Suga Shane, Strawberry SiSi, Kiana Tanay, and Famouss cover Issue 60 of Midwest Leak Magazine featuring articles with Mz. Fe, Deaon Forever, Etare Neged and more! Click the cover to read the latest issue now!

Shortridge High School Cheerleaders, Ms EKlass, BSwift and Midwest Leak Magazine present the Dream Chasers Talent Showcase. Registration is now open for auditions taking place June 7th with the big show going down June 22nd!

Click here to register online.

Click here to print the registration form.

Wale will be in Indianapolis at downtown hot spot Sensu next Wednesday night. Click the flyer for tickets!

Midwest Leak Magazine Awards Indy’s Favorite 2013 ceremony was held April 7, 2013 at Suite 38 in Indianapolis. The winners were as follows:

Restaurant
Kountry Kitchen

Club
Suite 38

Promoter
Baby Dookie

Song“Head Dumb”
MRC presents Lil Scooty and Yella featuring Parris

Mixtape“Live From the Northpole”
Yung Tone

RnB Artist
Tiara Thomas

Male Rap Artist
Lil Nut

Female Rap Artist
Parris

Young Artist
Lil Bango

Video“Do”
Skypp featuring Lil Billy and Love LeAmber

Host/Personality
B Swift

Club DJ
DJ Pimp Cee

Mixtape DJ
*TIE*
DJ Don Don
DJ Gus

Barber
Charlie the Barber

Stylist
Misty Untouchable

Tattoo Artist
Amani Tre Niner

Adult Entertainer
Strawberry

Retail store
Hang Time

Producer
Swiff tha Gift

Video Director
Chedda Mane Films

How did you know it was time to make the transition from turning down shows for work to shows becoming work?
I actually never knew it was time. I went on a couple of college tour dates with MGK and didn’t make it back in time for work. So I ended up getting fired, which gave me the opportunity to put more focus into my music. So really me getting fired was the transition and the best move. Fuck it.

Did you already know that MGK was the kinda guy to not forget about his friends once he made a name for himself?
Yea. And that’s only because I believed in him. Even when people would whisper in my ear and say shit like “He gone get on and leave y’all.” When really he the type if guy that want to see his friends, homie, or even business partner succeed in whatever it is we’re doing life. And that’s real.

What’s been the moment you’re most proud of in your career so far?
Putting out my 1st official mixtape titled “Do I Know You?” I named it after a catchy line in a song with me and Kells called “Cleveland” I worked very hard on every song and pretty engineered every track. But that’s definitely not where it stops. I appeared on a major album thanks to the homie Kells (MGK). EST4Life!

Do you think you would ever venture into gospel as you get older since it’s in your blood already?
All praise to the man upstairs. But I’m a leave that up to my grandfather and uncles, The Rance Allen Group. Me my brother Slim are just going to carry on the musical tradition in the family. Hip-hop or not.

What made you decide to pay homage to Bone Thugs with the sample on your single?
When I first heard that beat, it was a no brainier. It was a must that I drop on that. The vibe was my style all the way through. And what’s a better way to pay homage to the OGs who paved the way for every young inspiring artist in the city of Cleveland. Even though I don’t even know if their familiar with me or my music. Fuck it. Lol!

What’s coming up for you that you can share with the Midwest?
Of course more projects. I got some stuff in the making and trying to collab with others from the city and around the way. Definitely you’ll be seeing more work of me and MGK, I got more videos on the way from my Mixtape “Do I know You” which is on Livemixtapes.com too. So yea make sure you keep up.

How can people keep in touch with you?
You can follow me on Twitter @Dubz216, Facebook.com/dubo216, Instagram @duboest, and YouTube.com/Dubz216 EST foo!

Why do you have us punching nuns on your website? It looks so wrong but feels so right! Lol!
It’s just something fun for the kids to do. Most websites are boring, wanted something fun for ‘em to do.

Reading your story it sounds like nothing was handed to you. It sounds like you grinded your way through a rough childhood and can relate to the problems a lot of everyday people face. You’re an only child from a single parent household, had to work in fast food to support yourself while getting your start in music despite the struggles of real life how did you maintain your motivation in music?
I stayed motivated cause music was all I had. It’s a release for me, it’s everything to me. I didn’t have nothing else so it kept me motivated.

I’ve seen some photos of you wearing a shirt that says “F-ck College.” What made you know you didn’t want to pursue higher education along with a music career?
The “f-ck” college thing is just an expression for me. I want kids to go to college and do stuff like that, but the way the government pitches it, is like you have to go to college, but that’s not true. You know what I mean? You can make your way without college. A lot of people can. A lot of people went to college and are in worse situations than I am. “F-ck college” is more like do what the f-ck is right for you really.

What does EST 19XX mean and what can we expect from it as a label?
EST 19XX is our record label, it’s our fans, it’s just everything. We got a project from DUB-O, my brother. He’s been wit me from the start, the bottom, the basement. He’s comin out with an EP later on this year.

How did attending conferences, showcases and award shows such as the Ohip Hip Hop awards and South by Southwest shape your career as an up and coming artist?
Just like with anything, it helps get my name out there.

You rep Ohio to the fullest, what will it take for a strong Midwest Movement to start to get more of the spotlight focused here like it was once focused on the South, West and East coasts heavy?
I think it’s already started. We just dropped a project yesterday with every artist from Cleveland called “B-tch I’m from Cleveland!” It’s really about the artists who take off comin back and trying to bring people up with them. Like Dubs, Ray Jr, people from Cleveland.

What was your reaction to the news that you were selected to be one of the Freshmen?
I was f-ckin stoked. Like, it’s a magazine cover!

