Young Rome

The Music,
The Man,
& His Plan!




Young Rome Gives us his "Food For Thought!"

BY Jessica-LaShawn

As one third of the super group Imx, Young Rome has embarked on a solo career.
Known for redefining the word longevity within the music industry this young man is ready,
eager, and willing to redirect Hip Hop to his plato of entertainment. Following the success
of his counterpart Marques “MH” Houston, Young Rome is determined to show the world
just what he is about. Over a decade of experience has given this soon to be 23 year old
the title of an industry veteran. His album’s full of his life’s stories, sex, alcohol,
and an overall good party! Staying extremely positive throughout the duration of
the album Young Rome invites his listeners into a world that isn’t considered
teenie-bopperish! He is in control and he’s giving everyone his “Food for
Thought”! Welcome to the Music, the Man, and his Plan!

The Music

1. Why’d you chose to go by the name Young Rome?

Young Rome represents who I am as a person. My family and
friends have called me that since I was little. Going by the name
allows me to make my message through my music more personal.

2. Why’d you name your album “Food for Thought”.

When I decided to drop a solo album people were wondering how I could stand
solo from Imx. By naming my album "Food for thought" I was able to educate
them on my life, my skills, and my determination. I basically want people to know
where I was coming from in my own unique way.

3. How is this album different from previous Immature/Imx albums?

I was able to discuss more mature subjects in my own way. I had no hold up with
this album because it was what was on my mind and in my heart. I was able to
just be me.

4 Do you feel that you had to change your image in order to gain more
respect for this album?

Nah. My image has been the same the only thing is that I’m getting older. I’m
able to do a lot more things.

5. Is this album a good representation of your actual lifestyle?
Yep.
6. What is your favorite song?

Best Days and Look Down on Me.

7 What is the next single and when will you shot the video?

Freaky and Yeah I shot the video three weeks ago.

8 Will you tour to promote this album?

Yeah I think around late September.

9. Can we expect a sophomore solo album from you and MH?

Yeah I’ll do one after another Imx album. Mh is in the studio right now working on
his.
10 When can we expect the return of Imx?

Sooner than you think!

11. Why hasn’t L.D.B. been actively supporting your solo careers?

He is more so on the business side of all of the things we do. Tell the fans not to
worry about him because he is fine. We all see each other like everyday so
everything is still tight between us. But overall he manages some of the TUG
artist and myself. He’s doing big things behind the scenes.

Is Kelton (LDB) in college?
Nah. He's working on managing artist for right now.

12 How long did it take you to record “Food for Thought“?

About 2 Months. Yeah, 2 Months.

13. Will Imx’s album to come have some of the same lyrical freedom as your
solo album?

Expect maturity.

14. Are you featured on Ray J’s fourth coming album?
Nah. Just a rumor.

15. What did you learn while on the road with MH during the promotion of
his solo project?

People were throwing hard questions at him all of the time and I knew it was hard
for him. I learned that I needed to prepare for everyone and their opinions of
me, Imx, and my solo project.
The Man
1. What is your middle name? (Isaac or Isaiah )
Isaiah but it’s spelled like Izzaich

2. Describe Jerome I Jones to the fans?

I’m cool, calm, and collective. I’m all about business and family. I love my mom
she is the center of my world and my little nephews are what gives me joy. I’m
just a family person. If I’m on the road I’m fine but when I get to my family I’m
complete. I’m strong, determined, and I’m focused man. (laughing) But I like to
control my environment to the best of my ability in order to be comfortable.

3. How tall are you?
uhhhh

4. Do you have a child? (The journey liner notes)
No not at all I’ll read the album credits but no I don’t have a child of my own.
5. Describe and explain your tattoos please.

One is the world and it means that I control what goes on in my world. That is my
main thing. The other one is an X with Romeo underneath it. That represents my
place in Imx.

