Introducing Jon Connor: Talks Come-Up In Flint, MI; Co-Signs From Nas; Musical Greatness

Flint, Michigan is anything but a joke. You could hear the cries and shrills when you walk into the city. Crime has domesticated itself in Flint, and has become destitute of any types of success. Lives have become forlorn, and mentalities are been shaken. But, one man isn't shaken by the melancholy environment. His name is Jon Connor.

Connor, whose poignant wordplay is groomed like a New York MC, has decided to lift his city from obscurity and repaint its future. By teaming up with the hometown Kid, former college basketball star Mateen Cleaves, Connor -- and his team Varsity Music -- is ready to shed some light on it. With co-signs from people like Nas, Game, Rick Ross, among others, this kid isn't here to just conquer rap, but the life of music period.

Ballerstatus sat down with Connor to talk basketball, co-signs, and his goal to be the music's next legend.

BallerStatus.com: The way you have been coming up in the game has been similar to the path of the Grizzlies [in the NBA Playoffs]. I say that because they're so underrated, but of all of sudden they began making that noise in the game. Do you feel that's a valid comparison in regards to your come up?

Jon Connor: I definitely do. I definitely do man. That's almost hitting the nail on the head man. Young, hungry, wanting it, and nobody really saw it coming-type of situation. I just came out of nowhere. I started making noise. You hit the nail on the head with tjhat one, man. I appreciate you making that comparison.

BallerStatus.com: What's crazy is a lot of your records and/or freestyles have been seen by fans, and often times, they're under the impression that it's a New York rapper on the track, because of your delivery on the track. Do you feel that's a compliment, or do you prefer being characterized as that rapper from Flint?

Jon Connor: (laughs) I always wanna make sure I represent Flint. Let people know we do have skills, and we could come with it. As far as people thinking I'm from NY, I think that's compliment. That's where everything started. I'm a student of the game, like for real. I grew up watching "The Show," "Rhyme and Reason," any hip-hop documentary I could find. Like all that. Just studying all of the craft, so when people say I sound like an NY MC, that's a compliment to me. Some of the greats were from NY -- Biggie, Jay, Nas, Rakim. There's so many ill emcees that came from NY. I can't take it no other way.

BallerStatus.com: If that's the case, we should call up Tigger and get you in the booth for "Rap City," man. (laughs)

Jon Connor: Man that would be crazy! That would be dope! (laughs) I grew up in that era with Tigger, and the basement. As a kid, I always thought about that. I imagined being in the basement with Tigger. I still to this day wonder why "Rap City" isn't around no more.

BallerStatus.com: You know, a track like "The Heist," it had you rapping for two minutes straight, bars. I wanna know, do you get more fulfillment in rapping, no hook, or do you prefer full fledge tracks like "Another One" and "Epic"?

Jon Connor: Well for me, I love them both equally, because music is my passion. There's a section of me that loves both equally. Like I always say, I'm a student of the game. I consider myself an entertainer, an artist, all of that. So there's a side of me, that's a spitter. Like, "Yo. I do this. I does this." But, there's also a side when I'm a producer, when I love making records. But ain't nothing man like going for yours, for however long. I did a track that was six minutes long. That was therapeutic. The reason I do a track like "The Heist" was that I just wanted to come into the game, and earn respect. I could come into the game, and make records all day, and make songs people wanna hear. I could do that. But, to me, I didn't wanna just be a guy that makes catchy stuff, which I can do, 'cause that's the point in the music business. But, I wanted that respect behind my name. So when I do start doing that, they could say, "He deserves to make those types of records, because he gave us just raw spitting lyricism."

It feels good to just really go in. It's like you coming on the playground for that respect. It's like you coming up on the home court, on the playground like "Yo?" I'm sure it's nothing like the NBA, but it's whole different type of hunger, and hoop when you're on the playground. It's a respect thing. So, I guess that's what I get out of that. You know what I mean?



BallerStatus.com: Definitely. You have been earning the respect of many from your freestyles, especially over the mainstream beats like "Moment for Life", and "I'm On It." Are you trying to show to fans that you could hop on a mainstream track, and do it twice as better than fans' favorite artists?

