The event was a seminar and showcase competition with a panel discussion from many important names in the entertainment industry to include Datwon Thomas, Editor of Vibe Magazine, Shade 45’s DJ Big Kap, Producer Mikey Jay of Sony-RED, BET’s DJ Absolute, Bad Boy Records’ June Balloon, Universal Music Group's Donovan McLeod and Mantis Evar of Indaba Music, to name a few.
Notable NYC hip-hop artists like Uncle Murda and Fred the Godson were spotted in the crowd. Exclusive media coverage was provided by What’s Hot In Hip Hop. The showcase featured several local independent artists from the D.C. metropolitan area, known as the “DMV,” to include: Teff Banga, Tragic, Gift, Cisco Kidd, Jusef C-City and Young Kat.
The event began with the showcase featuring performances from local artists from both the DMV and the New York metropolitan area. At intermission, the panel discussion convened and many artists in attendance were able to learn more about the industry and how to advance their brands and careers from the perspectives of the seasoned insiders on the panel. After the panel discussion, the showcase competition continued and the artists competed for the following prizes:
First place winner won a meeting with Bad Boy Records’ A&R at their offices in Manhattan; second place winner received the opportunity for their music to be played on Sirius XM’s Shade 45 along with media coverage; and third place winner received invaluable studio time.
The DMV’s own Jusef and Young Kat took home both first and second place in the showcase competition with New York’s TFM winning third place. Stay tuned-- opportunities similar to this one will be coming to the D.C. area very soon!