6. Describe your potential soul mate. (physique characteristics, values)

Whew she just has to be strong. I need a woman that can handle this business.
She has to be able to trust me. Girls I’ve been with in the past couldn’t handle
me being gone a lot and they’d want me to stay and lay up with them. But then I’
d have to tell them if I did that who’s gonna provide for my nieces and nephews.
They’ll come up to me and be like Uncle why we can’t wear Jordan’s no more we
gotta downgrade to some other shoe. I need to do my job, work and pay the bills
and that’s real. But ummm I need a woman that understands me and my love for
the music. Looks ...well ummm...beggars can’t be choosers. I want a little
something to work with you know. (laughs) I need a woman that can just be for
me. When I’m on the road she can stay at home and take care of the kids and
be happy but when I come home she is there for me without an attitude. She
gotta love me for me and what I do and not just for what I do. She can get out
and have her own job I’m still gonna be a provider but that is her choice if she
wants to work or not. I’m straight. But she really just needs to be strong enough
to handle the things I go through daily and be her own person.

7. Are you involved currently in a relationship?

Nah-whew. I just got out of a 2 and a half year relationship right before I
recorded my album. A hard break up.

8. What have you learned about yourself during the promotion of this
album?

I love music and I have a talent that I love to share. I never knew how much I
loved this game until I start playing by myself. I am a lot stronger and passionate
about my music. It is an extension of me.
The Plan

1. What are your plans for your 23rd birthday?
I have no idea, really, none!

2. Are you going to participate in the Imx Convention that will be help in
2005 in L.A?

What! Man I knew nothing about that but if I am in L.A I’ll make it a point to go
and mingle with my fans. Gosh that’s great. Man that’s hot. We would love to be
apart of that for sure!

3. How has this solo album aided in your musical career goals?
Man it made me find even more goals as a solo artist and as a member of Imx. I’
ve just grown and my love for music has grown. I just wanna be in this game
more seriously now.

4. What are your plans now since you’ve dropped a successful solo project?
Do more music!

5. Are the colors Red, White, and Blue symbolic to your album?
Nah not really. I felt those colors helped me to represent the classic struggle. I
am representing what a lot of people go through and I actually made it


6. How do you feel about fans approaching you off of the stage?

I love my fans first of all but you just gotta be respectful. If I’m in the hotel, that is
a business and you gotta be respectful. I don’t mind holding a conversation with
you because I love the fans. But if I’m out with my mom and my nephew is in my
arms don’t run up to me in a way that will freak them out. They aren’t use to that
so my mom would trip and my nephew will start crying. So just be respectful. It’s
happened and I don’t really mind!

7. Are you going to attend college?
Yeah I sure will. I haven't because I never really had the time. I don't want to
commit myself to something I wont be able to give my all too. I wouldn't want to
get an F and fail because that isn't me. But yeah I will go to school later on!

Anything you wanna say to the fans?
I love yall thanks. But you take care of yourself. See ya. IIght!

Abstract MindState

Abstract MindState: The Revolution Must Now Begin!
By Jessica LaShawn


To be an abstract artist, one must have a unique form of character about their work that has no precedent. The
mind state of an abstract artist could be considered diverse and strong, while their talent is pure and untamable.
With these words in mind, the name for one of Chicago’s most respected unisex duos eloquently personifies their
talent, success, and their story. EP Da Hell Cat and OlSkool Ice-Gre demanded respect from hip-hop when they
joined forces at Jackson State University. Their mission was to solidify their talent in every metaphor verbally spoken
or liquified from a pen on paper. Their passion for music was regenerated by their cosmic bond and precipitated in
their contagious energy. I found the duo very entertaining and their music enlightening and inspiring. After listening
to samples of their previous work such as “The Gospel”, “My Music”, “The Last Demo”, and “We Paid, Let Us In”, I
wondered why hip-hop lovers have yet to flock to their music. Their newest endeavor “Chicago’s Hardest Working
Mix Tape Volume 1” is nothing short of a melodic and lyrical advancement of the industry. All one can wonder is,
how do they continue to keep coming up with more? I took the time to interview EP and Ice-Gre in order to talk about
Abstract MindState and felt blessed to travel in the mind of two lyrical geniuses.