Jon Connor: Yeah, I want people to take that from that. I want them to see when I do that, it's a respect thing. What's funny is a lot of times is it's just whatever beat hits me at that moment. It wasn't like I wanted to jump on such and such's record. It's whatever beat hits me at that moment. It wasn't even like I'd go into it on such and such record, or I wanna outdo such and such on the record. I just go through whatever instrumentals I got, and if that beat hits me at that moment, then I'll go in. Honestly, not even to sound funny, all the time I be in competition with myself because I got high standards. I'm always thinking I never wanna let me down. I wanna come harder than the last time somebody heard me. I just wanna keep raising the bar for myself.

BallerStatus.com: A lot of your records that have been coming to light, like the joints you had with a Saigon, Consequence, XV, among others. Do you maintain that same mentality of competing with yourself, knowing you're doing a track with someone else?

Jon Connor: Yeah. Definitely. Like the people that would send me the record, I tell them, "Don't send it to me with the verses on it." I don't wanna hear it. I don't wanna hear nobody else's verses because I don't wanna be influenced by someone else on the track. It's not an ego thing or nothing like that. I always look at it like I'm in comp with me. I'll listen to the whole record after I finish my verse, and record it. Then, I'll listen to it. I'm really particular about that, and hearing the other person's verse.

BallerStatus.com: Because you are so particular, and you're so also a producer, do you often find yourself tampering with the beat, or playing producer with the producer on the track?

Jon Connor: Well, because I am a producer, I know the pains of being a producer. When you have someone telling you what they don't like about the beat, I don't do that because I feel the producer's pain. When a producer sends me a beat, that's their baby. That's like going into somebody's house, and me telling them how to raise their child. (laughs) So when they send me the beat, this is how they wanted things to sound. I'm just going to babysit the kids for them. (laughs)

BallerStatus.com: What a lot of people may not know is about your relationship with Mateen Cleaves, the former college basketball star. Talk about how that came about.

Jon Connor: Man. Crazy. Big shout out to Mo Cleaves. Also shout outs to J-Rich. But me, and Mo man, there's not even enough words to say. That's my big bro, my mentor, co-company, and my tag team partner. I started Varsity Music as a dream when I was 11 years old. When I turned 12, I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life. When I met Mo Cleaves, I must have been 22-23 years old. The passion that he had for what I was doing ... he saw me perform. He was like, "Yo, you John Connor? I've been trying to find you. You need to be on. People need to see you." I could see he really believed in my dream. He had the same passion, and motivation I had. He saw what I saw. He seen where I was trying to go with it. It was like after he saw me perform, he was like, "You need to be on. I'm going to do everything in my power to help you. I will not stop." To this day, he's been true to his word. That's my big brother, my mentor, and everything.

BallerStatus.com: I know you got the co-signs from Nas, Scarface, to even Game, and Rick Ross. For some people that would be enough. Why isn't that enough for Jon Connor?

Jon Connor: For one, I never said this in interviews, but I wanna make sure I say it in this one. I've been grinding for years, before I even met Mo, before there were any co-Signs. It kind of rubs me funny like when you hear people say, "Oh, he got the Nas co-sign. So he's good. He got Mo Cleaves. This wouldn't be happening for the Rick Ross co-Sign." Like they don't even understand, Carl. Before any of that, I was moving back and forth. I was going back and forth in Orlando, Florida, grinding, handing out CDs in the middle of traffic. Then, I moved back to Flint to work at an automotive plant. I worked that job, and saved up money to move back to Miami to be where the music was. So, I did not spend one check. I worked at an automotive plant. I saved my money. I saved about five racks, and went back Miami. I was grinding. I was moving CDs in the middle of the street. People were throwing CDs out. I literally went through every form of the grind that there possibly was. It just was a whole moving back in Florida.

I've done the 30-hour bus trip. My whole mindset was if I take the bus from Flint to Florida -- because we're gonna stop at different cities -- so if I take 200-300 CDs, I'm going to stop in Detroit, Ohio, Tennessee, I'm going to pass it out. I was on the Greyhound every week for a year and half passing CDs. That wasn't enough for me, because I was born in Flint Michigan, where we ain't have nothing. For the videos we be putting, that's my neighborhood. That's why I can't just stop with a co-sign. I respect it. It lets me know that I'm on the right track. I can't stop there man. It's the same hunger of Biggie that made him get out of Brooklyn that I have. I've seen "Tupac Resurrection" with Pac grinding to get out. You got Hov out of Marcy. You got Em wanting to get out of 8 Mile in the D. I'm from Flint, Michigan where there's nothing.



