Tray Chaney Partners With Mississippi Artist Ziggy For 2012

Actor/recording artist/author Tray Chaney is looking to 2012 with excitement and optimism.

With movie and music projects in the works and The Wire preparing to celebrate its 10 year anniversary, Tray is also looking to expand his reach to others areas including working with other artists. When he heard about Mississippi recording artist Ziggy, he knew he had found someone that he wanted to collaborate with.

"Ziggy has a unique sound that I know others will feel," says Tray. WIth songs like "Shake It Baby" and "Feel Like", Ziggy has already began to build a buzz in the Magnolia state. Tray believes he can help the talented artist to reach listeners outside of the South.

The two are already working on features and their is even talk of releasing an album together. "The skies the limit for both of us," says Tray. "Looking forward to what the future holds." Ziggy's manager, Stanley Clark of Real Deal Entertainment, agrees.

To get a sneak peek at music by Tray Chaney and Ziggy visit http://tinyurl.com/traychaneyandziggy. To keep in touch with Tray and his upcoming projects, visit www.traychaneyblog.tumblr.com.

Cazpa of Po Pimpin' Entertainment: Living & Rapping The Truth

by Cyrus Webb

The state of Mississippi has given birth to some of the brightest stars in the music industry and recording artist Chris "Cazpa" Everett of Yazoo City is looking to be one of the state's next best things. The 30 year old is already building not just a brand for himself but providing an opportunity for other artists as well.

Cazpa has always had a love of music, but in 1999 he was introduced to Jerome Johnson who had a record label called Millennium Player Records and began to believe that he could make something happen with what he was writing. Since then he has not only been able to share his world through music but help others do the same.

Conversations Magazine assistant music editor Stanley Clark introduced me to the artist. In a phone interview for this feature it was clear to me how deep his love for music and the business of music was. "I get a natural high from me," Cazpa says. He told me that he is rapping about everyday life, something that everyone can relate to. "I'm reaching the people where they are," he explains. "Everybody has something they are dealing with or feeling. It can be trials and tribulations or the good times that make you want to celebrate. That's the kind of music I am making. It's not rap music. It's life music."


Cazpa founded his own record label Po Pimpin' Entertainment in 2005 but just really began making real moves with it in 2011. The artists that he is signing and working with are unique in their own ways. "They each have their own style," he told me. "They envision the same thing I do. We all make music for the same reason."

When I brought up the fact that others have come out of Mississippi and had an affect on the music that is being heard in the mainstream, Cazpa says he believes he can be a part of that same movement. "I'm hoping that what my artists and I are doing is going to stand out from the rest that's out there," he says. "We want to succeed not just for ourselves but for our families and the state as well. I don't just want to be another artist. I want to use what I am doing to make a positive effect on my community in Yazoo City and beyond."

Currently Cazpa and the rest of the Po Pimpin' Entertainment family is recording music, performing at shows and spreading the word about themselves person to person as well as through social networking.

What advice does Cazpa have for other artists or anyone looking to following their dreams? "Stay true to yourself. Just try to stay real. When it comes to me, nothing is going to change me. Being on tv or getting radio play is not going to change me from the person I am. I refuse to let that happen. I refuse to portray something that I'm not. If you are true to yourself and your craft others will see that, too. That's what will speak to them."

Friend Cazpa on Facebook by going to http://tinyurl.com/cmcazpa.

PROFILE: Recording Artist Ziggy

by Cyrus Webb

At the age of seven he was joining his father in listening to Master P and Tupac. Now at the age of 21 years old rapper Ziggy has tens of thousands online and beyond paying attention to him.

The road that led the young man to pursuing music may not have been what some see as the best, but it is a testament of what can happen when we work to make the most out of a bad situation. At the age of 14 Ziggy found himself in trouble and used writing as a way of sharing what he was going through and what he was feeling. This gave him confidence to begin recording himself and dropping his first mixtape while just in the eleventh grade. "I sold it for $3 and the people were loving it," he told me in a phone interview set up by Conversations Magazine assistant music editor Stanley Clark.

The rest as they say is history.

Ziggy's video for the song "Jumpin' Out" has over 20k hits on Youtube, garnering him attention not just around the state of Mississippi but beyond as well. He is staying focused creating the kind of music that he feels like others will not only enjoy but relate to as well. "I think I have something for the club, the streets or wherever you are," he told me. "I make music for the people."

Not even those who might be seen as naysayers are making an impact on the lyricist. "I feel like if you don't have haters you aren't doing too much," he says. "You have to have haters to keep you going."

No matter what comes his way Ziggy is determined to not let anything keep him from pursuing his dreams, and wish both of his parents supporting him the skies seem to be the limit.

His advice for others who are looking to go for their dreams? "Keep going. Don't get caught up in anything that can hold you down. Let your haters motivate you to become better."

