sneakers, the single "Vans" quickly gave them the much needed attention they deserved and caught the ear of an Oaklant hip hop legend Too Short, who led them to a deal with Jive Records. They released the EP Skateboards 2 Scrapers . "Vans" became even more of a hit landing them fans in New York as well fans at MTV and MTV2 where the group became even more popular. Their debut entitled Based Boys is a play on their self-defined sound and genre based music. Young L, who has a pure talent creating a great bulk of the group's beats, might have an ear for a fresh-fun sound but also has a keen business sense. "Regardless of how good your music is, this business is based on how many people know about your music," says Young L. Their sound is energetic and unique, the look is fun and fly- all testament to the Bay Area and how refreshing the sound from California can be amidst a time when Southern Hip Hop reigns supreme. With their Wolf Pack mixtapes, singles like "In My Car," and "Shinin,'" and a debut quietly bubbling up to the surface, the group is sure to add something new to the mix.