Southern Plug Magazine: Inaugural Issue SSE Gang Volume 1 issue 1 | Page 5

14x Award Winner Marcus Allen began his singing career in his high school talent shows and was an instant sensation and marveled by all. It was there that he realized he had an extraordinary vocal gift. At 16 years old Marcus Allen signed his first recording contract with UDown Records releasing his first CD "Never Again". His melodic sounds were an immediate hit with his audience. With that Marcus Allen released his 2nd CD “Get to Know Me” under his own company, MA Productions. The CD was released worldwide by Echo Vista/Koch Entertainment in 2008. Once again the distinctive and unmistakable sounds of Marcus Allen were simply - breathtaking. Marcus "Sweat It Out“ single has Charted #4 on Starflee. The release of his current new singles "Half a Man” and "Sweat It Out" is confirmation that Marcus Allen will become the music icon of the future. Fatman (Stephon Willingham Jr.) was born and raised in Ridgeway, South Carolina. Although from the Carolinas, Fatman strives to represent the entire southern community through his music. Starting from the group “Ready Boyz” formed in 2006,Fatman continues to hone his skills as a hip-hop recording artist. Known for his “Big Boi Status”, a movement that embodies hard work and faith , Fat-man is positioning himself as a force within the music industry. His first video single titled “Welcome to My World” (2010) showcased Fatman’s love for community and family. Fatman’s dedication and drive have allowed him to press through many trials, such as dropping out of high school, although later receiving his diploma and barber license. These tribulations have paled in comparison to Fatman’s focus and will to provide quality music to his peers. Southern Plug Magazine formally known as Carolina Hip Hop Culture Magazine started out as an idea between three friends in the studio and I being the most passionate about it set out to make a dream a reality. It is also surreal; me running my own magazine is like a fairy tale but I do give all thanks to God for making my dreams come true. We at Southern Plug Magazine are working hard to bring the southern hip hop culture to the forefront of the mainstream Music Industry by featuring budding musical acts, models, producers etc. in the pages of our publication giving the world a glimpse of the struggles, and shine of southern hip hop. This issue features South Starr Entertainment’s Rolla and Slugga on the front cover as well as TakenOver Entertainment’s First Lady Monaee on the back cover. Inside includes artist such as The Lyrical Assassin, J. Santoni, LeLe aka BadBad, Lil Ru and many more. With entertaining interviews and stories that matter to you the reader and connect with all hip hop music lovers. By featuring Southern America’s hip hop elites we have become a platform for aspiring artist looking to gain major exposure. It’s going to be fun to witness the rise of the southern entertainment and to watch this movement grow as we grow and help our states to grow and by sticking together not only will we grow together but we will succeed together. Succeeding at creating our own market for everything independent and hip hop right here in our own cities. Again I want to thank God for the opportunity afforded to me and my board to be the outlet for an entire industry within our states and I hope you enjoy all that Southern Plug Magazine has to offer through its pages and online blogs. Sincerely, Darren James Editor In Chief