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4. 2009 SEA Panels
The goal of “Industry Insight” is to offer real world experience and solutions for up and coming artists and industry people. All of our panels are free and open to the
public, and we want all attendees to leave with ideas and knowledge that they can implement in their own careers immediately upon leaving the event. Knowledge
2009
is power, but only if you enact upon what you have learned. Coordinated and organized by industry veteran, Wendy Day, she has combined panelists at all levels
of their careers for you to learn from and network with…at this event and beyond.
Sponsors
Thursday, Thursday’s panels are devoted to women in the urban music industry. This tribute to women is the brainchild of SEA Co-Founder Janiro Hawkins, and his ap-
March 19, 2009 o Hang Em High Productions
Open to both men and women,
o Rap Coalition
preciation for the contributions of what many women have brought to the industry.
o DV8 Magazine
o BCD Distribution
2 to 3:45pm Making Your Career Dreams Come True
In this male dominated (and often misogynistic) industry, if you want to experience success, you will need to plan, focus, and work towards your goals every day. Our panel of strong, successful
o Alpha Worldwide
women will tell you what they have done to move their careers forward. You don’t need to “sleep you way to the top,” and we will prove that! Setting goals, developing a plan, and executing
o Down Magazine
that plan leads to success! These women have created lanes for themselves while paving the way for others to come up behind them.
o Euphratez Flow Records
MODERATOR: Wendy Day, Founder, Rap Coalition/CEO PowerMoves/Co-CEO In The Know Seminars
--Kim Ellis, Editor, Street Report Magazine/Co-CEO, In The Know Seminars
o Everise Media
--Janie Jennings, President/Owner, Industry Works/ President/Owner, Pandemos Inc.
o Fleet DJs
--Ms Blessed
o Hip Hop Friends
--Jen “Ms. Rivercity” McKinnon, Media/PR/Promotions, Ozone Magazine
o Homebase Promotions
4 to 6 pm Women In Hip Hop
o Keep It Moving Records
Women in Hip Hop have helped build numerous careers in urban music. Let’s look at the accomplishments women have made in the urban music industry including radio, artists’ lives, record
labels, management, etc. Our focus will be how to catapult artists to the top and how to build stars.
o Kink Magazine
MODERATOR: Wendy Day, Founder, Rap Coalition/CEO PowerMoves/Co-CEO In The Know Seminars
o Lady Mirage Models
--Christal Jordan-Mims, Enchanted PR
o Liquid Thoughts Publishing
--Christina Clarke
--Big Sue, WHRK 97.1 Memphis
o Luv Entertainment Group
--Miss B, Recording Artist
o Mafia Life Entertainment
o Money Graphics LLC
Friday, To Make Money In The 20, 2009
March Music Industry o Ozone Magazine
o Phat Apples
Noon to 1:45 How
o Pierce Management & PR
Let’s look at the numerous ways artists can get money in today’s economy from selling music, to sponsorships, to endorsement deals, etc. There are many ways artists can get paid with their
art form: TV, film, video games, digital downloads, ringtones, selling CDs, mixed tapes, mixed DVDs, endorsement deals, touring, selling beats, starting a label and putting on other artists, film
o Platinum Bound Records
scoring, royalties (performance, sales, synch fees, mechanicals), etc. If you aren’t supporting yourself with music, it’s just a hobby!
o Profitable Productions
MODERATOR: Wendy Day, Founder, Rap Coalition/CEO PowerMoves/Co-CEO In The Know Seminars
o Project 8 Entertainment
--Ron “Tricky” Montgomery, Producer
--Young Buck, Recording Artist
o Rane / Serato Scratch
--G.I. (Young Buck, Tech9yne), Touring Consultant/Personal Assistant to Young Buck
o South Streets DVD
--Money, Recording Artist
o Status J
2 to 3:45 So You Want To Be A Producer
o Street Report Magazine
Making money as a producer, selling tracks, collecting royalties, keeping your ownership and publishing, doing work on spec, indie vs major projects, how to build a lasting career, contracts and
o Wet Dymes
paperwork, production deals, etc--we will discuss all aspects important to a producer’s career. There are currently more producers in urban music than there is work, so we’ll talk about how to
stand out, how to market yourself, and build a buzz that attracts artists and labels to your production.
o Word On The Streets Magazine
--Cha-Lo (Lil Wayne)
o YoRaps.com
--Joe The CEO (Franchise Boyz, Chopper City Boyz, Chrome, Frazier Boy, Yo Gotti)
--Drumma Boy (Young Jeezy, Plies, Rocko, T.I.)
