Mannie Fresh and Mystikal in the Studio [VIDEO]

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On the Rise: Joey T. Quincy

By The Rap Scout
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The Louisiana hip hop scene is known for powerhouse labels, such as No Limit Records and the current hip hop-leading label, Cash Money Records. While Cash Money is dominating the radio waves, there are other independent record labels in the area.

Joey T. Quincy is the head of a new movement in Louisiana, Street Kingz Entertainment. Quincy is not only the CEO of the label, he is also the flagship artist. Not like most rappers with labels, Quincy has a roster full of talent and he is ready to show them to the world.

Recently, Hip Hop Vibe caught up with Joey T. Quincy and he gave us an interview over the phone. In the interview, Quincy discussed several of his upcoming projects and how he handles his life and his business.

"I don't just have dreams, I go out and get 'em" - Joey T. Quincy.

Read the interview below:

What made you interested in music?
I've been on the scene for four years as an artist on an unsuccessful record label, so I did what was best for myself on a personal and professional level, I launched my own label.

So, you are an artist also?
Yeah, I'm a rapper and I also run a record label. Street Kingz Entertainment has a full roster of talent, including rappers and an R&B singer.

Have you released any albums to date?
No, I have not released any albums yet, but I do have a mixtape out.

Tell us more about Street Kingz Entertainment?
The Street Kingz label was born when I left my old record label and I left, along with two other artists who were signed to the label. Once I set things up, I signed those artists to my Street Kingz Entertainment label.

Who are the other artists signed to Street Kingz Entertainment?
Epic, Dangerous D, Craze-Boi, Q-Tee, and myself under the name J-Slimmm. I have the three m's because I am just that good.

Is it hard managing your own career and running a full label?
At times, it can be hard, but I have a lot of hustle and determination. I have met a lot of people and I will not stop. I know where I want to go and I will not stop until I get there. In order to get what you want out of life, you have to go through struggles, so I welcome the challenge.

Do you feel pressure from the No Limit and Cash Money movements?
No, because I believe in our own talent and our determination. If we had the kind of exposure those two labels have had, we would be dominating the game right now.

How do you go about exposing the Street Kingz music?
I test the music out on all genres. Sometimes, I even play some of our songs for senior citizens and they have embraced the movement. Street Kingz is much more than a rap label, we do it all.

How do you plan on going international?
By using different promotions and branching out into different genres. We also advertise on magazines and I do everything in between to make sure Street Kingz reaches a new fan each day. Truth be told, I'm a hustler.

Have you run across any heavy hitters?
Actually, I have. I work at a casino, so I run into celebrities all of the time. Over the years, I have met Juvenile, Katt Williams, Mystikal, and DeRay Williams. After meeting Katt Williams, we recorded together and he is a funny person on and off the camera. Through hard work and networking, I have met plenty of people, big names and minor ones.

Where do you intend for Street Kingz Entertainment to be ten years from now?
Everywhere. I want to expand into owning restaurants, having clothing lines, and having an overall entertainment company. I see myself as a Russell Simmons-type figure.

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Mystikal prepares New Album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Mystikal was finally achieving what he had worked so hard to attain. At the time, the six year rap veteran had been struggling for recognition. But, his 2000 single, "Shake Ya Ass," put him on top of the rap world. From there, everything he touched was a hit.

Following the success of his 2000 album, Mystikal returned with his Tarantula album in 2001. The album was successful, but not on the level of his previous release. Early in 2002, "Bumpin me against The Wall" became the biggest hit off the album. Soon, his ride would be over.

Mystikal had plans of releasing another album in 2002, but his legal woes stopped that from happening. He faced rape charges and went to prison in 2003. The New Orleans rapper would spend the next six years behind bars until his release in January 2010. Upon being released, Mystikal wanted to do so much, but he had to focus on rebuilding his personal life.

Now, with everything back in perspective, Mystikal has started working on his new album. The album will be his first release in ten years. With such a gap in releases, Mystikal realizes he cannot come out flat with this new release. The New Orleans rapper has teamed up with fellow New Orleans act, Mannie Fresh, to produce his newest album. With all of the talent in the city of New Orleans, Mystikal feels he does not have to go outside of the city to complete his untitled new album.

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