EP: MindState in the building!
Ice: Yeah.
Jess: How did you guys come up with your group and individual names?
Ice: Well on the Abstract MindState side of things the name came about while we were going through a change
in the group. We were just trying to pick a name that matched the level we were mentally at during a particular point
in time. The name we had before in direct relation to a few things we went through didn’t fit what we were trying to
say and what we were going through mentally and lyrically within us. But with my name (OlSkool Ice-Gre), I’ve been
that name since I started rapping years ago. I was actually inspired by Ice T because he was hot stuff when I started.
Everybody was calling themselves Ice something so that’s what I did instead of calling myself Cold Greg. (laughs). I
just took the g off of Greg which gave me the nick name of Gre-Gre .I added OlSkool onto my name as a way of
showing my appreciation because 1. I put a lot of time into the game and I used that as a way to show my
appreciation of those that came before me. I see OlSkool as a term of endearment and appreciation.
EP: Well when Greg and I met my full name was Ebony Poetess the female messiah, which is kinda long.
Throughout our time together it just got shortened. Everybody started calling me EP and it got to the point where
people didn’t even know what EP stood for..I was just EP. But eventually down the line the phrase Hell Cat got
added because I guess fire is shot up out my mouth when I rhyme.
Ice: She spits fire don’t be scared because she does spit fire!
EP: That’s right I spit fire.
Jess: Do you feel that your names represent yourselves as a group, individually, and your lyrical content?
EP: Aww Fa’ Sho!
Ice: Defiantly ..Yeah!
Jess: I’d have to agree with you two. How were your individual lifestyles growing up in Chicago? EP I know that
you are from the west side and Ice-Gre you’re from the south side of Chicago.
EP: OMG but it so similar.
Ice: But it’s too similar but we’re from two different places which makes us trip out. Honestly just to be real … I
represented the rough part , I came up around one of the highest crime rate areas on the south side and EP came
up on the hard core areas of the west side. It’s crazy how similar our childhood lifestyles were.
EP: It was the same but actually it still is the same story, we say the same things, we have the same cycles
going, and knew the same people almost. We came to find that out later on.
Ice: The gang thing was both heavy in our lives…you know I never actually was in a gang but you know I hung
with all of them back then.
EP: I ran with them and I actually banged with them.

Although some might wonder how this mighty tag team came about such wisdom within their lyrics, they both insist
that their ages aren’t an important factor because they believe there is no age in true hip hop. Therefore, if you’re
wondering how long they’ve been on this earth, ask your self first, how long has hip-hop been reshaping their lives.

Ice: We really don’t focus on our ages anymore because young kids in the game start to associate your age
with your music. When you see us, hear us perform, and feel our music you don’t care about our age. Now when the
world hears our music and gets to know what we are about then we’ll keep our age to ourselves but when people
really start feeling us then we’ll gone and let them now.

Jess: How were you individually introduced to rap/hip-hop/poetry?

