Archive for January, 2010
Hip Hop 4 Haiti National Day | Food & Clothing Drive January 30, 2010
Seven Williams, SevenWilliams4@gmail.com, 646-246-6148
www.hiphop4haiti.ning.com, www.hiphophelphaiti.org
(Washington, DC) – In an effort to aid the people of Haiti who have faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, the hip hop community in partnership with the Hip Hop Caucus/Hip Hop Help Haiti, presents Hip Hop 4 Haiti Food & Clothing Drive. Hip Hop 4 Haiti National Day is on January 30, 2010 where the youth and hip-hop communities in 32 cities nationwide and in Cost Rica will host events to collect food & clothing for Haitian earthquake survivors. This event is meant to mobilize and unite the hip-hop community and provide a lasting and necessary impact for the people of Haiti.In Washington DC, several artists and hip-hop leaders have volunteered their time and talents in support of Haiti. Hip Hop 4 Haiti DC will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at Layla Lounge, located at 501 Morse Street NE, Washington, DC, featuring artists, speakers, and a candlelight vigil. There is no cost for entry, however food and clothing donations are requested for admission.
Hip Hop 4 Haiti DC will include performances by Bad Boy Recording Artist DeAngelo Redman; NU ENT/Jive/Battery Records Recording Artist D.C. Don Juan; 2008 DMV Entertainer of the Year Kyonte, co-producer and writer of two Grammy-nominated Projects; DMV’s lyrical genius and creator of the powerful “Hip-Hop 4 Haiti” single, Bear Witnez; and more! In addition, Dan Wilder AKA II Face Ya Wildboy will host an all-female cipha, featuring Ra The MC, Madam Madon, La Vie, Lady Venom, Maria J AKA The Postergirl and other top female emcees in the DMV.
The community is asked to bring non-perishable food items and clothing, and enjoy a Hip Hop 4 Haiti Happy Hour, including music from some of the finest local & national artists. Also, guests will hear the stories of speakers who have a connection to Haiti and earthquake relief efforts. This is an 18 and up event. Your support is needed to help the people of Haiti and to provide an ongoing and lasting impact. Please come out and join this great cause. Visit the website to learn more about what other cities are doing.
Interested in being involved? Here’s what you can do now:
- In addition to attending Hip Hop 4 Haiti DC, all artists and members of the hip-hop community are asked to record short videos encouraging support for the Hip Hop 4 Haiti National Food and Clothing Drive January 30 and email the video to one of the contacts above.
- Join the Ning network at www.hiphop4haiti.ning.com
- Create an event on Facebook and invite your friends and family to Hip Hop 4 Haiti.
- Share the flier and this press release on Twitter and other social networks.
Presented nationally by: Queen YoNasda, B.E.A. Inc, EMCEES for P.E.A.C.E, XPOZ magazine, Peacefest, Institute of the Black World, Hip Hop Caucus and Hip Hop Help Haiti and the assistance of YELE Haiti organization; and locally by Music Is Life Magazine, Honeycomb Set LLC, Beneath Da Surface and Think Brown INK Communications.
Locations: Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; St. Louis, MO; South Carolina; Grand Rapids, MI; Albuquerque, NM; Providence, RI; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburgh, PA; Fort Wayne, IN; Washington DC; New York City; Minnesota (visit http://hiphop4haiti.ning.com for additional cities).
Together we can make a difference!
Hip Hop 4 Haiti National Day in DC | 1/30 4-9 pm at Layla Lounge
Celebrate the DMV Music Movement on Jan. 17 at the Original DMV Music Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2009
Media Contacts: dmvawardspr@gmail.com
Lush 240-468-2571 or Natasha 240-304-6354
Tickets: Brother Maniac at 301-275-1898 or Dre All Day at 202-560-7467http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93130
Celebrate the DMV Music Movement on January 17 at the Original DMV Music Awards
(DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia) – On January 17, 2010, the DMV will celebrate independent music and entertainment for the fourth consecutive year. The Original 4th DMV Music Awards™ will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Hampton Conference Center located at 207 West Hampton Place in Capitol Heights, MD. Red carpet entry for nominees begins at 5:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hip-hop 4 the Homeless, a charity cause that assists homeless residents throughout major inner cities.