I have lived on every level of this grind. I will not stop until I am one of the greatest musical minds of all time. I want to get VMAs, Grammy's, all of that. You can't be blinded by people saying you nice. You could respect it, but I have so much more to do. Think about it like this: we were talking about basketball. You have the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Western Conference Finals. You don't get people saying "Hey, at least we made it to the Conference Finals." No, you want the Finals. I want that recognition. I want that spot.

BallerStatus.com: I remember Diddy said this: "Rappers would be lucky to have a lifespan of more than four years in the game." Why do you feel you will have that longevity in the game?

Jon Connor: I was talking to Sav about this. There are certain people that outlast that four-year curse that are legitimate music dudes. They're in tune with what people wanna hear, and their emotions. Those people, like a Jay-Z whose been around so long, isn't chasing a trend or a sound. He's just doing him, but still related to people through the music. He just has a natural connection with people. Like Biggie, that's why when he only had two albums, it still bumps today because people relate to him. You could listen to "Juicy" now, and it'll still have the same effect on you because it was pure music and emotion.

With today, I think people just chase the hit record. People are chasing what's hot right now. Man, if that's what somebody else is doing, and that's getting them hot, that's their lane. I wanna find my own lane. The people that were the greatest found their own lane. I know where the trapped doors are. I know where all of the rat traps are. People don't have a clear identity of where they wanna go or be. That's when they fall in to obscurity. I remember my man Chris Webber and me were in the studio and he told me this: "Connor, your turn is going to come at least once. But if you're always chasing what someone else is doing, you're always gonna miss your time, because you were so busy to do what other person was doing. Just keep doing what you do." I always took that to heart, and I know I'm going to be here for a long time, because I wanna be mentioned with the Quincy's, the Kanye's, the Michael's, and the Bono's.

Meet Bonnie-Jill Laflin: NBA's First & Only Female Scout

Beauty and brains. Imagine a woman with the striking features of a Heather Locklear, and a vivacious attitude entrapped in a male-dominated industry where sports are considered safe havens for the male gender. Imagine that same woman was walking around the office telling you -- an athlete -- you need to work on that jumpshot or your right hand dribble is lacking, because she has the power too. Times have definitely changed, and Bonnie-Jill Laflin has definitely become a cornerstone in a male-driven world.

Yes, she's stunningly attractive, but her witty savvy and knowledge on sports have made her a valued commodity in the eyes of Lakers owner Jerry Buss. Before she was league bound, and making her presence felt in the league's offices, she was a cheerleader, and a model -- both suitable professions considering her physical attributes.

With a sports broadcasting background, Bonnie-Jill has covered the Lakers, and was given a golden opportunity when she made scouting reports for a year, until the decision was made for her to take her talents into the front office. She would become the Assistant General Manager for the Lakers' D-League team, the LA D-Fenders. Despite having to overcome numerous hindrances, Bonnie has battled willingly and was triumphant in trying to forge a name for herself in an industry full of male egos.

"For me, I knew I was jumping into a mans' world," Laflin admits, in a recent interview with BallerStatus.com. "I've been a part of sports since I was 17, when I was cheering for the Golden State Warriors. I always knew there were going be hurdles to jump over everyday, but this was something I've always wanted to do since I was little. I've always said, I was going to run my own team, or own my team. (laughs)"

Because Bonnie is a female, she has definitely received a lot of pressure to succeed, especially with her modeling background being on display.

"I'm scrutinized even more than the average scout and/or employee, not only because I am a woman, but also because of my background," she explained. "If I had came from a different background, I probably wouldn't be under a microscope as much. But, I've gotten used to it. It kind of comes with the territory."

While Bonnie has made her stamp on the league, she has also ventured into other things, such as being a spokesperson for Peta. For a good cause, she bared all for the animal rights organization, specifically a pro-vegetarian campaign earlier this year, advocating that people to not eat meat, and consider a healthier lifestyle in hopes of also preserving the lives of animals.