EP: Well I’m a dusty person, that is and was all I listen to and here in Chicago there was a radio station called
WHBK which was on late Saturday nights/early Sunday mornings. There was this guy named Strictly Love and his
flow just inspired me and later on I began to listen to Queen Latifah and she was the influential artist that made me
really want to get serious about hip-hop.
Ice: Well I had a cousin back in Dayton, Ohio who introduced me to Grand Master Flash “The rhythm to the
twist” but I use to play drums and sing background. I was actually in a band with my cousins like we were Prince and
the Revolution.
EP: But that is what it was like being from Chicago.
Ice: EP knows my cousin Kool-Aid well Kevin and we played the keyboards and synthesizers. I did all kinds of
things before rapping like graffiti, break dancing which I was good at and I got into poppin. But rap made me leave
all of that alone for the most part. My folks kinda thought that my rapping was a phase because they’d seen me give
up on break dancing, playing drums and all of that stuff. They didn’t know that I was serious about music until they
saw that I was serious about it when I came home from school for break and then when school was over for real.
Jess: What inspired both of you to go to a Historical Black University?
EP: Well my family is from Mississippi and my grandmother’s kids…well my mom and her sisters went to Alcorn.
Jess: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
We all laugh!
EP: I knew that if I were to go to college that I wasn’t going to go in the city. I needed to go somewhere where I
could escape. I chose a black college because my family went to one. The only reason I didn’t go to Alcorn was
because my family wanted me to go there. I went to Jackson State because it was the rival school of Alcorn and that
was my way of kind of pissing them off. They got over it because they were happy that I was actually going to
college in the end.
Ice: Yeah okay you took the rebel route.
EP: Yeah I took the James Dean route.
Ice: Well with me I have a similar situation as EP which is that my family is also from Mississippi and everybody
went to Jackson State which kinda made it a family tradition. Originally, I was supposed to go to Southern Illinois in
Carbondale with my best friend because I was accepted. But I had a cousin that had already been at JSU 2 years
and he came back and told me that I had to go there because it was hot. I am glad that I made that choice because
a lot of good things came out of that decision!
Jess: Well I must take this time to represent my alma mater the great land of the brave: academic resort…none
other than Alcorn State University!
Ice: Booooo the woods…you were out there in all of them woods.
EP: The woods.
Ice: Hey what was the name of that place you had to drive through to get to Alcorn, it started with a P.
Jess: Port Gibson.
Ice: Yeah Port Gibson yeah I know about Port Gibson. (Everyone laughs)
Jess: Did the southern/ country atmosphere have any effect on your style in terms of developing your music?
Ice: Well let me put it to you like this…I went down there thinking that couldn’t nobody even mess with me. I had
my cousin’s friend setting up battles with cats so I could lyrically destroy them. The south helped me developed a
positive arrogance about my music. I felt good when I demolished this guy from Chicago.
EP. Well since that is our roots it allowed something to come out that wasn’t on the surface. The south is so
relaxing and peaceful that when you go down there it feels like you’ve been sleeping and when you get there you
finally wake up. The south put me in a position to battle and actually develop my talent.

Abstract MindState adds to their ability to appeal to the masses by way of sharing their educational testimonies. Ice-
Gre was able to obtain a degree within Mass Communication from Jackson State University but due to financial
situations, EP continues to press towards earning her degree within education. She currently teaches within the
Chicago land area. She is eager to fulfill her requirement of 8 hours in order to obtain her degree. Many can relate
to her personal struggle to pursue her education. It may be somewhat easy to go to school but staying in school and
working towards earning that degree is the real adult maker of the college experience.

Jess: How would you categorize your music?
EP: Thought Provoking Hip-Hop!

The latest endeavor of these lyrical professionals happens to be the debut of their mixtape. The mixtape shows an
array of Chicago styles that have been personalized by this duos vision for making a hit unforgettable. With stereo
bumping tracks such as "Leave" , "Insanity" produced by Kanye West and "Don't Know What You Got"
featuring John Legend, this mixtape will definitely make the summertime complete.

The idea of the hip-hop nation sleeping on two of the most innovative artists to come out of Chicago is depressing.
Yet their music is uplifting because it deals with real issues and not just glorified negative situations like carrying
your guns on the block. The beginning of the rebirth of hip-hop has not been hiding under a rock in-between the
street of Chicago’s south and west side but it has been maturing on the road from Chicago to Mississippi. My
warning to the music world comes clear and cutthroat, Abstract MindState is a force to be dealt with and they are
here to make a radical change in what we consider hip-hop music and it’s lyrics.

Stat Quo

The Eminence of Stat Quo

Stat Quo was in a near fatal accident the day after this interview. We are praying for his speedy recovery as well as the others involved!

