By
, Photos courtesy of
Chicago, IL – On Saturday, thousands were in attendance at Chicago’s McCormick Place East for the eighth stop on
DUB Magazine’s 2008 Custom Auto Show and Concert Tour
. In addition to the one-of-a-kind custom cars and beautiful models, a slew of hip hop’s biggest names hit the main stage for a memorable early-evening set of performances.
Thanks to our good friends at DUB Magazine, DJBooth was granted backstage access at the concert. In between back-to-back performances from Holly Rae, Wiz Khalifa, Twista, Willy Northpole, 2 Pistols, Webbie, Shawty Lo and Ludacris, DJBooth met with the artists to discuss their favorite tricked-out features, what whips they’re pushing, what they wish they were pushing, and what drives them musically..
Basics:
After years of being just another artist on a major label roster, rapper Twista and his world-famous hyper-flow are operating independently. Signed to his very own imprint,
Get Money Gang
, the Chicago emcee and entrepreneur
from his long-time group,
, and is gearing up to drop his currently-untitled new studio album in early ’09.
Ride Info:
Twista currently owns multiple vehicles, including his favorite: a Lamborghini. After consulting with his manager, Twista agreed that his dream car is a brand new, white Bugatti.
Quote:
“The inside color of the rims has to match the car’s paint. It
has
to match.”
Basics:
Since leaking “
” to DJBooth last September, D4L founder Shawty Lo has been in constant motion. Following the early-winter release of his solo debut, “
,” the Bankhead, Atlanta resident has dropped two additional singles, “
” and a remix to “
,” and is almost done with his new book, “Shawty Lo: The Real Bankhead.” And if that isn’t enough, he has also been cast in two new films.
Ride Info:
L.O. is currently driving a brand new Cadillac. When it comes time to upgrade, however, the rapper made clear his intentions to do away with his vehicle by land and instead, scoop up a yacht.
Quote:
“Forget the car… Ima get me a boat.”
Basics:
It was not too long ago that Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Webbie and his independent label,
Trill Entertainment
, were hard pressed to find a following (and sales) outside of traditional southern markets. Fresh off this past winter’s release of “
,” however, Webbie’s nationwide popularity is at an all-time high. And after the success of his popular chart-mainstay, “
,” we all
know what that means
…
Ride Info:
Webbie didn’t specify was his current ride is, other than that it could be easily classified as “old-school.” As for his next vehicle purchase, the 23-year-old rapper wants a “candy-something” colored Rolls Royce Phantom.
Quote
:
“Ima drop it off, get some 26’s and chrome it out. Savage Life 2 in stores now.”
Basics:
For the past six months, club goers have been nodding their heads to the dance floormade, “
!” the lead single from Pittsburgh emcee Wiz Khalifa’s debut album, “
First Flight
.” Listeners who are ready for more from the talented 21-year-old rapper will be soon be treated to the Johnny Juliano-produced “
Make It Hot
,” the project’s second single.
Ride Info:
Wiz currently drives a ’07 GMC Yukon. He is eyeing a brand new, black Rolls Royce Phantom after the royalty checks start flooding in.
Quote:
“Honestly, I want to buy a nice crib first. That’s more important.”
Basics:
Bay Area newcomer Holly Rae is making serious waves in the industry with her current J.R. Rotem-produced single, “
.” Currently signed to indie label,
In Ya Face Records
, this potential pop diva has plenty of urban crossover appeal and the fine folks
Interscope
have taken note. Stay tuned…
Ride Info:
Holly currently drives at Ford Mustang GT. She would love to get her hands on a variety of top-notch luxury vehicles. Included on her wish list are a Mercedes-Benz SUV and Range Rover.
Quote:
“I’ma sporty girl, so whatever car I buy I would probably wanna beef up the engine.”
Basics:
Backed by Ludacris’
Disturbing The Peace
, rapper Willy Northpole has a bright future ahead of him. Currently pushing the buzz single, “
,” the Phoenix, Arizona native looks to be the first major hip hop artist (from his city) to release a major label album. The project, which is entitled “
The Connect
,” will feature Northpole’s forthcoming second single, the Black Elvis-produced and Ne-Yo-assisted, “
The Life
.”
Ride Info:
Willy currently drives a Chevy Tahoe (the year was unspecified). He would love to pick up an Italian sports car, preferably a shiny red Ferrari. Despite his color choice, he noted that Cobalt Blue is his favorite color.
Quote:
“My car choice makes me sound like I am a rich white guy, huh?”
Additional Photos (Courtesy of Eric Weiler):
For more information on remaining show dates in Los Angeles, Houston, San Jose and San Diego, please visit