4 to 6 What The DJs Are Thinking
DJs are the backbone of the music industry. This roundtable discussion will allow you to get into the mind of the DJs. What do they look for in music? Do they still break records? Are they all about
the money? How do they make enough money to survive? And after they are done DJing, what’s next in their careers? How do they build a career in radio, or as a club or mixed tape DJ?
SEA Staff
--DJ Bigga Rankin
--Tony Neal
--DJ Drop
--DJ Chuck T
President/Co-Founder:
Jesse “Dj Infamous” Johnson
Saturday,Reaching The Urban Consumer 2009
March 21, E-Mail: pbrecords@msn.com
Noon to 1:45 Finding and
Vice President/Event Coordinator/Co-Founder:
In a marketplace where reaching the consumer is growing more and more difficult, we will analyze the different ways to effectively reach the masses. Whether marketing or promoting music, or
Janiro Hawkins II
just building a serious buzz, we will discuss the best ways to spread the word. As sales are declining, it’s more important than ever for artists to build a movement and interact directly with the
E-Mail: janiro@southernentawards.com
fans. We will discuss how the digital and internet world are changing the face of music forever.
--DJ Scorpio twitter: twitter.com/janiro
--Big Swoll, The Definition, Inc/Streets On Swoll Phone: 615-397-7827
--PapaDuck, Recording Artist
--OG Ron C, DJ/President, Go DJs (Houston)
Co-Founder/Audio/Visual Director:
--Amir Boyd, VP Promotions, Grand Hustle
Brent “Dj Outlaw” Buford
--DJ Chuck T
E-Mail: outlaw_the_dj@hotmail.com
--Damon, VP Go DJs (Houston)
2 to 3:45 Roccett To Success Conference Director
Building a strong buzz is the most important aspect of building a career. We will look closely at the career of an up and coming artist, Roccett, and share knowledge that other artists can apply (conference inquires ONLY!):
to their own careers in order to sky-roccett to success. This panel will offer real world advice to anyone trying to build a successful career with a limited budget and limited support. Wendy Day
MODERATOR: Wendy Day, Founder, Rap Coalition/CEO PowerMoves/Co-CEO In The Know Seminars
E-Mail: rapcoalition@aol.com
--Roccett , Recording Artist
--Rick Edwards , Manager/CEO Green Up Records
Awards Ceremony Producer:
--Jen “Ms. Rivercity” McKinnon, Media/PR/Promotions, Ozone Magazine
Dwight Pope
4 to 6 pm Radio! Play My Song!! E-Mail: dpope@southernentawards.com
Every artist feels they are better than what they hear every day on the radio. Are they? How do artists get radio spins? What do radio stations look for in urban songs? Do you have to pay
for play? What value does urban radio play in this marketplace? What steps can artists follow to increase their chances of getting added to radio? What part do clubs and the streets play in
Sponsorship/General
radio spins? What relationships does an artists’ team need to approach radio? Are connections and relationships enough to get spins from the DJs? We will offer practical advice to those who
Inquiries:www.southernentawards.com/sponsors
are serious enough to listen and take notes!
www.myspace.com/southernentawards
--Devin Steele, Program Director, WHRK 97.1 Memphis
--Mista Maine, MixShow, WRBJ 97.7 Jackson ]
--Lester Pace, Set The Pace/Interscope Info/Mailing Address (send all material here):
--DJ Bigg V, Core DJs Hang Em High Productions
--Amir Boyd, Grand Hustle
PO Box 331695 - Nashville, TN 37203
--Big Sue, Mid-Days Personality, WHRK 97.1 Memphis
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5. STAFF CREDITS DEVIATE
PUBLISHING
PUBLISHER - Desmick Perkins
Projects include...