By Jessica-LaShawn


The state of hip-hop has changed since the start of the
millennium. It seems like hip-hop has become more spiritual and
analytical rather than the previous ideology of gangster images
and materialism The new “movement of awareness” has risen in
the form of an artist by the name of Stat Quo, a former mix tape
professional that burst on the scene with musical moguls Dr. Dre
and Eminem on their Shady/Aftermath label. While demanding
respect, this Atlanta native embodies different characteristics
that diversify his mass appeal to the public. After receiving his
degree from the University of Florida, he decided to apply his
focus, street smarts, determination, and education to his first
true love, hip-hop. Standing on his founding principles of always
being true to self and being proud of ones individuality, he has
managed to take it to the streets with his highly anticipated LP,
“Stat-Lanta”, scheduled to be released after the Anger
Management tour.

Tuesday, July 12th, 2005, I joined Mr. Stanly Benton Jr. (Also
known as Stat Quo) for a few hours while he worked out in the
gym, got ready for radio interviews, and prepared his wardrobe
for an event later on in the evening. At first glance he looked
average. Nothing stood out about him that made him different
from any other rapper I’d seen until he opened his mouth. The
passion and love he has for his newfound profession was
strengthened with each word spoken and shortly after a few
minutes, I was just amazed by his presence. His determination
was what fueled him during a vigorous and remorseless work
out. While working out Stat Quo stated that, “ he has to do it for
the ladies.” Many have labeled him the “educated thug” while
comparing him to Common and even Rakim. His lyrical content is
about the essence of life and the pursuit of happiness. Stat Quo
is about brining true lyricism back to hip-hop in hopes of
replacing anger driven words supporting the mass destruction of
many communities. It’s not about murder, drugs, death, and the
things you’d do to live the fast life but it is about how you work to
get away from the negativity in life. This interview is about Stat
Quo as an individual first and foremost , a rapper, and a protégé
of the ATL-invasion.

J.L. Describe your first battle.

S.Q When I used to battle I would get into it and I’d be on
some violent type shit, that is why I had to stop battling. I
remember the dude got too close to me and I got offended. I
actually had to punch him in his face. We really got into a fight
but I know I killed him on the mic.

JL How do you find the inspiration to write your lyrics?

SQ I actually talk about things I’ve seen in my life and the
things that other people around me have been through. That
right there is my inspiration.

JL Does your upbringing influence your musical style and image?

SQ I was raised to always be myself and not try to be
someone that I am not. I was brought up in Atlanta and
everything about my music and me is just that.

JL How does your family feel about you pursuing a career in rap?

SQ They love it. It’s money. It’s better than selling dope. I
went to school but school couldn’t pay me what I needed so I still
resulted in doing some bull shit out in the street.

Stat Quo continues to balance answering my questions while
sprinting on a treadmill. He expresses his love for his trainer that
quickly turns into hate the longer and harder the workout
becomes.

JL Define success in your eyes.

SQ Success is basically accomplishing all of the goals that
you set for yourself. Success is on an individual mark, it’s
personal, it is whatever you set for yourself. You can’t base
success on everyone else because success can not be
universal. Whatever you call success as an individual is the
definition of success.

JL What do you think rap needs right now to regain positivism
established through its introduction during the late 70’s and
early 80’s?

SQ Rap basically needs more creativity, personal
expression, individuality, and people to stop doing what other
folks are doing and just be themselves in order to gain the
beauty of it back.

JL What do you hope people will be able to gain from your
music?

SQ I want people to develop a sense of who I am as a
person and as an individual so that they can understand that I
am just trying to be myself and no one else on this album.

Still working out and making it a point to answer my questions
the words “S*&t” and “F#$k” become the best friend of this
gentleman. He realizes how much he is cursing and asks me to
excuse him. The work out he is doing seems like the regimen a
professional boxer would under take. I try to encourage him and
tell him to think about how the ladies are going to love the finish
product.

JL Describe your college experience.

SQ I learned how to deal with people from different
backgrounds. I gained a business sense of mind and I learned
how to manipulate people and make them do what I want them to
do. Plus, I was able to hang around so many people that were
different from the people I grew up around. I grew as a
businessman learning how to deal with people.

