A fall evening in Atlanta is not supposed to feel like a winter night in New York. But the icy chill isn’t disturbing Young Capone’s cool. “This shit crazy, man! But it gets like this sometimes,” he says in his deep Southern drawl. Matter of fact, the 20-year-old rapper, born Rodriguez Smith, might be too hot to even feel the cold. For one, he’s surrounded by a bevy of beauties on the set of Dem Franchize Boyz’ latest video “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” Second, his own snap rap single, “I’m Hot,” featured on Jermaine Dupri Presents...Young, Fly & Flashy Vol. 1, is currently blazing throughout the South. And there’s more. With production credit on the album, Capone is taking his work behind the boards just as seriously. We could be looking at the next Jermaine Dupri.
Surely it’s risky to put such high expectations on a neophyte talent. But for Capone, it’s a huge, worthy compliment. He studied Dupri’s platinum-plus track record while growing up in Atlanta’s Thomasville Heights projects and is striving for similar results in his own career. “Jermaine’s a good role model for me because I want to be a producer and a rapper,” he says. “He’s the perfect person to be under.”
Even better, the two clicked from day one. Piqued by the buzz Capone was getting on the local scene for his original version of “I’m Hot,” producer Frank Nitti (Boyz N Da Hood, 8Ball and MJG) set up a meeting between the two ATLiens. Flashing a toothy grin, Capone recalls the encounter. “JD was vibing the record, and I knew it was the beginning for me. So So Def is where I’ve always wanted to be.”
Now that he’s at the Motown of the South, Capone is ultimately trying to keep the fire burning way past this autumn freeze. He’s counting on the reception for his still-untitled debut, which features a ton of flashy, laid-back, bounce-heavy cuts, to offer some indication of his destiny. “I don’t plan on coming in the game and being a one-hit wonder,” he says. “I plan on being a respected household name.” The heat is on.
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Mosi Reeves. Young Capone. Copyright 2006 Vibe.com.
