March 1998 - Issue #2 March 1998 - Issue #2
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***HTMLized Version By SuBz
Hey its a second issue. Woo Hoo! We are working on getting a web site put up at this time. I did find one, but the god damn thing's ftp is messed up! Anyway here is your issue. As Always feel free to spread it around.
Contents: Moko's Ramblings - By Moko Internet Vs. BBS - By SuBz Introducing: The Bad Boy Crew - By Scorpz Sphere - By RAiN
Moko's Ramblings
By: Moko
Email: [email protected]
This month my article is about BBS's. Lets face it; were a dying race. Shure, theres still a few big BBS's still up, but alot are gone, and there isnt hope for many more new ones. So, to all my fellow comrades who still toil away there hours sitting at a terminal whacking away at the keyboard, i am going to compose a list of BBS's and there numbers that i know. The BBS's in here did *not* give me there permission to post it and i didnt ask for it, so dont go bitching to them about this zine. Well, here it is folks.
(SuBz Sez: These are all in the 503 Area Code)
Glittering Star 205-0161 Non-PvP mud, no one chats cost $10 a month, often busy
GCONN 698-4200 Two Muds, not that bad of a board. dont know cost
Dragonriders 978-1045 Non Mud Board, Has some good door games though
Phat BBS line 1 655-4523 Never been on it, its just in my telemate directory
Phat BBS line 2 557-3282 Ditto
Phat BBS line 3 557-2965 Ditto
Sarah's line 1 286-1838 Was on it once, dont know if it still exists
Sarah's line 2 286-9029 Ditto
NES BBX 640-9337 Nice board, hard to fig. out, no mud, friendly enviroment
Weirdo's Hangout 985-9597 Havent been on for a while, if you *do* get on, page
sysop and give him my regards
AcidBlur 723-0472 Once again, never been on it, just in my directory
Plug In BBS 794-0768 A board of a friend of mine,good board, has mud
well thats about it, if you have any more or want to bitch to me because one dosent work, email me at [email protected]. You can also email me if you have *anything* to say, i will respond, but i will also put it into the zine. Thanks.
Internet vs. BBS
By: SuBz
Email: [email protected]
Iam going to start with the Internet side first.
Ok, the Internet, or cyberspace as some like to call it. Why is it so popular now? Back a couple years ago BBSing was the thing. Now a days its AOL or whatever. I have to agree that the internet has some good things about it. You can listen to music, radio even, view graphics. It's easier to use also. AOLers got to be some stupid idiots with no life. They sit on their all day trying to find a girl/boy friend. The internet people search for pornography. Others will sit in IRC(Internet Relay Chat) and find warez, or do like AOL people. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of inteligent people on the internet. For people who like to chat and get files, the internet is a much larger place to do this. People who don't want to meet the people they talk to the internet is for you then.
BBSing is still my favorite thing. However, I don't do it that much any more. This is because the internet is killing off BBSes. People leave the BBS to goto the internet. No paying users kills the BBS. Why do I stick with BBSing? I like being able to know that if I really want to meet this person I can. Or talk to them on the phone(instead of typing.). Going to BBS meets(everyone on the BBS trys to meet somewhere). Also with a BBS you don't have to wait for graphics to load. Only the text, which is no time at all. Most people don't know what a BBS is. I never did. I saw a show that had them in it, decided to check them out. Searched portland bbs and got a number. Loaded up hyperterminal and I was off. Downloaded the offical Portland BBS list. Then I jumped from bbs to bbs. I suggest that everyone get into the bbs scene again. Try and save it. Advertise your fav bbs on the internet. Try to get everyone to get into bbses again. Once their dead, you know they will never return again. BBSes cost money If A person knows the scene is dead, why try then?
Introducing: The Bad Boy Crew
By: Scorpz
Email: [email protected]
*Mase* Since his auspicious arrival, attached to 112's certified gold single "Only You," Bad Boy Entertainment's Mase has been an attention-grabbing rapper --reflecting both the simplicity of true hip-hop and the grabby saavy of chart-topping pop. In just a few short months the mellow-voiced MC has easily leap-frogged from relative obscurity to become a poetic powerhouse attached to more hits than a little bit. In addition to the 112 joint, Mase has laced such hits as Sean "Puffy" Combs' double platinum "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down;" Notorious B.I.G.'s platinum "Mo Money, Mo Problems;" Mariah Carey's platinum "Honey," Tasha Holiday's "Just The Way You Like It" and "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste My Time)" by Brian McKnight. Mase has also adds his signature flow to Mario Winans "Don't Know"; Keith Sweat's "Just A Touch" remix; Busta Rhymes' "The Body Rock" and Junior MAFIA's "Young Casanova." Each successive track has succeeded commercially. No verse has passed a listener's ear unnoticed.
