Newspaper Page Text
By Eric Rose
Staff Writer
Mista
On the Prowl
Mista’s on the Move. Mista’s got the
Groove. Mista’s gonna Prove they got the
right to Move.
Atlanta’s music scene received a rebirth
of retro in the form of four funky teenagers
with one common dream: to make a name
for themselves as Mista.
Mista’s members Brandon, 13, Darryn,
16, Bobby, 16 and Byron, 16, all have the
air of seasoned professionals both on and
off the stage.
Their debut album, released in June on
the Elektra label through 9 Lives
Productions, had many insiders as well as
fans comparing them to some of the hottest
young groups of the past.
“We’ve been compared to the Jackson 5
and New Edition by our older fans and the
kids see us like Immature,” said Byron,
“but all we want to do is bring back some
of that old vibe.”
The group’s manager, Eric Johnston,
said that the response to the group has
been very positive especially now that one
of their jams, “Blackberry Molasses” tore
up the airwaves. Most AUC students may
not realize that their first sample of the
Mista jam came last April when they were
one of the groups that performed at the
Hot 97.5 concert during Freaknik.
Photo by Eric Rose
Johnston related the group’s philosophy
in one simple statement.
“We want to keep R&B real,” he said.
When asked where do they see
themselves in the near future, the quartet’s
answers are reminiscent of musical groups
before them
“Producing,” said Byron.
“Acting,” said the group’s youngest
member, Brandon.
However, they still came off like
individuals and elder statesman of the
New School when questioned about those
singers who have moved on to acting.
(Alright, Who just Exhaled?)
“I think it’s good,” said Bobby. “If you
can do it, do it.”
“There’s always a place for everyone,”
added Bobby.
If their interview was any measurement
of their character and talent, you can be
sure you will hear more about this Fab
Four of the New Teenscene very soon.
Found: the Lost Boyz
Jacobi Peters
Contributing Writer
The Lost Boyz have been
hitting us off with bomb singles for
almost a year and a half now, starting
off with “Lifestyles of the Rich and
Shameless” and following up with
“Jeeps, Lex, Coupes, Bimaz, and Benz”,
"Renee”, “The Yearn”, and “Music
Makes Me High”. They’ve done it
again with “The L.T. Hutton Remix” of
“Music Makes Me High” featuring Tha
Dogg Pound. In the initial seconds of
the song you may wonder if it is worth
single status, but after a while, the
thumping baseline and piano riff will
have any listener open. The only
complaint this recognizable is the lack
of skillful lyrics displayed. Although
Mr. Cheeks and Daz are not renowned
for their outstanding lyrics, Kurupt is,
and therefore one can expect more.
All complaints aside, it is
phenomenal that two of the hottest
selling groups, who happen to be from
different coasts, could get together and
represent hip-hop. The Lost Boyz and
Tha Dogg Pound have set an example
for the rest of the hip-hop nation to
follow. May the West Coast - East
Coast rivalry cease and lay dormant
forever.
Atlanta bom and bred, Electra
recording Artist, Mista
Words of Common Sense
Jacobi Peters
Contributing Writer
Hip Hop artist Common Sense
made a presence in Atlanta performing at
Spelman’s homecoming concert. I
caught up with him and was privileged to
ask him a few questions.
Panther: How do you feel about rap
music’s migration toward materialistic
gain?
Common Sense: I feel it’s another
phase of music. Personally, I don’t get
down like that but I can’t knock the
brothas that do ‘cause everybody wants
nice things.
Panther: How did you get down with
De La Soul and the whole Native
Tongues Family?
Common: They just embraced me and
showed me love. They invited me to
kick it and it was just a natural friendship
that evolved into a business relationship.
Panther: Everybody wants to know
about the cut where you was dissin’ Ice
Cube. What is the status of that whole
situation?
Common: I look at it as a record. He
dissed me on record, so I dissed him
back on my record. It’s just rap to
me...hip hop music. I don’t have
nothing personal with that man.
Whatever happens...happens.
Panther: Are you planning you
planning on bringing any groups out or
establishing a label?
Common: Right now, we got a
production company established. It’s
called Area Code. No I.D., Ynot and
Doug Infinite are doing most of the
production. We are about to get a label
deal and the first brotha out will be Sam
Lett. We’re working on my album right
now and we did a song on the AIDS
album (America Is Dying Slowly)
called “After Eight Years of My Life
Smoking and Drinking”.
Panther: Do you have any parting
shots for the AUC community?
Common: I say peace to all y’all that
are going to school and trying to
progress and evolve. Just keep doing
what you’re doing and pursue your
goals. Put God first in your life, let the
spirit flow through you and try to spread
love to each other in these last days.
Peace!
Look for Reviews of Your
Favorite Artsits in
Upcoming Issues!