Exclusive: Jim Jones vs. G-Unit

I had the privilege of accompanying DJs Bobby Trends, Kast One, and Big Ben of New York City’s Hot 97 (97.1 FM). Together, every Saturday from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., they run the “3 the Hard Way” radio show. The show has been highly successful so far with street talk raves about their DJ battle style show. Every Saturday one of the D.J.s starts up the show with their own hour of entertainment. This past Saturday, (June 21, 2008), Kast One went the first hour, Bobby Trends the second hour, Big Ben the third hour. What makes the show more unique is the final hour where one of the D.J.s plays “hood classics” with callers making additional requests on classic hip-hop and R&B songs. 

I was called in to take photos of the three talents. All three were cordial and all around good guys. The three still remain competitive though. Bobby Trends is part of the world famous “Big Dawg Pitbulls” DJ group run by DJ Funkmaster Flex. Kast One and Big Ben are part of the “Heavy Hitters” run by DJ Enuff. Both groups perform at the majority of the club scene in New York City, but still have friendly competition. To describe both groups in one word: classy. 

While taking photos, I tried taking advantage of the opportunity of using my small Canon point-and-shoot camera to take video. It paid off. 

Jim Jones of the Diplomats a.k.a Dipset rap group called the radio station’s private line to speak with Bobby Trends and then was asked to speak with the listeners. I pressed record a little late, but was able to get Jim Jones first words. He began promoting his album “MOB” that comes out July 1. Out of nowhere, he subliminally challenged 50 Cent’s G-Unit crew and said he didn’t “care whose album comes out July 1.” Bobby Trends and Kast One immediately pressed on asking, “Whose album comes out July 1?” in order to get a specific answer. Jim Jones had no qualms revealing his challenge to G-Unit, whose album “T.O.S” comes out the same day. I played with the video last night in iMovie and here it is.

So what do you think? Who is going to get more first week sales: G-Unit or Jim Jones and his Byrd Gang crew?