"I grew up being a cheerleader and I was a model. I grew up a little girl in pageants. So, I always has been the tomboy, but had the little girl inside of me," Laflin said. "That's who I am. And people sometimes think I've taken a different approach than obviously the regular scout or team. But I know my stuff."

Her longed desire of wanting to save the animals, stem from her childhood, as she adored them and loved them with a passion.

"Since I was little, I grew up on a ranch. Cows, pigs and chickens were like peoples' dogs, and cats," explained Bonnie. "As for me, it was that I never wanted to eat cows and chickens because they were like my pets. So, I always had a strong will for animals since I was little, and it hasn't stopped."

In addition, she, of course, is a strong American who has consistently visited Iraq to support the military in their conquest to stablize the country, but more importantly, protect America from malicious deeds from prospective terrorists.

"I'm always supporting those guys. They've done so much for us. I make sure to go over there and say thank you, and bring some piece of America to them. People take for granted what these guys do day in and day out."

As far as fighting temptations, and possibly indulging in a hearty burger, Bonnie-Jill has remained firm in her stance, and has declined on every possible instance to succumb to the scrum.

"Like I said, since I was little I've had animals on my ranch, and I've never desired to eat them. It's like if someone was to say, you know, 'Well, you're missing out.' Well, I don't know what I'm missing. If that makes sense," shesaid with a giggle.

The former Golden State Warriors and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader has profusely engaged in fighting, in cajoling others to relieve themselves for eating meat. Celebrities such as John Salley, who Jill refers to as a "raw vegan", has taken steps into being a vegan and has acknowledged that he is, indeed, in better shape now than when he was playing, all because of his life changing decision. Still, she has remained focused in trying to sway average Americans in taking the correct protocols into being a vegan. But, she has stated, it has been a struggle.

"For celebrites, and athletes, it's a no-brainer because they're so concerned about making sure their body is at the best that it can be," Bonnie explains. "With average Americans, I don't think they seem to care. They don't really care as much about getting in the gym or watching what they eat."

Bonnie continues to fight, and educate those unaware of the unruly decisions they are making to animals. With Bonnie being a huge help in the league's office, and in the real world, her goal of reaching people may come alive sooner than expected.

Kandi Burress: Candid Kandi

Crafting a composition isn't simple. Everyone musically involved within the song including the producer, the artist performing the track, to even the engineer is instrumental in developing a masterpiece. However, the ingredient that is substantial and vital to the song's existence is of course, the songwriter. While some artists fancy the plush lifestyle and having their fans living vicariously through them, others rather remain inconspicuously behind closed doors. That's the beauty of songwriting. Just ask Kandi Burruss - illustrious songwriter that has penned classical melodies ranging from TLC's "No Scrubs." to Destiny's Child "Bills, Bills, Bills." With a resume that includes Whitney Houston, Usher, Boyz II Men, and N-Sync, it's apparent someone isn't having any problems paying their Bills, Bills, Bills.
Before Kandi entered the scene as a songwriter, she originally was a member of classic 90's group Xscape - an R&B female group which was able to reach platinum status on all three of their albums.

After being discovered by music mogul Jermaine Dupri at show in Atlanta, Kandi's original members consisting of Tamika Scott, Latocha Scott, and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, and herself, leapfrogged at the opportunity instantly, and were presented the chance of signing with his label So So Def. The group that originated together back in 9th grade was now ready to make a splash in the music industry.

"It was December of my 11th grade year, and we had already done the talent showcase on Teen Summit. It was clip on Teen Summit, and he {Jermaine} had already seen us on time," recollects Kandi. But when he saw that, he was like, "Yo. Yall the ghetto En Vogue. I'ma sign ya'll.'" So we were hyped."

Immediately after the ink dried on that new music contract, Kandi and her girls headed to the studio. Their debut album entitled, "Hummin' Comin' At Cha" was a success as they were able to dish out two top 10 singles including their debut "Just Kickin' It", and their follow up single "Understanding", after taking only a week and a half to complete it.


'Like he {Jermaine} had put us with the mentality that we had to do a song a day. So like for me, when I hear people like "Oh yeah. I recorded 60 songs." I'm thinking you recorded 60 songs, and you don't have a hit yet. You're wack!" (laughs).
The group steamrolling through the avenues of R&B flawlessly, after gaining 2 more platinum albums, in "Off the Hook", and "Traces of My Lipstick". As success flooded throughout the group, dilemmas began to occur. With Tasha seeking to go solo, rumors began plaguing the chemistry of the group, tension began to sparse up. With the group possibly disparaging with the notion of Tasha departing, Kandi huddled up with Tiny, and opted to do a demo together to present to the label.

