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.

Comai

A Fresh New Voice

By Will murphy

There is nothing better than hearing a sweet, sensual voice serenading you. When was the last time you heard a song that made you feel proud to be a man? Past greats like Gladys Knight, and Aretha Franklin were past good at touching those inner cords of men and women alike. In this day and age, the R&B game is nothing like it used to be. You have your few shining stars like Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Keisha Cole, but overall there is a missing piece to the puzzle. Fret not I tell you, for there is new comer on the rise that is sure to fill the gap. Comai, a young, beautiful diva, with an explosive voice and commanding stage presence is on her grind. Born in Indianapolis, IN, she moved to Nashville with her family at the age of 2. It was here that the young songstress honed and developed her skills. Coming from a musically inclined family she naturally attended the Nashville School of the Arts before transferring to Maplewood High School where she graduated. At age 24, she moved to Atlanta to pursue her music career. Having seen her live I can say, the girl has SKILLS!!! It’s refreshing to see a young artist on the come up that is humble, focused, and actually talented. The young diva is single, happy with herself and her music. With a sizzling album sure to be on the way, this young lady is sure to take the world by storm. By a chance encounter, Comai was happy to sit down and give us some insight as to who she is…

I know you probably get asked this a lot, but what does Comai mean?
Comai: “It means beauty from ashes…”
Wow. Where did you come up with that?
Comai: “Dealing with different situations in life. It’s not what you go through, its how you go through it.”
Well spoken. So when did you know you wanted to be a singer?
Comai: “I would say since birth (laughs). It’s funny but true, my mother actually always knew I would be a singer because when I was born, my first cry sounded more like I was hitting a note. So hearing that story growing up I kind of just stuck with it.”
So when did you fall in love with music?
Comai: “I was 9 years old when I fell in love with music. My family is musically inclined, but they tend to do more gospel. I never had a problem with that, but at that age I knew if I ever made a career out of it I would be doing more R&B.
So when did you first start working in the studio?
Comai: “I actually started when I was 12 years old. That was when I wrote and recorded my first song.”
And that was?
Comai: “It was a song called Since You Been Gone.”
Sounds a little beyond your time. What could inspire a twelve year old to write and record a song like that?
Comai: “Well as child I was very observant. That song was actually brought on by a situation that my mother was going through with a male friend of hers.”
So when you write your songs, where does that inspiration come from?
Comai: “When I write my songs, I try to visualize and pull from my own experiences or experiences that somebody close to me is going through. I really try to just mix that with overall creativity.”
So the people want to know, who is Comai?
Comai: “(laughs) Comai is a soulful, strong, determined, loving, caring, outgoing, off the wall talented young woman preparing to take the industry by storm.”
That’s a lot to be. So how do you view yourself?
Comai: “I’m confident, but humble. I know a lot of people start off one way, and then they get fame and change. That’s not me.”
So what are you bringing to the table that is different from other singers out there?
Comai: “I’m not just looks and a nice voice. I’m also not one dimensional, I want to show my versatility. Whether I’m in the booth or on stage. I’m looking to bring real music back to the forefront. My music isn’t just good music to be heard, its good music to be felt.”
Good music to be felt?
Comai: “Yeah, like music that you can ride to, talk to your kids to, and make love to. Real feel good music with understanding and meaning.”
That’s what we need. What inspires you to do music?
Comai: “The people around me. They are the ones who pushed me to do it in the first place. The fans definitely play a role as well. I love to perform on stage. I feel like my stage presence embodies the essence of who I am, and I use it as a way of saying thank you to the fans. I love giving love and receiving it from the masses. It’s my high (smiles).”
So you moved to Atlanta to pursue your career, but Nashville is known as “Music City”. What made you choose ATL over home?
Comai: “Life in Nashville is cool, but I didn’t think it was good for R&B marketing. The Nashville market is more gospel and country unless you are already a major artist. Because of that, Nashville is often overlooked and that doesn’t create a strong support foundation.
How do you see yourself fitting into the scheme of the industry? Like when people look back at what you brought to the game, they will say your name with whom?
Comai: “I really like to think I’m in a class of my own. I’ve heard people compare me to Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Kahn, and Monica. I feel honored to even be considered in the same standing with those ladies but when I make my mark, I don’t want to be mentioned along with, I’d rather be mentioned as just Comai.”
How do you feel about the current state of R&B?
Comai: “There is some good music out there, but it seems a lot of artists just put out music just put out music hoping that people will buy it off of their name. Like I said before, I plan to be more than just a pretty face with a voice. I’m seeking that legendary status.”
So who is in your system right now, who are you listening to?
Comai: “I listen to Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kanye West, and T.I. I love T.I., he is my future husband.”
Wow. So do you think R&B is lacking?
Comai: “Just a little bit. Everybody is stuck on the money. I think old school music is where the epitome of good music lives. I don’t want to say that new music is trash, but it’s losing the structure. There has to be a foundation in order to be stable. Without the foundation, so many different people will be dipping and dabbing and just making what THEY want to make rather than what the people want to hear. We need to shape it back up.”
Are you worried about being stuck in one market?
Comai: “Not at all. I think as long as I stay two steps ahead I should be straight.”
So do you have anything on the table currently?
Comai: “I’m talking to a couple of labels, and I stay in the studio constantly trying new ideas. I’m always writing and I’m currently touring around Atlanta.”
So when you get the deal, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?
Comai: “A lot of people talk about buying fancy cars and big houses. That’s all nice but I really want to build a youth center for disabled kids. Part of being blessed is never forgetting where you come from and giving back.”
That’s very admirable. I can assure Culture Shock Mag is glad to have the opportunity to sit with you and get to know the real Comai. How can the people hear some of your music?
Comai: “Thank you for giving me a chance to give you the real me. For the fans, you can hear some of my work on Myspace.com/kokonashville. And my email address is nucomai83@yahoo.com”
Word. Any shouts?
Comai: ‘’ I want to send a big shout out to anybody that supports me. Also to anybody that is struggling. And to my family, you know who you are.”

St. Louis Prodigy

By Kenneth Ford

“It ain’t just about getting money over here…” up-and-coming emcee Young Hades modestly explains while one of his mixtape tracks is playing. Born in St. Louis and raised just outside of Atlanta, Young Hades has the potential to be considered one of the elite rappers during his time. Listening to his mixtape, it was refreshing to finally hear something professional. Young Hades refuses to sound like every other rapper who raps about what they have over some 808 loops that everybody snaps to. He is truly about his lyrical content. One would be nothing but amazed at the punch lines this man was delivering. I wanted to say that he sounds like somebody, but in truth, he can only sound like himself. His rhyme scheme is precise and articulate, and you can’t help but move some part of your body to not only his background rhythm but also his rhythmical lyrics. He could be the next Sugar Ray Leonard of local artists, even national artists, because of the way he lyrically snaps jabs that sting you in the chest until he comes with some power punch line that lands with perfect timing. For those of us who want the best of both worlds, beats and good lyrics, Young Hades is the one to look out for.
Young Hades currently has his second mixtape about to come out. Be on the lookout for it, because I heard some of the tracks on it and I was impressed, and I am very picky when it comes to finding a good emcee. In fact, an example of just how creative he is: There is a song on the mixtape called “S.” That’s right, “S.” It’s a full song with the majority of words that begin with the letter “S” and the sentences actually make perfect sense. Not only does he lay down lyrical vocabulary science, but there are actually some deadly punch lines in this joint as well. Remember that name, Young Hades.

Check out the latest tracks from Young Hades at:

www.myspace.com/hadestheproduct