JL Who are your mentors and why?

SQ Right now, Eminem and Dre because they are true to
the music and they have so much drive and passion about it.

JL Describe the mission and purpose of Grown Man Music.

SQ Well I wanted to create my own thing in order to help
the folks in my circle get on and make money, somewhat similar
to what 50 did with G-Unit. I want to give back and build another
recreational center back in Atlanta in my neighborhood that can
actually give kids something to do other than being on the
street. I want to help folks out the best way that I can. It’s about
remembering where you came from while you’re going
somewhere.

JL Does the fact that Shady/ Aftermath adds an unspoken ore of
respect for you as an artist effect your decision to sign a deal
with them?

SQ Yes, but they also went along with the vision that I had
for my music. They knew what I wanted to do and they
supported it.

JL What is the easiest thing to do while your on tour?

SQ F&*king groupies (he says with an innocent smile).

JL What is the hardest thing to do while your on tour?

SQ Eating right and working out. It’s so hard because you’re
on the road.

JL What have you learned about the business since you have
been on tour?

SQ I learned that you have to take care of yourself and that
means eating right and working out. It is the only way to keep up.

JL What are the three most powerful words in your opinion?

SQ Power, Integrity, and Respect.

JL Why do you think that you are the new leader of the rap
game?

SQ I am really into being myself and not pretending to be
someone else. My style is so unique because I am an individual
and I rap about what is real in my life.

JL What has been your favorite city thus far on the Anger
Management tour this summer?

SQ I loved it in Indianapolis, Indiana. The crowd was feeling
it and they had energy. Everywhere was great but it was just
something about Indy.

We take a break as he goes to get cleaned up, dressed to
impress and ready to hit the road again.

JL What is your favorite cologne and how does it reflect you as
an individual?

SQ I love Egyptian Musk and I mix it with everything but I
have Chrome on now.

JL What makes you nervous?

SQ Performing in front of 25 thousand people makes me
nervous.

JL What is in your cd collection as we speak?

SQ “Untouchables” by Scarface, “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre,
“The Marshal Mathers” LP by Eminem, a couple of songs from
my album (of course), “The Love Below/ Speaker Boxx” by
Outkast, and Issac Hayes “The Greatest Hits.”

JL What about those artist earned them the right to be on your
constant repeat list?

SQ They all have a unique sound that you cannot find
anywhere else. I just like originality.

JL What are some of your pet peeves?

SQ I hate liars. Why do you have to lie? I love the truth and I
love being an honest ni**a. Plus, bad breath. I think people
should take an hour, if they have to take an hour to do
something, it should be to brush their teeth because there is no
excuse for anyone to have bad breath!

JL What is your worst habit?

SQ I’ll work out for a month and then something could
distract me and I just wont work out anymore.

JL What do you look for in a woman?

SQ I use to be on that physical s*&t in my youth but now
that I am older I‘ve realized that the way a woman looks can fade
away but you really have to fall in love with someone for who
they are because everything else fades away. So, I look for
personality in a woman and not just how she looks. I get to love
the real person and let the physical grow on me.

JL How do you know when your in love? (He answers the
question while sorting through a box of 100 pairs of gym shoes
in order to pick the perfect match for his ensemble)

SQ Well I don’t know, I just know that when I feel I am in
love that is how I know I am in love. Right now I am in love with
hip-hop.

JL Describe your love and devotion to hip-hop?

SQ Well that’s my girl. We’re married and she is pregnant
with my child. She is about to give birth and my album is our
seed, but outside of that I’m single.


Stat Quo has something about him that both women and men
can relate to and that is his realness. His album isn’t just another
attempt to go platinum, it is an attempt to reach the real people
with real issues from a real person. Sometimes the first thing
that needs to be established is the love for a message and not
the love of money. Stat Quo has already begun to raise the bar
for current and future M.C.’s by being an individual. The
question is will the others raise the bar and take hip-hop to the
next level?