"To Tiny I was like, "How about we start writing songs for our project, and we could present it to the label to show them what we can do.," said Kandi. Lets us do an album if you're going let her do one. Lets us do one."
A track that appeared on Kandi and Tiny's demo was "No Scrubs" - a track which captured the eyes of the labels executives instantly upon hearing it. The song would be passed down to TLC, and would garner national acclaim, and catapult Kandi's career as a songwriter.

"The break up {of Xscape} let me know you can't depend on anybody else. You gotta take the initiative on your own to do things. If we would have just sat around, and waited for her {Tasha} to come back, then what would have happened to us," Kandi declared presumptuously. Or at least, what would have happened to me. What would I have been doing?"

With the break up serving as a learning experience, Kandi gained her independence, and segued into songwriting, and became a prominent entity in the game. She would venture into a solo career by later releasing her debut album Hey Kandi in 2001 under Columbia Records spawning a top 25 pop hit with "Don't Think I'm Not".

The praises would continue to parade Kandi as she was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Songwriter for the Year award in 2000, and would later become the first woman to win under the category of Rhythm and Blues and 2001.

With Kandi having enjoyed the fruits of both music, and songwriting, she remains a love for both, and admits to both having their faults.

"I LOVE writing songs because like I could write any type of music. I don't have to stick into one lane as a writer. As an artist, they want you to stay in one lane. As a writer, I could make rock music today. I could write a pop record, a techno record, country, anything. But, as an aritst, I would have not been able to do that. Same time, when I hanged out with my friends at their shows, I would be like, "Man I miss this," she said.

Kandi also has took a step into reality television as she earned a starring slot as a member of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" which only helped elevate her stature in the industry, as people were able to see her in a different light.

Everything Kandi has touched appeared to be golden, as she even made a return to the music scene earlier this year with her album Kandi Coated and was able to touch on relationship in every facet imaginable with people like Ne-Yo, and The Justice League lending their hands on recent effort. With Kandi touching base on every field in the game, it's easy to see that her life can only get sweeter from here.

By: Carl Lamarre

Musiq Soulchild: Hear No Evil, See No Evil

On May 2nd, 2011, The Bentley Hotel Penthouse served as a stage for Musiq Soulchild’s latest “magical” escapades within his most recent neo-soul endeavor Musiqinthemagic. With delectable finger foods within feet of magazine writers and representatives from Atlantic Records, stomachs were catered to while the ears of all were enchanted by Musiq's newest offering. Within an hour of laughs, and giggles, an exuberant Musiq entered the room to a barrage of hugs, and kisses. Laced in his signature blacked-out aviator shades, Musiq's aura only bolstered the level of excitement in the already magical room.
Musiq's career has always been a mystical ride. The R&B crooner has earned 2 platinum plaques for Aijuswanaseing and Juslisten, and 2 gold Plaques for Soulstar and Luvanmusiq. Musiq's ability to tap into the depths of women's soul and the essence of relationships has helped him stamp himself as a go-to-guy in a watered down R&B scene.

It shouldn't be surprising to many that Musiq's sixth album entitled Musiqinthemagic would be anything but lackluster, and in actuality, help deliver luster to an over-saturated pop friendly market of R&B. The eclectic cover depicting the face of Musiq's behind a sound wave displays Musiq's love for the music. "That's me," says Musiq feverishly as his eyes illuminate at the glance of the CD cover. “I love the sound of music. As you notice the sound waves form into me. I always end up with the music first. I always end up with the art first."

It all started with his first album Aijuswanaseing. A 23-year old Musiq entered the game with his noteworthy single "Just Friends", and it’s historic following "Love". Def Jam found their R&B goldmine in the young soul crooner as he grabbed the hearts of many lovebirds with his soulful vocals, and meaningful songs. Just like a glass of Chardonnay, the singer got better and better every time he let the public taste his love potion. Musiq’s career discography includes numerous classics such as: "Don’t Change"," Half Crazy", "Teach Me", and "If You Leave" featuring the Queen of R&B, Mary J Blige.

hile many artists have been entrapped in the ills of paparazzi, Musiq has meticulously steered clear from the drama and has focused his entire life on one thing: his music. “I always hear, ‘Yo. How come you never end up in drama?’
I don't purposely try not to be in anything. I just don't get myself in there, because I make it about the music. I make it about what I’m asking you to invest in,” says Musiq.