“The vision for the awards this year, as it has been since its creation in 2006, is to pay homage to rappers, vocalists, comedians, songwriters, producers, bands, spoken-word artists and others who have made tremendous strides in their independent careers,” said DMV Music Awards creator Major Cameron, known as Brother Maniac of MC3 Records, LLC. “These entertainers continuously hustle and grind everyday to gain proper exposure of their talents. The Original DMV Music Awards™ will shed much-needed shine on their work for the fourth consecutive year.”
Dre All Day in the Paint, CEO of Allday Entertainment, is a co-organizer of this year’s ceremony. “I see their talent and hard work each day, and I’m glad we can come together and show love to these artists that so many mainstream media outlets and record companies neglect,” said Dre All Day who is also the host and promoter of many showcases and open mics for DMV artists. “The DMV is about to explode. We have seen it happen in Los Angeles, Atlanta and of course New York. It’s time that the world knows about the incredible talent right here in the DMV. We don’t need justification from nonbelievers, because we believe in ourselves.”
This year the Original DMV Music Awards will honor the winners in the following 34 categories:
1. Best Club/Dance Artist
Gerreddi
Cypher aka Yung Cyph
Dj Quicksilva
JoRob
Don Juan
UltraNate
Rye Rye
2. Best Club/Dance Recording
DJ Class – I’m the Ish (Rmx) f. Lil Jon & Kanye West
DJ Quicksilva – Where They Do that At
Smiff -Bounce It
Da Kid – I Could
DJ Booman feat. Mullyman – Harder than Baltimore
100 Grandman – Super Sexy
DJ Excel – Boom Boom
3. Best B-More Rap Artist
Ogun
Mullyman
Wordsmith
Bossman
Skarr -Akbar
SoulStice
Smash
4. Best B-More R&B Artist
Fertile Ground
Will Star
J Soul
Soul Cannon
Shadina
Chyna Doll
Chelsey Green
5. Best VA R&B Artist
Harmony Muzik
Infearion
Unkle E
Canda
Chris Lee
Christian Peoples
Jon Bibbs
6. Best VA Rap Artist
Frayz
Grade A Material
Stack Major
Saint Anger
Cypher aka Young Cyph
Ms. Divinity
K-Beta
7. Best Live Show
Wanya
Fertile Ground
Beat Ya Feet Kings
Mullyman
Dyfor Entertainment
La Vie
Garvey the Chosen One
Luegar
Young Sleep
8. Best Rap Artist-Male
Whitefolkz
Kingpen Slim
Rated R
Konshens
Big B
Fatz Da Big Fella
X.O.
Oddisee
BE
Relentlezz Dre
Lyriciss
9. Best Rap Artist-Female
Angel “Lola Luv” Monroe
Si Notes
Madam Madon
La Vie
Prhyme
RA the MC
Lady Dy
Her Rhaw’ness
Jai Blazin
Nina Ross
10. Best Rap Group
Oy Boyz
M-1 Platoon
Like Blood
The Package
1st Family
Wasteland Mob
Dyfor Entertainment
11. Best Rap Recording
DJ Quicksilva -Where They Do that at
Bossman – Break Me Off
Mullyman – She Hurtin Em
E One Letter – Now or Never
RatheMC – We Ridin’
B.E- Grind 2 Get richer
Fatal Sinz – Do What It Do
Stack Major -Mouf Open-DyFor Ent.