STaff WRITERS - Marquita Gonzalez, Krystal Hardy
HOW WE RIDE MaGaZINE
CONTRIBUTOR - DJ K Yung
www.hwrmagazine.net
DESIGN/LaYOUT - Jorge Leandro Rodrigues
SEa MaGaZINE
http://leandroworks.freehost10.com
www.myspace.com/seamagazine
leandro.works@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRaPHER - Derick Ross CRUNK MaGaZINE
www.crunk-magazine.com
WEBSITE - www.deve8magazine.com www.myspace.com/CRUNKMAGAZINE
MYSPaCE - www.myspace.com/DV8MAGAZINE
TWITTER - Deviatepub
for more information on DV8 Magazine call 1.877.605.1976
or email us at info@deve8magazine.com
Table of ConTenTs
SEA Panels 4 DJ Wheezy 17
Itinerary 5 Don Diva Magazine 18
Nominees 36 - 45 Down Magazine 18
SEA Staff/Credits 4 Hater Proof – City Sleepers 28
Sponsors 4 Hip Hop Friends 19
It’s Cool to be Smart 19
J.HAR American Royalty 21
features JAWAR 20
Little Kids Rock 21
Atlantis Music Conference 6 Loose Conduct Modeling 21
B. the Great 6 Mr. Mack 23
Cash Capital Clothing 7 Ms Rivercity 22
Cheddar DVD 7 Myspace 26
D.W.I. 24 Mz. Trinity 26
Da Buz DVD 8 Nesha Lashay 23
Dee Dee Cocheta-Williams 8 NextUp Promotions 18
Destiny Raine 9 Nique – City Sleepers 28
DJ 2Mello 11 Ozy Reigns 27
DJ Aaries 11 P Dog/James M 27
DJ C Dub 12 Raw – City Sleepers 15
DJ Dimepiece 13 Taste of the South 33 – 35
DJ Finesse 14 Tears for Hope Foundation 31
DJ Ike G Da 15 Texas Summer Music Conference 31
DJ Lady Blaze 14 The Morton Sisters 22
DJ Lil Bee 9 TroubleSum 32
DJ Murk 16 Vanessa Phan 32
DJ Rage 16 Young Cartoon – City Sleepers 30
DJ Teknikz 17 YUMS 46
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6. B. the Great
Exclusive Designs
B. the Great Exclusive Designs was founded in 2003 by
The purpose was to become the greatest platform for
designer Becky Russell. In the beginning, the company was
the discovery of new talent. Over the past decade, we
under the name Futureairbrush, managed by Grass from
have seen a myriad of changes within the Music Industry.
Futurekicks in Queens, NY. Becky was hired to design custom
The days where an artist MUST be signed to a label to
t-shirts for his custom shoes. A year later, she branched out
be successful are over. That’s not to say you shouldn’t
on her own and designed custom apparel for clients in the
aspire to be signed, that is still very much a dream for
local music scene. By the middle of 2005, “Becky the Great”
many artists; it’s just not as exclusive. With vast new
had become a household name. She conquered the local rap
outlets for music, the average person is exposed to more
scene and all the major Nashville rappers were on her clientele
music than ever before; which in return has paved the
list. Through word of mouth, she caught the attention of major
way for DIY artists.
recording artists as well. She has designed for artists such as
As the industry has evolved, so has Atlantis. Atlantis
Young Buck, Anthony Hamilton, Ray Cash, The Kickdrums, 50
recognized early on, that by providing access, as well
Cent, Lil Scrappy, Eminem, Rick Ross, Block (founder of Boyz N
as education and opportunity through demo critiques,
Da Hood), Nappy Roots, Yo Gotti, DJ Don Cannon, DJ Scream,
multiple panels and A&R exposure, artists were
Katt Williams, and David Banner, and even the legend “Crazy
experiencing immediate results and going home with more
Leggs” of the infamous “Rock Steady Crew”. She has also
than they had when they arrived. Knowledge became
designed for NFL players such as Mr. & Mrs. Culpepper, Clint
the key factor in bridging the gap between being good
Hart and Roman Oben (San Diego Chargers).
to being extraordinary! Now, here we are on our tenth
In 2008, she was awarded “Clothing Line of the Year” at
year, showcasing 95% of the best unsigned talent from
the Southern Entertainment Awards, while up against major
all over the world! We have something to celebrate and
clothing lines. She has taken over the “Custom Design”
we want you to be a part of our biggest year yet!
industry and set the bar much higher for those in her field.
