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