Before dropping a single of his own, Mase was already a familiar face, having been a featured artist in more than six high-rotation chart topping music videos. And on the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, Mase joined the entire Bad Boy family in a stellar live performance of the night's winning single "I'll Be Missing You" along side rock legend Sting. "The way I look at it," Mase says, "everything that has happened to me so far is a blessing from God. I can't take credit for any of it. I've always just kept my head straight, doing what was right, and it's like God's finally telling me, 'Yo, I appreciate how you've been livin'." So far at this point in his career, Mase has been a featured performer on some of the hottest records of the past 18 months. Now with his eagerly-awaited full-length debut album, Harlem World, he is offering listeners a chance to fully experience his life and growth. "With my album I'm just telling you how I feel," insists the young rap star. "I don't write rhymes 'cause they sound good. Any song from Mase is gonna be the truth. Honest."
Harlem World is an infectious, often humorous, intricately-woven continuation of Bad Boy's way of moving crowds right. As such it enthusiastically plays to win. Mase wants to follow in the Bad Boy multi- platinum footprints of Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy, but he also seeks to forge his own musical path and create his own signature sound. "Growing up," he says, "I was always the guy who went left when everybody else went right. I'm my own person and I like things my way." So even though he recorded most of Harlem World at the Manhattan Bad Boy-owned Daddy's House Studios, Mase ventured outside of the company for some of his tracks. "I love how Puffy and [his studio squad The Hitmen produce, but I wanted to try working with some new cats too. My main concern when picking beats was, 'Are they hot!' I've got to love everything, 'cause if I don't the public won't either and I don't ever want to be predictable." Besides hiring The Hitmen Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, Stevie J, Ron "Amen-Ra" Lawrence and Carlos "Chucky" Thompson, to name a few, Mase also commandeered producers Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams, Grease and Mo Suave-A. The resulting jams roam through a wide range of soundscapes, including frothy funk, hot-buttered soul and earth- shaking bump and thump. Titles include the hard-hitting "24 Hrs. To Live" featuring The Lox, Black Rob and DMX; the R&B flavored "Love You So," featuring Billy Lawrence; the Jermaine Dupri produced "Cheat On You" with Jay-Z and Lil' Cease; Mase's head noddin' message to playa hatas "Wanna Hurt Mase" and Busta Rhymes' contribution, "Niggas Wanna Act." Puff Daddy adds his flavor to "Do You Wanna Get $" and also joins Mase along with Queen B Li'l Kim on "Will They Die For You."
Born 20 years ago in Jacksonville, FL., Mason Betha was one of six children -- three boys and three girls. Jacksonville was his home until age five, when his family moved to the heart of New York City's Harlem. As a kid, Mase was a good student who spent much of his spare time playing basketball or in church. And until the age of 13 he managed to avoid the lure of dangerous ghetto games. When he began showing the slightest sign of getting caught up in the world of Harlem street economics, he got shipped back down South. "My mother saw I was becoming more negative than positive," Mase recalls. "So she kind of tried to rescue me." After returning to New York two years later, older and wiser, Mase's interest in music began to sprout "from nowhere." As he remembers it, "Ijust used to like to play basketball. And as one of the guys going to games onthe team bus, I just tried to rhyme like everybody else. At first they used to tease me about my voice, saying I talked slow. But, as I saw it, that's what made me unique."For advice, Mase turned to neighborhood MCs. "They always used to tell me that if I wanted a rap career, I had to be serious," he says. The fledgling performer also received inspiration from young manager Damon Dash and his clique of MCs that included Jay-Z and Big Al McGruff. "They all influenced me in different ways," Mase remembers. "For instance, I liked Jay-Z because he was such a slick talker, and McGruff was cool 'cause he always came across with so much arrogance." From spending time in hip-hop hangouts, rapping, dancing and having fun, Mase made the acquaintance of more established performers, including Keith Murray, MOP, Redman and Busta Rhymes. While in Atlanta to hook up with Jermaine Dupri last year, he ran into Sean "Puffy" Combs. "I rapped for him," remembers Mase, "and when I got back to New York he put me on the 112 remix. It was all love after that." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *The Lox* The Lox have successfully released there debut LP on Bad Boy "Money, Power & Respect", this brings Bad Boy a little more back to the orignal sound of 1994, but with a diffrent sound, Jadakiss, Sheek and Styles combine there MC talents to form this powerful trio, The Lox have been around for while, I can't count how many diffrent tracks I have heard from them in mixtapes, well they have a strong underground following for a couple years now, and even mainstream success with guest spots in "It's All About The Benjamins", "Can't Get You Off My Mind", "Usual Suspects", "Get At Me Dog", "Last Day" and there first release "We'll Always Love Big Poppa". The Lox hale from Yonkers, New York and tell the tales of there life in there debut LP (Brings Back Memories Of Ready To Die), they can conform to any style of rap. This has easliy been the best Bad Boy release since "Life After Death". Its going to be interesting to see if they achive commerical success like Bad Boy label mate Mase, (and sell 3 millon in the first few months) stay tuned this Bio will be expanding in the next few weeks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Notorious B.I.G.* (1972-1997) R.I.P. Biggie was Brooklyn born and raised. And the streets of Crooklyn aren't easy to deal with, so to survive Christopher Wallace started selling drugs. I was a full time 100 percent hustler. Selling drugs, waking up early in the morning hitting the set selling my shit 'til the crack of dawn. My mother going to work would see me out there in the morning. That's how I was on it." Biggie didn't know what to do with his life. Is this the way he was supposed to live? Ducking bullets and selling drugs, life was hell. Another day, another struggle. Just for fun, Biggie picked up the mic and dropped a few rhymes once in a while. He and everybody else knew he was talented, but the thought of a rap-career never crossed his mind. His tape circulated first in Brooklyn and finally Big Daddy Kane's DJ Mister Cee got a hold of it and he liked what he heard. He asked Biggie to appear on an album called 'Unsigned Hype", the album was never released but several of the mc's on it, including Biggie, ended up with record deal "Me on the mic? Na, no wat." Biggie wasn't expecting his rapping to be more than a hobby, but there he was signing a deal with Uptown Records. Uptown's National Director of A&R Sean "Puffy" Combs saw something in Biggie and took him to his family. Biggie's first appearance was on a Mary J. Blige song, and suddenly the question wasn't if his first solo release was going to be dope, it was how dope it was going to be. So Puffy and Biggie finished the album, but after having trouble with Uptown Puffy left and started his own label with the help of Arista Records, the now legendary Bad Boy Records was here. Biggie dropped his first album, 'Ready To Die'. This album was something special, lyrical perfection and dope beats was some of the things that made this album go platinum. You could feel Biggie's anger on the album, in 'Things Done Changed', 'Gimmie The Loot', 'Everyday Struggle' and 'Machine Gun Funk' he talked about life in Brooklyn. 'Warning' was about how more money will only result in more problems, and in 'Ready To Die' he told the world what he thought of it. 'Juicy' explained how he had turned his life around from negative to positive. The lyrics was hard and angry, but was he Ready To Die? No, actually what Biggie meant with the title was that he was willing to go all out for his music, he would do anything to get off the streets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Sean "Puffy" Combs (Puff Daddy)* Sean "Puffy" Combs has established himself as one of the biggest hit-makers in the game since 1994. Before pursuing a career as a vocalist, Puffy made his name by promoting hip hop concerts and producing acts for Uptown Records in the early 1990's. Combs became the A&R rep for Uptown, while producing double- plat albums for Mary J. Blige. On Blige's debut album What's The 411?, the former Howard University undergrad introduced some new flava to the ears of the hip-hop generation, that of Craig Mack, which would lead to greater things to come. After being let go by Uptown, Combs took his act over to the high- bidding Arista Records' distributing team in late '93 to establish his own enterprise, Bad Boy Entertainment. In the spring of 94, Bad Boy began to push the new single "Flava In Ya Ear" from Craig Mack's Project: Funk Da World and a newer artist to the label, The Notorious B.I.G. (aka Biggie Smalls). "Flava In Ya Ear" blew up the spot in the summer of '94, while B.I.G.'s "Juicy", "Warning", "One More Chance", and "Big Poppa" took his album Ready To Die and the label to new heights. He also established a music publishing company named after his first son, Justin. Following the platinum success of Biggie and Craig, Combs has managed to produce and remix a variety of tracks ofr the likes of New Edition, KRS-One, Mariah Carey, Lil' Kim, and more. At the same time, he has also introduced the likes of R&B artists such as 112, Faith Evans and Total, while holding fort with hip-hop acts such as Mase and The LOX. All the while, his musical techniques produced scrutiny in the eyes of many hip- hop fans, mainly because of the manner in which samples have been used or re- used with his production.