For the Artist who wants to be discovered and the industry
Being a single mother, she has overcome many obstacles to
that wants to discover the artist, Atlantis provides the tools
get where she is and did it all alone with no help from a street
team, managers, staff or partners. All has been done solely that make that happen. The Atlantis Music Conference
through word of mouth. It is important to mention that she & Festival is the premier music event that continues
feels she is bringing back the real defintion of “Original” due to bring the industry executives, musicians, and
to the fact that her customers never have to worry about their music enthusiasts together!
design being duplicated without permission.
She is nominated once again for the 2009 Clothing Line of the
Year, and if you are still not convinced she earned it again,
take a look at her page, read her story, and feel free to look
at her 200+ pics.
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7. CHEDDAR
With the manic influx of urban entrepreneurs invading the urban music industry, a
handbook on how the hip-hop hustlers gained their success was needed. Cheddar
DVD Magazine is that handbook. It has all the street grittiness of The Source Maga-
zine, while delivering sound business knowledge like Black Enterprise. The cherry on
the top is that Cheddar delivers an exclusive eyeful of the industry’s most seduc-
tive, alluring ladies. Cheddar DVD is hip-hop’s premiere video magazine dedi-
cated to promoting, entertaining, and educating the new urban entrepreneur.
Being the originator of the first DVD magazine to showcase entrepreneurs,
Cheddar DVD is dedicated to giving our audience an in-depth look at what it
really takes to be a true entrepreneur. You will be entertained and educated with
provocative, mindblowing footage ranging from today’s most influential chiefs in the hip-hop
game, to the street’s most innovative urban hustlers all across the country. Check out our VIP
access to celebs such as Russell Simmons JimJones, Pimp C, and more!!!
Cheddar DVD Magazine is an industry boss that delivers admission into star-studded events
such as the OZONE Awards, the Source Awards, and Justo Faison’s Mixtape Awards. Cheddar
DVD strives to give our viewers celebrity status entry into the cribs and establishments of
the young and rich. Each volume chronicles the struggles and successes of the entertainment
industry’s elite, while revealing the blueprint to their success. Cheddar also prides itself on being
a stage where only the hungriest street soldiers can earn their lyrical stripes. With that being said,
where else can you get a chance to see money and hip-hop mesh so ingeniously...
Cash Capital Clothing
Cash Capital Clothing (C3) is a designer custom apparel company based in Florida whose market is
worldwide! We are unique because we give our customers the opportunity to customize all of our apparel
bling designs as well as the ability to design their own tees and apparel. Whether you purchase tees from
the Cash Capital Collection or your own original design, each designer bling t-shirt is its own unique, one-
of-a-kind piece. PLUS! You get the opportunity to choose your own t-shirt size, t-shirt color, t-shirt design
and bling color. CashCapitalClothing.com is your online destination for the hottest in designer custom bling
tees and urban/hip hop streetwear. www.cashcapitalclothing.com
Deshawn White
Deshawn White was born in Johnson City, TN and raised in Carver Projects. As a child growing up, he
saw and became accustomed to violence and witnessed many people who were close to him die. As
Deshawn was writing down a few of his thoughts one day, he noticed that these thoughts and his
lifestyle would be perfect lyrics for a song. Deshawn’s goal was to become better and better at what
he did, and as the years passed, he eventually gained respect from old school hometown rappers.
Several small labels wanted him to sign but he decided to sign with JKA Records and stayed with
them from 2000-2004. During his time with the label, he joined a group called the Ndividuals where
he made a local buzz for himself. Deshawn left JKA Records for a while and came back to join the new
chapter to JKA Records also known as “Full Grind/Cash Money Records”. Deshawn would like to give
all of his fans a message, Respect life and respect the things you value because the good Lord
will take them away.
