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I'd like to take this time
to correct a mistake made in our last issue. When interviewing
writer Charlie Braxton, he stated that he was impressed by an
artist from Texas by the name of Money Waters . I thought he said
Muddy Water. They’re from Mississippi, but live in Texas
now. I apologize for the mistake.
This issue is a special one in more ways
than one. This is our first All-Mississippi issue - sort of a
“Who’s-Who” In Mississippi Hip-Hop. Since the
Southern Entertainment Awards is being held in our state for the
very first time, we felt it would be the perfect opportunity to
hip those coming to “The Sip” to some of the artists,
producers, djs, labels, and entrepreneurs on the grind in the
state of Mississippi. I’d like to personally thank all those
who cooperated with us in helping put this thing together. I told
yall..... Mississippi’s bout to tear this thang up.
There are some people from and not from
the state of Mississippi who would like for those of u living
outside of the state to believe that Mississippi is a horrible
place. A place where all African-American people are poor. A place
where all are uneducated. A place where racism is as much a way
of life as it was 40 years ago. These are all lies and we’re
sick of hearing it. This is our Mississippi and we ain’t
lettin’ em run it down. U can tell ‘em Anthony Colom
said it. Hell, let em confront me, and I’ll tell ‘em.
U see, by making Mississippi look illiterate,
poor, and hopeless, these people can say.... “Look at me
and what I’ve done. I made it.” They’ll have
u believe that they’re doing so much for Mississippi, but
in reality, ain’t done shit but profit from misinformation.
I’m just keepin’ it real with u.
Can Mississippi improve on healthcare and
education ? Of Course ! So could every other state. Does racism
still exist in Mississippi ? Yes ! Rodney King got his ass beat
in Los Angeles, California . U think being black didn’t
have something to do with that ? Racism is everywhere. The South
(Mississippi included) is not the old-South that a lot of people
have heard about. That’s a misconception. A lot of black
folks are doing it big here [Mississippi]. We have many black
professionals just like other states. We have black doctors, dentists,
lawyers, nurses, preachers, firefighters, police officers, accountants,
teachers, professors, mayors, state and U.S. representatives,
state senators, coaches, athletes, artists, publishers, writers,
and entrepreneurs.
My father is a dentist. His older brother
owns one of the largest black-owned construction companies in
the state. His younger brother is a lawyer (his wife is a judge).
His youngest brother owns the largest black-owned auto salvage
yard in the state. His brother, the lawyer, was the first black
man in the state of Mississippi to own a Ford automobile dealership
(in West Point, Mississippi). My grandfather died a wealthy man
- because he worked his ass off - because he worked smart. He
owned a grocery store, used car dealership, restaurant, apartments,
rental houses, and land. I own The New Power Magazine (Mississippi’s
only hip-hop publication). We put The New Power in businesses
owned by both, blacks and whites. I’m only telling u this
to prove a point - that Mississippi ain’t what u think it
is. It’s much more than the picture that some have painted.
Everyone in Mississippi is not doing great,
but everyone’s not doing bad, either. The poor always outnumber
the wealthy. That’s most places. We all know that. In any
state you’ll have certain areas and people who’ll
prosper more than others. It really has nothing to do with the
state itself. It has to do with a prison called the mind. U see,
if u think negative thoughts, you’ll draw negative energy.
The same with positive thoughts. Most people are doing bad only
because they think they can’t do any better. Where u live
shouldn’t be an excuse for not getting what u want and need.
I wasn’t raised to believe that I
can’t get what I want because white people are gonna keep
me down. Some parents and grandparents have brainwashed children
into believing that. If God doesn’t wanna stop me, then
I can’t be stopped. Neither can u.
This is our Mississippi. We love it. So
when you’re outside our state speaking lies and half-truths,
we’re gonna check u on it.
If I had Oprah’s money, I’d
still be right here. There’s no other place in the world
that I’d rather live. That’s the honest-to-God truth.
We’ve made it a point to make sure
we feature at least one artist, producer, or label from Mississippi
in every issue. And as long as I own this publication we’ll
continue to do so as a way of giving something back. We’re
in a position to do that. To all of u others in a position to
do it - get up off ya asses ! This ain’t just my Mississippi
- IT’S OUR MISSISSIPPI. A.C.
I'd like to thank a host of people who
helped contribute in putting together this special All-Mississippi
issue. They are : My New Power People - Jimmy Biggs, Dub. G, Kevin
"K.G." Gordon, Alan Harrison, Ty Jones, Bigg Vince Roberts,
Gregory Spencer, The Unknown Playa, & Clark White. I'd also
like to thank The M.A.P. (Mississippi Artists and Producers) Coalition,
Charlie Braxton, Vince at Durdy Work MMG, and Misvision Graphics.
Respect The Paper. We Will Be Heard !
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