What’s been the most exciting moment of hearing your music played for the masses be it on radio, tv commercials, videos, etc?
Just hearing people sing the words. We put a lot of time and effort into our music, and we’ve waited so long for people to know the words to our f-ckn songs. It makes me estatic!

Do you write your acceptance speeches for awards?
Yes.

How did the relationship with MMG and Meek Mill come about?
They respect my grind, they respect my hustle. They reached out for me to do it. We were doin a show in New York City and I came out, and they just kinda felt the energy I brought and asked me to be on the tour with em.

What can we expect from your new music in 2013?
Total takeover of the industry.

What made you decide on releasing “Champions” first off your upcoming mix cd?
“Champions” isn’t actually on the mixtape, but it’s doing so well that I might actually put it on there. But “Champions” is just basically an announcement for our fans for everybody that we’re not takin no for an answer this year, we comin for everything.

Tell our readers about your upcoming headliner Lace Up Tour. What can they expect? A shitload of kids going crazy and making bad decisions afterwards.

What’s been the wildest experience you’ve had on the tour?
I can’t even name it. It’s so many f-ckin stories seriously!

Are all your interactions with fans through social media really you?
Yes. 100%

What makes you decide which fans to follow?
I just follow people with Lace Up tattoos.

What do you feel it is about you that makes the fans so loyal they want to get Lace Up tatted on them?
They just see a part of themselves in me. I don’t dress flashier than them, I dress the same as them. I wear $30 jeans and Chuck Taylors out here. I’m relatable.

SMIRNOFF and VH1 are delivering reality television like never before for dancers, ravers, and true music fans, allowing me, and the other contestants of Season 3, the opportunity to expose our skill and talent on television.

Here’s a message from Dimepiece:

Thank you so much for all your love and support! I’m hoping to make it far in the competition, so I can bring home the crown of “Master of The Mix”!

If you’re in Chicago attend the viewing party April 1st at 8pm!

TI addresses Lil Wayne Rumors, Gives TMZ the Finger at SXSW

The Midwest Leak Awards will be held Sunday, April 7th at Suite 38 in Indianapolis. The Tastemakers Only Nuvo new flavor launch party will be immediately following the show featuring an open Nuvo Peach Cobbler and Nuvo Red Velvet Cake bar until midnight!

Movemakers from across the Midwest will be honored and your Indy favorites will be announced. For Indy favorites nominees see below and vote now!

Restaurant
Kountry Kitchen
Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles
Mississippi Belle
His Place Eatery
GQs
Big Walts

Club
Suite 38
Pure Passion West
Sunset
Club Molly
6 Lounge

Promoter
Mobile Network 1/Signature Shoes
M-80
Chino Dollaz
Baby Dookie
BHB/TGM
C Hov/DJ Cash
Paradise Promotions

Song
“I’m Winnin” AT
“Head Dumb” MRC and Parris
“2G Kush n Percs” JE and Tone Goody
“Like Wow” Boosie Dre and Tone Goody
“George Hill” Luchi Ent
“Out the Mud” Mr Bankroll, D Rock
“What the Hell (remix)” Lil Nut f/Crunchy Black

Mixtape
“Tattoo Muzik” Amani TreNiner
“I’m Back” Lil Nut
“Sec 8 Livin” Poodie
“UGKs” HFBT
“RNS” 2G Ent
“The ReUp” Vinnie
“Live from the Northpole” Yung Tone

RnB Artist
Tiara Thomas
Lee’a Ro
Kelsey Nykole
Deaon Forever
Jessica Rabbit
Love LeAmber

Male Rap Artist
Mark Battles
Lil Nut
Poodie
Skypp
D Rock
Yung Tone

Female Rap Artist
Parris
Ms Stress
Mrs Cre of Midlife Muzik
Lady Lavish
J Hussle

Young Artist
Lil Noop
iFreshPrinceDuh
Poindexter
Bango
D-No

Video
“Do” Skypp featuring Lil Billy and Love LeAmber
“Break Me Down” Nue Breed
“Head Dumb” MRC featuring Parris
“Tell em bout me” T-Eazy, Bango, Tone Goody
“All My Life” Lee’a Ro
“Trap Boomin Like McDonalds” Gooru
“Nocturnal” Sirius Blvck

Host / Personality
Chino Dollaz
B Swift
Ms Eklass
Mz Fe
OG Slim

Club DJ
DJ Pimp Cee
DJ Cash
Reddy Rock
DJ King
DJ JF

Mixtape DJ
Don Don
DNyce
DJ Gus
DJ Bino
Reddy Rock
DJ Flip
DJ Champ

Barber
Neal
Naptown’s Prince
June (Super Tight Barbershop)
Allen (The New Doo)
Charlie the Barber
LJ (Greatest Barbers)

Stylist
Joi
Lucky
Brandon Frierson
Misty
Shellie (Tak N Ova)

Tattoo Artist
Amani
Shadow
Infamous Jones
Nitty
Brandi (Native Ink)
YG

Adult Entertainer
Butta
Strawberry
Talana
Nikki Sweets
Jade with the Fade
1 Nighter

Retail store
Got Sole?
Hangtime
RnS Menswear
Revolver
Blush Shoetique
SM Musik N More
City Music

Producer
Darkk
Playbwoi
Swiff tha Gift
Young Kros
Chris Kelly

Video Director
Chedda Mane Films
Wright Films
Rambo Hustle
Ill HD
Trill Nation Films
Bay Eddie

Dawn Richard formerly of Danity Kane and Dirty Money graces the cover of issue 57 of Midwest Leak along with Bella Nae and Bad Side World. Inside check out info about Leakend 2013, a re-cap of how we spent our holidays along with stories on the lovely Stawberry SiSi, Poindexter, Harlem, Young Rome and more!