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8. DA BUZ DVD magazine
Recognizing a void in the urban and hip-hop media resource outlet market, specifically in the south “DA BUZ” DVD magazine truly
provides a refreshing perspective of urban journalism at its best. “DA BUZ” DVD magazine gives the consumer all the up-to-date
entertainment reports they crave along with information vital to the urban community as a whole without the inconvenience of
migraines from trying to focus on the fine print, the hassle of page turning, or the frustration of having to hunt for the one story
you want to read. “DA BUZ” DVD magazine has made it virtually effortless for the consumer, providing via its contents, instant
access to whatever story or feature peaks their interest. In addition, it provides the consumer with a feature a regular magazine
can’t offer, the personal up-close “realness” one can’t interpret by just simply reading. With tons of bonus features, including
behind the scenes footage, impromptu performances, exclusive interviews and exclusive world premier video,s it blows the
traditional “paper-back” magazine away. The world should prepare itself for what “DA BUZ” DVD magazine has in store. “FROM
DA STREETS TO THE SUITES” “GET STUNG”
Dee Dee Cocheta-Williams
President of A.B.C. Associates Entertainment Firm (www.abc-aef.com)
Slamjamz roster to name a few. The company has done media relations and
Ms. Cocheta lives by her hometown -- NIKE’S motto “Just Do It, balancing
consulting for: BET Hip-Hop Awards, Turner South, Hosea Feed The Hungry,
all of her passions - realizing her seven life goals that she set forth at
Tanqueray Soul Suite, Playwright – Nedra Simone, National Black Arts Festival,
the age of 11. Indigenous to the Yakama Tribe, a HipHop enthusiast
Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Foundation, Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, Ryan Cameron
and culturist, Dee Dee is widely known as the “HipHop Mama,” a 20-
Foundation, Fashion Stylist – Kim Maxwell and UniverSoul Circus. Dee Dee’s
year entrepreneur and veteran in the entertainment industry,
clients have received exposure in every media outlet category from internet,
who tries to maintain balance in her life between her seven
TV, radio, to print. Specifically, receiving routine coverage in Vibe, XXL, Source,
children, husband of 20 years and as an owner of her
BRE, Billboard, Black Enterprise, Jet, Essence, Honey, Upscale, Sister 2 Sister,
own PR & Marketing - A.B.C. Associates Entertainment
Women Sports Illustrated, Parents, Movie Makers, Salon City and Rolling Out
Firm (dba A.B.C. Publicity) based in Atlanta, GA with
UrbanStyle Weekly. Through her relationships and perseverance, Dee Dee’s
an office in NY.
clients and products have been extended invitations to appear/be heard on
Dee Dee first made her mark in the entertainment
BET, MTV, VH1, FOX News, TV One, CNN, Montel Williams, Tom Joyner Radio
industry in 1985 as a hair show model for Paul
Show, Yolanda Adams Radio Show, Michael Baisden Radio Show and BET
Mitchell while in high school. This is when she became
Awards to name a few.
enthralled in beginning to build a career booking
Additionally Dee Dee is the Atlanta/SE Network Advisor for NABFEME
artists, promoting concerts, developing community
(National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and
relation campaigns and fundraising efforts for non-profit
Entertainment) and serves as an Advisory Board Member to SOFRAS
organizations. At the time, she had no idea what she
(Society of Future Recording Artists & Songwriters) and one of the
was doing, yet knew it would match with her goals
Founding Board Members of Black Music Month Foundation. Furthermore,
in life. She went on to be the first in her family to
Dee Dee’s passion and inspiration is to continue empowering upcoming
receive a college degree and graduated from Clark
artists who wants to make a difference in not only their lives but others.
Atlanta University with a BA in Marketing where
Dee Dee doesn’t like the word activist and prefers to be called a ‘change
she honed her marketing skills at Radio One’s
agent’ - fundamental as a mentor - listening, consistently supporting others
affiliate Magic 107.5 as a Marketing Director
and lending sound advice. Additionally, Dee Dee speaks to numerous
creating multi-million dollar promotions. As
organizations and schools about life goals and purpose, leadership roles,
most careers in entertainment and radio
entrepreneurial direction and being a mother Dee Dee’s motivation, you
specifically shift with the dials changing;
may ask? She looks to her mentor - THE MOST HIGH to assist her in ultimately
she was let go. Recognizing her own
assist in combating social ills to help move this nation forward. On her path
inner “guerilla marketing” entrepreneurial
of goal setting, Dee Dee’s final three objectives are to write a book (11
spirit, Dee Dee set out to launch A.B.C.
years in the making), direct a film and create an Educational and Business
Associates Entertainment Firm.