12. Best R &B Artist-Male
Jorob
Will Star
Christopher Lee
Infearion
John O
Kevin Ross
Kyonte
Nick Rich
13. Best R &B Artist-Female
Chyna Doll (Baltimore)
Lyrik
Harmony Muzik
Wanya
Kyla Simone
Nonya Songbird Whitley
Tamika Love Jones
14. Best Poet/Spoken word-Artist
Taalam Acey
Cassia
Lady Moet Beast
Archie the Messenger/Lyrical the Lyricist
E the Poet MC
Jamila(aka J Mills)
Cedric
15. Best Poet/Spoken word-Recording
Archie the Messenger/Lyrical the Lyricist
Lady Moet – Big Girls Don’t Cry (they bounce back)
Enoch 7th Prophet – Data Frequency
Gem In I – What’s Real
Cedric “Just Me” Hand-Flyin High
Fly Gypsy -Change for a Dollar
Taalam Acey -Trouble Eyes
16. Best R&B Group
Carmen
ALorious
Main Girl
Béla Dona
Fertile Ground
Familiar Faces
Lissen
17. Best Gospel Rap Recording
Righteous-Soldier for Christ
MLik & Russ Shanks- Tag Team
David – The Rapture
Enyaphace – Gangsta Musik
Ason – Lay Them Down
The Unseen Movement – Spread Love
Riff-Raff – Lock it Down
18. Best, Band Duo or Group
Fertile Ground
Mambo Sauce
The What Band
Jett Black
UCB/Wale
Black Alley
Frank Sirus / Lissen
Familiar Faces
19. Best Go-Go Band
The What Band
Reaction Band
TCB
Mambo Sauce
RARE ESSENCE
XIB
Backyard Band
20. Most Supportive Media Person
Chris Richards
Supatim
Super Sid
Shaka Pitts
Pstew
Enoch 7th Prophet
DJ Kash Monee
21. Most Supportive Media Outlet
Kapital Magazine
For the DMV Only
DMVUNPLUGGED.com
Mental Salvation Radio
WOW Radio
WKSH (Kash Monee)
WPFW 89.3FM DC
WEAA 88.9 Strictly Hip Hop
22. DMV Legend Award
Nonchalant
DC Scorpio
Stinky Dink
Tony Blunt
Fat Rodney
23. Most Supportive DJ
DJ Remy
DJ Jaymo
DJ Money
DJ Heat
DJ Kash Monee
DJ P Funk
Squirrel Wide
DJ Celo
DJ Hurricane
DJ Rob
24. Best Alternative Artist
Chelsey Green
Vane Starr
David Corey
ALorious
Reina Williams
Onix
Empress & Tasting Darkness
Lady Moet Beast
Allison Carney
25. Best Video
Tokes Eastwood – Look in My Eyes
Oy Boyz – Rob Me
JoRob – I wonder
Fatal Sinz – Do Wut it Doo
Phil Ade -Hollywood
Moneybagz -Make it Swang
B.E- Gring 2 Get Richer
Nonya Whitley -DJ Play My Song
EeZy Money – DC State of Mind
26. Best Mixtape
Petey Green – Welcome To P-Town
Comp – The Man With the Hand
Relentlezz – Yeah Im Relentlezz Vol.2
B.E – Wake my city up
Whitefolkz – F@%k Your Mixtape
Mo C.h.i.p.s.-Casino Vol .3
30/30 murdaland mixtape
Stack Major & Moneybagz -Past, Present & Future
K-Beta “8909″
DJ Chub-Hollows Eve
27. Best Video Producer
S-Dot Films
Skinny Corleone
20 Bello
Nas Jota/VLV Media Group
Rawtech/Thomas Aaron
Bakkie / Kool kids
FACE
28. Best Manager/Promoter
Lani Viega
Tymekia Wells(Catfight Entertainment)
Chin-Yer(Baltimore Scene)
Chynidoll
Faheem Smith(Black Opx, LLC)
G-Money
Sexibaby
29. Community Service Award
Mahoganee The Diva
NiQue
Bright Beginnings
Peaceaholics
Chynidol
Rev. Wille F. Wilson
30. Best Comedian
Eddie Bryant
Big Mo
Billy the Kid
Larry Lancaster
Micheal Lathan
CoCo Brown
Comedian Chico Will
31. Best Model
Sasha Shaheen The Diva
Shalon Delgado
Sarah Keys
Shennekia Grimes
Angel “Lola Luv” Monroe
Mz. OhSoHollywood
Cici Carmen
Sherrella La Bella
32. Best Producer
J Funk
B-IL
Team Demo
Rico Anderson
J Scrilla
Judah
Spynehittaz
Best Kept Secret
33. Artist Next to Blow Award
Kingpen Slim
Bossman
SoulStice
Madam Madon
Wanya
Wordsmith
Phil Ade
34. Best R &B Recording
JoRob- She Likes That
Will Star/Willie Carter Jr.
ALorious – Temporarily Disconnected
Wanya ft. Wale – Billie club (Remix)
Canda – Consider This
Harmony Muzik - Ft. Madom Madon, Divinity, and Prhyme – TAKE A BITE
Infearion ft G.I.F – Trouble in Paradise
The 2010 Original DMV Music Awards ™ will be held Sunday, January 17, 2009 at The Hampton Conference Center, 207 West Hampton Place in Capitol Heights, MD 20743 at 7:30 p.m. Red Carpet will begin at 5:30 p.m. For tickets and tables, contact Brother Maniac at 301-275-1898 or Dre All Day at 202-560-7467. Tickets are available at all Up Against the Wall locations in the DMV. For media-related inquiries, sponsorships or ad space, contact Natasha at 240-304-6354 or Lush at 240-468-2571.
