It’s no surprise J.S., Big Nut, T.L. and Nu Black stand out. The men of 54th Platoon are wearing the flossiest FUBU gear on set, courtesy of their label, FUBU Records. All from N’awlins and all first cousins, the first group signed to FUBU sits in a huge warehouse, which is currently being converted into a club, in Long Island City, Queens, directly below the Queensboro Bridge. The director Jane Strange and the foursome are here filming the follow-up to their first single and video, the Lil’ Jon-produced club joint, “Holdin’ It Down,” which repped Bayou Gouche, La. This time, the ‘Toon take it down a notch.
“This song is about our man trying to avoid temptation in the club and instead go home to his woman,” explains T.L. “Here we are pushing him to stay out. This is for the ladies.” Big Nut jumps in. “This song shows we’re diverse.” And, as sonically exciting as New Orleans, the city they call home. “We all love instruments,” T.L. continues. “J.S. plays the trombone,” injects Big Nut. “In the future, we’re going to try to work some brass band into our music,” assures T.L.
Chillin’ right beside the director, Carl Brown, CEO of FUBU makes sure everything fits like a fresh pair of FUBU (fill in your favorite item here). Big Kap is in the house. So are a handful of video honeys, a.k.a. future “Eye Candy” (see column in hip-hop’s new #1 mag, XXL). With an April 22 release date for their debut, All Or NOthin, 54th Platoon–named after an all-black platoon in the Civil War, plus they hail from the 9th Ward–have been grindin’ nonstop since being signed in July. Today they’re filming a commercial for the Harlem Globetrotters. But it’s only par for the course. Industry rule #4081: No rest for the hungry rapper.