In November of 1996, Puff stepped aside from the production room and went in from of the mic for the first time as the prominent MC on tracks. In his duet with Mase, Puff Daddy threw down the braggadocio vibe over Grandmaster Flash's classic beat from "The Message." Over the course of the next three months, he would find himself go from the center of production and East/West war attention, to that of an artist and celebrity in his own right. While "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" was blowin' up the spot in the mainstream, Puffy sent radio dj's coast to coast another sure hit with "All About The Benjamins" in the early winter of '97, providing the biggest step forward for his new stable of artists. Following the unfortunate death of The Notorious B.I.G. in March '97 and the subsequent multi-platinum release Life After Death,Puff Daddy put together an ode to his friend over the Police track "Every Breathe I Take" to once again top the charts with "I'll Be Missing You", featuring Faith and 112. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Faith Evans* At the tender age of two, singing became an intrinsic part of Faith Evan's life. "I began singing in church at a young age which enabled me to have a strong Gospel background," she says, and this would later be her foundation to embrace all music. Musically influenced by Jazz, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues and her mother, Faith confidently made the transition from church to singing background vocals and reference tracks. Her voice is compelling, smooth and inspirational, and, as a result, Faith was the first soulstress signed to the Bad Boy Entertainment label. But don't sleep on her, Faith's not only a singer her credentials also consist of songwriter, arranger and vocal producer. Faith's extensive songwriting is exemplified on Uptown Records' diva Mary J. Blige's album, My Life. She co-wrote "I Never want to Live Without You," "Everyday It Rains," "Don't Go" and "You Gotta Believe." Christopher Williams, Pebbles, Usher, Al B. Sure! and many more have been graced by Faith's efforts and the list of artists continues to grow. Faith was the first female artist to catch the ear of producer extraordinaire Sean "Puffy" Combs since the double platinum Mary J. Blige. "I met Puffy while I was working on a project for Al B. Sure! He liked my music and the rest is history," states Faith.
As Executive Producer of the album, Puffy says that it was "Faith's distinctive vocal sound and ability" which made an impression. Her vocal tone is captivating because there is so much diversity. "When I listen to Faith sing I think of rain, it sparks so many emotions...there's so many aspects to rain,"says Combs. The metaphorical description of Faith's voice by the former A&R director of Uptown Rec. helps you to understand her heart-rending sound. "There's good rain and there's bad rain," says Puffy. But whatever type of mood the rain puts you in, it's Faith's unique approach that gives her music personality. Her concepts combined with her wide octave range lift you to a horizon which holds no boundaries. Love is the key element. "I sing about experiences I have been through, mostly relationships," shares Faith. It's the lyrical content that grasps your immediate attention and it is at that point when conceptualization begins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Total* Total describes the sum of three distinct personalities, attitudes and vocal styles. Pam, Kima and Keisha are three fiercely independent young women who together form the femme fatale group Total. The talented trio was discovered by hip-hop's super producer Sean "Puffy" Combs three years ago and they have been busy making a name for themselves ever since. In an industry cluttered with female groups and failed debuts, these three girls from New Jersey have risen to the forefront to claim their spot on the charts. Total took the music scene by storm with their gold smash hit, "Can't You See" featured on the New Jersey Drive motion picture soundtrack; a national tour with Jodeci, Mary J. Blige and the Bad Boy Family; singing back-up vocals for two tracks on Notorious B.I.G.'s double platinum certified album, Ready to Die; and a cameo appearance in Eric Sermon's video "Hit and Switches," have all fueled their eagerly anticipated self-titled debut album. The pressure was on for Total to follow up ontheir gold-selling single with a slammin' album. "We were taking our time, making sure everything was right and that we were satisfied," says Keisha. "It is worth the wait." Working with producers such as Raphael Saddiq (of Tone Toni Tony), Jean-Claude "Poke" Olivier, Herb Middleton and Sean "Puffy" Combs, Total clearly puts to rest any notion that they are one hit wonders. Actor Omar Epps (star of Juice and Higher Learning) takes a break from the big screen to produce the song "Tell Me," a tune particularly special to the group since Keisha and Epps are best friends. