‘F’ means ‘Fun’
‘H’ means hip-hop

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

The name of Jay "The Wolfman" Billin’s record company describes the type of rap/hip-hop artists he attracts.
Calm Down Records doesn’t sign anyone who’ll rap about guns or violence, use racial slurs or draw a gangsta following.
"It’s just entertainment," Billin said. "We’re just party people. We want to have fun and not be disrespectful."
Billin promises plenty of fun, entertainment and a party atmosphere on Saturday, July 14, at Copacabana, a Brazilian-owned bar/nightclub/restaurant at 6747 Castor Ave. (at Knorr Street) in Castor Gardens.
That night, he will perform as part on the Nightlife Party. He’ll be joined on stage by Ray "Wellz" Gough, Joshua "Husko" Moore and Charlie "Cook" Kim.
The entertainment also includes DJ Melly. Tickets cost $7 and are available only at the door. Anyone age 18 and older is welcome to attend. The show runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Billin is hoping for "a lot of ‘hood love" from rap/hip-hop fans in the Northeast.
"You have to be eighteen to party and twenty-one to drink," he said.
Billin, whose given name is John Taylor, came to Philadelphia from Virginia in 2004. He lives in Castor Gardens with Moore, his godson and fellow Virginian. They’ve teamed on a promotional CD.
The record company owner later signed Gough, a West Philadelphia native now living in Yeadon, Delaware County, and working as a youth mentor. He has his own CD.
Kim, a Rhawnhurst resident who moved here seven years ago from New York, has been with Calm Down Records for only a few weeks. He owns a grocery store on Castor Avenue and happened to strike up a conversation about music with Moore, who was there to buy a water ice.
The visit had a double benefit for Moore. When he placed down a CD featuring himself and Billin, a customer purchased it.
Besides the four artists and a fifth Philadelphia-based female rapper, Calm Down Records has performers in the Virginia and Washington, D.C. areas.
The upcoming show is the record company’s second, following a party at a club in Warminster.
Billin, a public school teacher, believes the rap/hip-hop industry can grow in Philadelphia.
"The talent is just overwhelming in Philly," he said. "This is the town of all towns."
Each of the artists has a unique style.
On stage, Billin is full of energy. He uses his "Wolfman" persona to pursue the ladies. Moore, from the Virginia country, is laid back and cool and a favorite of the young women. Gough has a unique flow to his sound. And Kim, of Cambodian descent, brings an Asian flair.
"We’re all on the same team," Billin said, "but we’re all different."
Moore, who works at a local pizza shop, said the different sounds of the artists win over the crowds.
"They say, ‘Wow. I haven’t heard anything like that,’ " he said. "Our sound and beats are crazy. That’s how new artists get established. They sound different."
Kim said the diversity of the group is one of its strengths.
"Us four, we all came from different places and have talent," he said.
Gough said studio rehearsals are going well, and the foursome can’t wait to take the stage for live feedback.
Each artist will perform separately.
"We want a big turnout," Gough said. "It’s our time. You can’t deny us."
The performers want a big turnout, but only for fans who don’t want any drama. There will be plenty of security to keep the show audience-friendly.
The owner of Calm Down Records wouldn’t have it any other way.
"We want to party and have a good time," Billin said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com