Development Center focusing on teaching the youth to become leaders
Since 1999, Dee Dee has consulted,
and entrepreneurs. She’s been on her own since the age of 15 and thus
coordinated publicity efforts for music
has acquired the knowledge of how to hustle for food and shelter, insight
events, conducted media training, and
that she now applies to her everyday business life. Dee Dee declares,
developed public relations strategies for
“There are no time for failures and no excuses. Faith is not just knowing but
hundreds of indie artists that have included
doing and I am a living my movement.” For more information on Dee Dee
Killer Mike, DJ Benny D, KRS One, Tony
“The HipHop Mama” Cocheta or A.B.C. Associates PR & Marketing Firm:
Terry, Producer Isaac “Ike Dirty” Hayes,
www.abc-aef.com or www.myspace.com/deedeecocheta
III, Rudy Currence, Cherish and Chuck D’s
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9. Destiny Raine
DestinyRaine began her modeling career in 2006 under the name of
Destiny. During this time she didn’t think much of modeling and continuing
higher learning in college. After reviewing and researching the model
industry, due to an assignment given by a teacher at school, she decided
to really pursue her interest in modeling. In late 2007, her model name
was changed to DestinyRaine as an evolution of Destiny. Since then, she
has had a great pleasure in working with several photographers within
Nashville, Memphis and Atlanta. DestinyRaine calls herself “the model
with 1000 arms” because she has her hands in everything from modeling
in videos to being a cheerleader/dancer for a Semi-Pro team. DestinyRaine
remains humble and has not allowed her local fame to go to her head. While she is grateful for everything, she can’t wait to see what
2009 has in store for her and looks forward to graduating in the spring.
DJ LIL BEE
The hottest DJ on the ones and twos representing Durham (Bull City),
North Carolina is the one and only Bryant Russ aka DJ Lil Bee, also know
as the Blendspecialist. He has been making music since 1988, he created
his first mix tape, that was over 20 years ago and he is still going harder
than ever.
DJ Lil Bee is one of the real DJs. His undeniable love for music and his
community and his children keep him grounded and making music for
you to bounce to. He still scratches, and that
is why he is the blendspeacialist. He has put
out over 60,000 mixtapes. He is most recog-
nized mixtape was 20 Years Later, The Year
of the SWAGG, hosted by the legendary
Big Daddy Kane. He has joined forces with
artist like Blood Raw(CTE),Platinum Producer
Kenoe(No Limit),B.G., Lil Flip and Huey(Hits
Committee). He was recognized and was
featured on MTVs Mixtape Monday. Lil Bee
has also been nominated two years in a
row @ the southern entertainment awards
4 best blend mix tape.
While continuing to rock the party wher-
ever he goes, DJ Lil Bee plans to do more
for his community. He would like to give
the inner city youth something to look for-
ward to. He wants them to know that they
can be anything they want to be as long
as they put their minds to it. He created
some artist that you are sure to hear in the
09. The sky is the limit!
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11. DJ 2Mello
After having spent years in Jamaica as a young boy, following the likes of such
sound systems as Stone Love Movements and Killamanjaro, DJ 2Mello dreamed
of one day becoming a deejay and having an ability to hold a crowd in the palm
of his hands like they did. Early in adulthood that was not to be as the everyday
necessities of life took their toll and DJ 2Mello was forced to put his dreams on
hold. In 2003, DJ 2Mello decided after much thought to get back to his first love,
music. He then purchased 2 belt drive turntables and a mixer and in the basement
of his home in Baltimore he began to hone his skills as a deejay with the help of
his cousin and brother for guidance. After having gained the confidence it takes
as a deejay to rock venues, DJ 2Mello ventured into the club circuit with his first
residency coming in 2004 at The GreenMount Lounge in Baltimore City. He then
went on to play at several different clubs in the Baltimore/Washington area for
the next 2 years.
In 2006, DJ 2Mello found that he could reach a wider and more varied
audience with the use of mixtapes as his tool and that summer Undercover
RnB his signature mixtape series was born. Since then DEEJAY 2Mello has been
interviewed by such websites as rapmullet.com, rapcommunity.de, blakmarket.
net, front2backmagazine.de and awready.com. He has also appeared in several
issues of Ozone Magazine’s Top 20 Mixtapes and also has had featured mixtapes
on MTV Mixtape Mondays. In January of 2008, DJ 2Mello was rewarded for his
consistent efforts in putting out quality mixtapes with a Southern Entertainment
Award in the category Best Dance/Party Mixtape and was also recognized for
those efforts again at the Justo Mixtape Awards with a nomination for Best RnB Mixtape DJ.