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *112* Have you ever been invited to a world of wholesomeness - a world where temptation is so great,but cannot enter because you fear the unknown? Once you are mesmerized by the soulful sounds of 112, there is definitely no need to fear the sweetness of music. The natural blends of Bad Boy Entertainment's male quartet are made of Marvin, Daron, Q, and Mike. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, the group met while attending high school. Church and school talent shows "gave us the opportunity to showcase our gift". It was at one of their many talent shows that they sparked the attention of their present managers, Courtney Sills and Kevin Wales who then introduced the group to Sean Combs. 112 has transformed their harmonious gift into an art-form; through this art-form one is compelled to sense their compassion for music and tasteful lyrics. "We have a very spiritual foundation, the church is a significant part of our lives", says Mike. The inspiring melodies enables one to feel as if they have truly felt the gospel. Gospel icons such as Commissioned and John P. Kee, as well as BabyFace, Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight have all musically influenced 112. The self-titled debut album is dominated by romantic ballads seeking the opportunity to conquer love. We were able to collaborate our concepts with some of the most artistic people, says Daron. Al B. Sure and Kyle West combined their skills in order to perfect the song "This Is Your Day" and reveal through its words the heartfelt warmth and dedication toward a loved one - "If you want the sun, I'll shine it your way.. ....OH girl, this is your day." Songs such as "Pleasure and Pain" , and "Lose Your Love", produced by Stevie J, truly challenges the juxtaposition of love and it's power to conquer. As Executive Producer of the album, Bad Boy Entertainment's, Sean "Puffy" Combs has also made his musical contribution to the 112 era. " Only You ", written by 112 and produced by Puffy and Stevie J is an up-tempo song with an R&B edge. Also included on this project are the love ballads, "Now That We're Done" and "Can I Touch You" co-written with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. In a market saturated with male vocalists, each member of 112 raises to the forefront with a natural vocal and instrumental gift. Daron plays keyboard and programs the music; Q is an avid drummer and keyboard player; Marvin strings the cello, violin, bass and viola and Mike plays the keyboard. Each member demonstrates their vocal ability by singing lead interchangeably. Although each member possesses a different characteristic the bond is evident. "No matter how things add up 1 & 1 and 2 equals four" says Q. The vision of unity is conveyed through their invigorating riffs and tenor octave ranges. The music of 112 has a hypnotic effect - it has a unique rhythm which transfixes one to another realm. Their soothing tenor sounds. transport you to times past, however..... "THE TIME IS NOW 112"
Sphere
By: RAiN
Email: [email protected]
(SuBz Sez: The theatres at the end are in Oregon. Silly RAiN.)
I thought Sphere was a really good movie. It stars Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone and Samuel L. Jackson. It's about a group of people that go down 1,000 feet under the middle of the Pacific Ocean to search through a supposed alien space ship that had crash-landed there 300 years earlier. Throughout the movie they encounter many problems such as fires, deadly water animals, and an alien intelligence... named Jerry. The movie is very intense and exciting. I would suggest to any Sci-Fi fan that you go see it whenever you get a chance. You can't miss it. You can catch this movie at Clackamas Town Center, Cornelius, Division St. 13, Eastgate, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop 9, LLoyd Cinemas, Movies on TV, Oak Grove 8, Southgate, Tigard Cinemas, Westgate 5, Wilsonville 9.
Hey thats it for now. Sorry that there wasn't too many articles. People were lazy this time. Damn them. If you want more to read send in an article. We don't care what it's about. Really, we don't. Send your articles in ASCII format. No wordpad, wordperfect, etc.
Email your articles to: (no attachments, just cut and paste)
[email protected] (NOTE THE EMAIL CHANGE!)
Also include if you want to be a full, part, or guest writer.
Full - One article every month. Part - One article every three monthes. Guest - One article, then no more.
Of course you can always write more then these requirments.
Current Members:
SuBz - Editor Scorpz - Editor Moko - Full-Time Writer RAiN - Part-Time Writer Habib - Part-Time Writer
©1998 The Pi Philez. All Rights Reserved.