Though Musiq has experimented with new sounds on Musiqinthemagic, his subject remains relevant to today's relationships. "Be Friends" offers his take on not simply wanting just a friendship with an ex, and but retaining the prosperous relationship he had once with his loved one. Even vocally Musiq stretches his boundaries and delivers as he asks his better half to consider taking a chance in love and possibly spending their lives together forever on "Say I Do".

As far as his current being, Musiq's "Under the Sun" serves as a perfect representation of his current self. "That song encompasses so many elements. I can't even begin to describe it. Whenever I do talk about it, I always say it's the past, the present, and the future rolled into one... It's like a "Future throwback."
Musically, Musiq still has the soul which he has exhibited throughout his career. His journey has been well documented through his music as he has uplifted the hearts and spirits of many with his empowering ballads and medleys. Whether he was asking to be taught How to Love, or just wanting to be your B-u-d-d-y, moving forward, it seems his soul will continue to be his marquee asset and trademark that will cement himself among R&B and Neo-Soul's cream of the crop.

By: Carl Lamarre

I Never Disappeared Lol

Sorry for the hiatus everyone. I've been working on a lot of stuff. I've started a new website with my friends and family called Page 31. We're an online publication that caters to everything including music, sports, fashion, etc. I've also been doing interviews. I've never stopped. In the past few months I've interviewed Fred The Godson, Big Sean, Musiq Soulchild, Estelle, upcoming artist Rockie Fresh, Kandi From Real Housewives Atlanta. I've been working to make everything life changing for my team and I. I NEVER STOPPED.

Game Interview (Ballerstatus.Com) Pt II

Q&A With Game: Talks Fanfare Over 'Purp & Patron' Series, And The Making Of

By Carl Lamarre (@LastHope21), Published 02/04/2011

They said he was dead. The overly critical hip-hop fans had pronounced Jayceon Taylor dead. The man, who delivered classical opuses such as the infectious 2005 smash, "How We Do" featuring friend-turned-foe 50 Cent, and the 2008 soul touching "My Life" featuring the indomitable Weezy F Baby, was being shunned by the fans of hip-hop.

With his long awaited fourth album, entitled The R.E.D. Album, on chill and without a release date, many thought it was safe to say -- with no pun intended -- that was it game over for Jayceon. Then earlier this year, Game promised his fans he would remerge with his new mixtape, titled Purp & Patron. Little did he knew, this mixtape woke up the masses, and also reminded skeptics that he never fell off. That the man who dubbed himself the savior of Cali, was simply on a Gatorade break, testing the grips on his shoes and waiting for his number to be called.

With Purp & Patron -- and The Hangover follow-up, released a day after this interview -- serving as his wake up call to the fans, Game is now lock and loaded, and focused on releasing his album.

Ballerstatus was fortunate to sit down and talk to Game about this latest mixtape, the fair-weathered fans, fatherhood, acting, and his first trip to New York. It's game on.

BallerStatus.com: Describe the overall reception you've been receiving for the Purp & Patron mixtape?

Game: It feels good man. I'm just surprised that everybody has been f***ing with the tape like that man. But I don't know man; I kind of put the sh** together out kind of fast. It took me like two weeks. I got Skee and Funk Flex on board. I mean, Skee was already on board. Funk Flex heard we were doing the tape. He called me like, "Yo Game. I gotta be apart of this man." I didn't expect this to spread like wildfire man, but it did.

BallerStatus.com: You did this in two weeks? So you're telling me you did 29 tracks over a two-week span?

Game: Yeah, I mean, nah. I mean, I did all them tracks the first week. The second week, I started putting things together man. Then I had to contact the producers. Most of them sh**s were like original beats. I got in touch with all of the producers -- who most of them were my homies -- and let them know if they wanted to put the sh** out on tape. Most of these n****s were like "Hell yeah". So we got it in man.