Look for Ziggy on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/cmziggy. For booking information contact Stanley Clark at sclarkpickens@aol.com or 1.773.315.9286.

UNCAGED ENTERTAINMENT: Unleashing The South's New Talent

by Cyrus Webb


At a time when most of the music industry is looking to emulate the sounds and successes of others, Mississippi-based Uncaged Entertainment (5430 Executive Place *Jackson, MS 39206) is working hard to go outside of the ordinaary and create something original.

Under the leadership of founders Ace(31)and Aaron Woods (32), the label began in May 2010 with a simple agenda: change the entertainment game and allow Mississippi's talent to shine.

"When it comes to Uncaged, we are all about allowing the artist to be true to themselves and put out what is really in their heart and mind," says Ace. "We provide the platform and the opportunity, but it's the artists dream that we want to see come true."

So far those seeing their dreams become a reality with Uncaged include Mr. Dis-Kret, Los, C-Bollz and Thoroughbred.
The label's focus currently is producing quality Hip Hop and R&B that speaks to the people.

Joining the two founders of Uncaged is Stanley Clark of the Marketing organization For The People Productions. For Clark, the label's passion for music and quality are the main reasons why it will succeed. "Uncaged is doing what very few people in the industry are willing to do," he says. "They are putting their resources where they belong and creating a team that is not only close knit but have the entire team's interests in mind."

What is Uncaged Message to aspiring artists and the world? "We are here to give you waht you have been looking for but haven't been able to find," says Ace. "Uncaged might be based in the South, but we have a universal feel that is all about unleashing the talent of our artists. With us, there is no limit to where we can go."

For more information about Uncaged Entertainment, visit www.uncagedent.com or contact Stanley Clark at 773.315.9286.

For The People Joins Shadow Play Entertainment in Welcoming Young Money's Lil' Chuckee To Mississippi In Support Of Reading

(Wed., January 12, 2011) For The People Productions is pleased to announce that it has joined Shadow Play Entertainment in welcoming Kernell Reynolds of TRU Records and Lil' Chuckee of Cash Money's Young Money to Mississippi as part of the literacy campaign Hip Hop and Books (www.hiphopandbooks.net).

"We are excited to be a part of this historic event," says Stanley Clark, President of For The People. "Anything we can do to promote the importance of reading in Mississippi is an honor."

The visit of Reynolds and Lil' Chuckee will take place Feb. 23-25, 2011 with events scheduled for all age groups, but with a particular interest in young people. "We want to show the young people that no matter what they want to be in life, whether its in entertainment or whatever, that reading is importance to them," says Clark.

For more information, contact Stanley Clark at sclarkpickens@aol.com or 773.315.9286. You can also reach Cyrus Webb of Shadow Play Entertainment at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Details about the upcoming visit can also be found at www.hiphopandbooks.net.

(Fri. Jan. 7, 2011) For The People Productions Welcomes Author Jackie Carpenter

(Friday, January 7, 2011) Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club welcomed Jackie Carpenter, author of THE BRIDGE, to Mississippi on Friday, January 7, 2011 to begin her two day promotion of the book and how her faith helped guide her through a dark chapter of her life.

Hosted by Conversations' President Cyrus Webb and co-sponsored by Stanley Clark of For The People Productions, the day began at Medgar Evers Library in South Jackson. There Carpenter shared snippets of her life story and how the inspiration for the book came about.


Those in attendance listened intently as she explained that it was never her intention to become an author, but God had other plans.
Before leaving the library, she also donated a copy of her book to them so it can be shared with the patrons.

While in Jackson, Webb and Carpenter stopped by Clear Channel's radio offices to drop off a copy of the book for Nikki Dulaney of Hallelujah 95.5 FM for consideration for her book club selections.


From there, the group was on its way to Pearl, MS where Webb introduced Carpenter to some of the staff at the Pearl Public Library, and she donated copies of her book THE BRIDGE to them for use by their patrons.


As it would be, Conversations Book Club supporter and evangelist Diane Johnston was also present at the library, and was able to get a copy of Carpenter's book as well!

Next stop was Milestone Christian Bookstore where Carpenter was able to talk with management about her book and even laid the groundwork for a future signing at the stop when she returns to Mississippi!


The final stop of the day was at DSI, the renal center where Webb's grandmother is on dialysis. Several nurses from the Mississippi State Hospital had expressed interest to Webb about their love of books, and he was able to introduce them to the visiting author, share her book and the message she hopes they get from it.


The overall message that Jackie Carpenter shared was this: "I had to go through the test in order to have a testimony, and I had to endure the mess so I could have a message." What an incredible way to look at tests and trials that we all go through!

Find out more about Jackie Carpenter and her inspiring book at www.bridgetoamiracle.com. Shadow Play Entertainment and For The People Productions thanks the author, her family and everyone who shared the day with them. Day Two will include events in Brandon and Pearl, Mississippi. Details can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info.