About the Original DMV Music Awards
The Original DMV Awards is based on a concept for the ceremony as created by Major Cameron aka Brother MANIAC in 2006 which began at The Onyx in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The mission of the show is to celebrate those who support and perform music, comedy and spoken word in the DMV and to highlight their accomplishments. The goal of the program is to offer a platform of recognition to artists and entertainers based on accomplishments and work (shows, reviews, radio airplay, club play, TV exposure, released products) that has occurred in the previous calendar year.
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DJ EZ Street of 93.9 WKYS Speaks with Think Brown INK for DMVSpectrum.com
January 4, 2010
Contact: Natasha Brown, natasha@thinkbrownink.com
DJ EZ Street of 93.9 WKYS Speaks on DMV Radio and Hip-hop
Think Brown INK’s Natasha Brown authors ”Spectrum Strategies” on www.dmvspectrum.com
There is no question that the DMV has the musical talent to be a national force on the R & B and hip-hop scenes. But do artists in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have the knowledge? Do they have the attitudes, marketing ability, and power-house teams to soar from underground buzz to national stardom, and what role does local radio play into the success of DMV artists? 
The economy has slowed things down, and record deals are hard to get. The mode of people signing major deals has changed tremendously. This week, in Spectrum Strategies, top area DJ and hip-hop supporter, EZ Street of 93.9 WKYSFM, a 19-year veteran in the industry, talks to DMV Spectrum about the state of hip-hop and what it takes to find success nationally and get love from the radio on the climb to the top.
DMV Spectrum: Getting a lucrative and sensible record deal is the major goal for most artists. From your experiences, what are labels looking for?
EZ Street: Record labels want artists who already have fan bases and are selling records, getting thousands of hits on You Tube and who are already marketing and promoting themselves on the Internet. The economy is bad so they want somebody who will give them a return on investment.
DMV Spectrum: What should artists do to get love from local radio?
EZ Street: They need to humble themselves for real, ask questions and research how others got on. With anything else in life, you can’t come in and think we’re going to bow down before you and we don’t expect that you’ll do that for us. We target a specific segment of our listening audience, and we give them what they want. Our target audience is 18-34, Black females. We do everything that we can to get that demographic. And that’s what everyone else does too. Radio stations don’t try to be everything to everyone.
DMV Spectrum: What does the radio do to help artists?
EZ Street: We play their stuff if it’s targeted toward our targeted audience. We also have these mixer meetings (organized by DJ Quick Silva once a week) at KYS, where all the mix DJs come in and listen to local and national artists who have a chance to be played. We rate them from one to five. Kingpen Slim was at one of the meetings and presented his music to the DJ’s and the person who’s responsible for playing music. We liked him, and boom, there it is.
DMV Spectrum: Talk about DMV on Blast; what made you start it and why is it no longer on http://ezstreetshow.com/?
EZ Street: DMV On Blast was a weekly blog battle that we created that allowed two artists to go head-to-head, while getting the community to vote for their favorite underground song/artist each week. I did it because I wanted to help artists in the DMV get some shine, get some publicity and connect with record labels. In one of the contests I did, demos were presented to Keri Hilson’s manager and T.I.’s people, Grand Hustle. I stopped doing it, because the attitude of some of these artists is real petty. There was a guy who won one week and then got upset because he didn’t get his material to a record label. He called my boss and said, ‘EZ promised me XYZ.’ I just stopped doing it. It wasn’t worth the headache.
DMV Spectrum: In your opinion, what are the attitudes of artists and what last advice would you give?
EZ Street: The artists who are serious are happy to work with other people. But the ones who are trying to come up often hate on each other because they see others getting shine. It’s ridiculous. I would like to see some of these artists speak knowledge, ask questions and find out how radio stations and the record industry are working in the current state that they’re in. Be positive. Get your attitude in check, and move forward. I can tell you now that a lot of people who are trying to do this are not ‘gonna’ get into this game—probably less than one percent will actually make it. So, first impressions are everything.
Visit www.DMVSpectrum.comto learn more about independent artists in the DC, Maryland and Virigina area.
Spectrum Strategies is a blog about public relations and marketing for independent artists written by Natasha Brown for www.DMVSpectrum.com.