BallerStatus.com: Honestly speaking, did someone get you mad, or just start talking garbage, because you ... with this mixtape ... you definitely woke a lot of people up who had originally thought you fell off?
Game - Purp and Patron

Purp and Patron The Hangover by The Game

Game: It's like this man. You heard the tape Carl?

BallerStatus.com: Yeah I heard the tape.

Game: Let's say if I just put out "Children Story" by itself. N****s would say "Ahhh, that sh** is wack. That dude Game fell off." But if I put "RIP" out by itself, n****s gonna be like "Oh, this n**** is rapping different." But when I put out a conglomerate of sh**, when it's all different and it makes sense, n****s gonna be like, "Oh. This sh** is crazy."

What it is is that now, I be at home playing dad. And then, I be in the studio trying to finish The R.E.D Album. Or then, I be at basketball practice, or baseball practice. You know, I just had a daughter man, so, you know, I don't be trippin' off putting a lot of music out. Mostly it's like, "Yo where Game at? Oh he fell off." Man I ain't fall off man. I live in a f***ing mansion. I got Lamborghinis. It's just n****s don't see my life. So sometimes I gotta smack n****s in their f***ing face, and let them know who it is.

I just threw everything together, and made sure my verses were tight on everything. I called on Fab, Weezy, and Birdman. Man, I had everybody on the tape man. I had T-Pain. N****s just came, and gave me sh**.

BallerStatus.com: Funny thing is I remember when you first put out the "I'ma King" record. I was reading the comments, and people said it was wack. Then, when the mixtape dropped, people's frowns turned upside down. How do you deal with the constant hypocrites, and fair weather fans?

Game: Ay man. You know what? I love em'. You know why man? It's because I'm the same way. You're the same way. You know you heard a song, and you're like "I don't know about this one." I was the same way about Drake's "Over". I was like, "Damn. What is this? This ain't what I expect. I thought he was going to come off on like that sh** he had with Timbaland or that sh** he had on the tape." I wasn't really feeling it like that. Then, a week later n****, I'm in the club, and I know all the words and sh**. That's how it goes man. I don't hate anybody for that man. Everybody is entitled to their opinion man. I love it positive or negative.

BallerStatus.com: Let's talk about the features. How are you able be get all these features while in the past -- it's been well documented -- that you were on the opposing end against two of the biggest rappers in the game in Jay-Z and 50 Cent?

Game: Man I ain't tryna sh** on anybody else now. I keep it the most 100 all away around the board, period. This ain't a shot at nobody, but I don't think nobody is as down to earth or as real as me. It's like no holds barred for me man. I'm just like a regular n****, but just not a regular n****. So motherf***er's f*** with me.

BallerStatus.com: What inspired you to round up all the old school legends for the "History" track featuring Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, and KRS-One?

Game: I was in the studio, and I wanna say Doug E. Fresh had a show at the House of Blues. I had just left KRS-One and I think Kane was at the House of Blues too. I had a n**** named Dougie D, who was cool with all them old school n****s, called Doug E and told him I was in the studio. He said he was coming, so I called KRS-One, and told him to come since I knew Doug E was on the way. When Doug E came, he brought Big Daddy Kane. So I'm like, "Sh** can we do some work?" I had my dude make a beat on the spot, and that was history. That's why we called it "History."

BallerStatus.com: Last time I spoke to you, you said you and Nas were going to something together. What happened?

Game: You know what's the funny thing? You know Nas went through the whole Kelis thing, and he been going through some sh**. He was staying low. Then he put the album out that he had with Damien Marley out. He had to tour that. But, when I dropped the tape, I got a f***ing text from a 917 number. I was like, "Who the f*** is this?" I open the text up, and all it says is "N****. It's Esco. The tape is crazy son. 'The Kill' -- crazy son." Then I replied to the n**** like "Yo yo yo yo." Then the n**** disappeared on me (laughs). He's like phantom my n**** (laughs). He just came in to say that "The Kill" and the tape was crazy, then that n**** went on and away.

But I love him for sh** like that man. Then he hit me back the next day, and said he was getting on a plane that's why he ain't respond. Then he hit me back the next day and said he'd be in LA in a week. He said he was going to come and listen to all my songs, give me his whole input on the album, then find a song right for us, and he's going to do it. Hopefully that sees the light of day, because n**** this f***ing album [R.E.D. Album] is nothing short of a miracle man.

BallerStatus.com: I know you've been putting a lot of time to it.

Game: Man, every time the sh** gets pushed back -- I go on tour or the label goes through some sh**, and I get the pushback -- it gives me more time to perfect my sh**. But right now, what I'm sitting on right now -- man, I went to the label and played some sh** the other day. It f***ed everybody's head up. They can't believe it. From the Premo track, to the Dre tracks, to Swizz, to getting it in with Just Blaze, to about to see Kanye in a week, from like the Cool & Dre. This sh** is over with man.

BallerStatus.com: With everything you've been doing, and constantly altering the material, why stay put on The R.E.D. Album as the official name?

Game: Nah man, 'cause people waiting on the R.E.D Album. It's red man. I gotta do it man. Everybody waiting on The R.E.D. Album man. I can't change the sh** now man. It's too late. Plus I wouldn't because The R.E.D. Album is just me rededicating myself to my craft, to my people, to my family. It's just a rededication to who I am man. I'm going to get it all out on this album man. When you get the album man, hit me up man. Just let me know sh** I was right.

BallerStatus.com: Oh yeah definitely. Back to the mixtape, On the "Ferrari Lifestyle" track with Fabolous, I remember you had a line talking about catching a cab with Fab. I'm trying to remember the exact line...

Game: (Raps) Me and Fab was catching cabs. Yeahhh. He was getting off bags off Nostrand Ave. (laughs) Yeah that was back in the day. That was when he first dropped on the Clue tapes, and that's when Lil Mo had the "Superman" sh**. That was them days when I was f***ing with Fab. I used to be everywhere man.

BallerStatus.com: Which rapper from New York showed you the most love when you were coming up?

Game: Capo (Jim Jones) and Fab. The first time I ever been to New York, Jim Jones picked me up from the airport, and took me to the hotel. Then when it was time to go to the studio, Kiss (Jadakiss) picked me up from the hotel and took me to the studio. Then Kiss dropped me off, and took me to Brooklyn to meet up with Fab. Like them is my n****s man.

BallerStatus.com: You know what's crazy. Just the other day I remember watching "Belly 2" on BET. What's going on with you and the acting?

Game: Yeah man that sh** be on all the time. Chicks be on all on my Twitter with that sh** (laughs). But I think after The R.E.D. Album does what it does, I think then I'll return back to the acting sh**. I just haven't really had time to go through the screen test, and read the scripts. I've been real heavy on my daddy sh**. Three kids is crazy man. Especially with them all being in different age groups. Harlem had some shit this week. King goes to a little Christian school. So he always be having chapel. My daughter be needing me. So I be doing that. So after this album, I'm going to have a tighter grip on the acting side.

BallerStatus.com: You just touched on the topic fatherhood. Have your experiences as a father made you want to get even deeper with your audience through your music?

Game: Yeah. I've done a wonderful job of letting people know who I am, and what I'm about as for fatherhood, and my kids. I love them to death man. I think even that there inspires the n****s listening to be better fathers. I know for sure that I've at least touched a couple hundred thousand niggas at one time or another, and helped them make better changes as for being a father. My kids are instrumental in everything I do. They're the key to my motivation, and when I go to the studio. But as far as my bars, I'm just ill right now. I'm in a super zone, and I'm killing shit. When you hear the album, you're going to be like, "How can a n**** from Compton be doing something so colorful?" This album is crazy man.

Latin Trends: Rocsi Diaz Covers Latin Magazine Dropping Oct 1st

Here's my first cover story for a magazine.


Dropping October 1st.

Rocsi, spoke with the magazine about relationships, fame and being a role model.

I’ve definitely tried, to the best of my abilities, to keep a positive image for young women. This is not to say I haven’t made my mistakes or anything, but I try to carry myself with the utmost respect.”

“Relationships are such a fail. It’s hard because most men are either intimidated to approach you because you’re in this industry, or because of the people you hang out with. A lot of them don’t know that it really ain’t like that.”

“When I’m in public, I’ve decided to adapt to the fact that I’m ‘Rocsi.’ No matter if I’m eating dinner with my family, or if I’m at Walgreens trying to buy ice cream late at night. No matter what, in public, I’m Rocsi.”