DJ 2Mello’s dream as a young boy has become reality, he has garnered the respect of his peers in the industry and gained worldwide
acclaim within the mixtape art form and as always the love he has for music will continue to fuel his desire to always be the best!
DJ AARIES
DJ Aaries got his start out as a DJ doing college, high school, and house parties. Those experiences started out as him
opening up for other DJ’s, but progressively grew week by week to the point where he was hosting parties himself all over
South Carolina. “I like having the people participate, it ain’t just me playing the music, and people dance” when asked what
contributes to his early success as a DJ. As his name grew in South Carolina as one of the biggest DJ’s, DJ Aaries decided
to relocate West to Atlanta to put himself into a better position to be able to expose artists. Moving to Atlanta seemed
like an easy move due to the amount of Hip-Hop that was in the city, but coming from a slower paced area such as South
Carolina proved to provide minor problems. “It was so crazy because I didn’t know any of the music. When I got here I was
still playing songs that was dated for the clubs that were here.” He began to work with Atlanta independent artists, with
some receiving radio play, award nominations, and going on to become a success. While all of that was happening with the
artists, his name continued to cultivate throughout Atlanta and in the South. With the growing popularity as a DJ, DJ Aaries has
managed to be a part of BET’s “Rap City” multiple times and is one of the new faces of Roc-A-Wear with the “I Will Not Lose”
campaign. He also started “Hood Hard TV,” which currently airs in eight markets and the internet. The show is based around
providing advice to artists and in a sense is similar to the classic TV show “Yo! MTV Raps.” He also co-organized with Word On
The Streets Magazine the “Hood Hard Day Conference,” which is free to DJ’s and Media. The conference has had attendees
such as DJ Kid Capri, Remy Martin, and Wendy Day. DJ Aaries also takes enormous pride in creating the Hood Hard DJ’s, an
alliance of 150 DJ’s. They do not service music like record pools, but actually are more hands on with artists. To date the group
has had their hands on in breaking records such as Nappy Roots “Good Day” and V.I.C.’s “Get Silly” which was their first of-
ficial record as Hood Hard Hitmakers.
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12. DJ C DUB
First, giving honor to God who is the head of my life. It all started at the
age of 16, working his first job at the Rivergate Skate Center where he
began learning about different genres of music. There he started deejay-
ing for the kids and old school skate parties. Corey “DJ C-DUB” Gray is a
22 year old senior at Tennessee State University with a concentration in
Mass Communication. He is an intern at 92Q WQQK where the program
director, Kenny Smoov, teaches C-DUB the knowledge of radio. C-Dub is
a part of the programming department at WTST campus radio. He also does a live mix-show Mon-Fri on www.tsuradio.com to get
your day started and motivated. Constructing mixtapes, participating in DJ battles, hosting parties, traveling, and attending DJ/Music
conferences are just some of the things he does to stay focused on his goals. He has also had the opportunity to be a part of the
professional public relations showcase (PPR 101) and conference acting as a judge on the panel to give the perspective of a DJ. DJ
C-Dub is a 2009 nominee for Southern Entertainment Award (SEA) for Mix-tape Rookie. DUB Entertainment Foundation is a non-profit
organization he started to help educate and promote safe sex and HIV/AIDS awareness. Volunteering at the community centers, dee-
jaying for the kids, and going to middle schools are just some of the community service projects he’s involved in. C-Dub has been on
the road doing shows on the Bow Wow tour and concert shows for Young Buck, “Rip” Cashville Ace, and The-Dream. DJ C-DUB is a
true humbling example of what it takes to make it in this industry!
DJ Diamond Kuts
Skill is defined as the ability, coming from one’s knowledge and practice, to do something well. Diamond Kuts is the first and only female mixer
to have a slot on Philadelphia Radio. Her Saturday night show on Power 99 from 9 pm to 2 am caters specifically to the crowd headed to the
clubs and her mix does just that. She has also, been added to Philly’s number one morning show on Power 99 to get the people of Philadelphia
moving in the mornings, along with Friday nights at 8pm. Recently Diamond has just been hired at BET to co-host the new hip hop show titled
“The Deal” which will take the place of Rap City on BET’s network.
Born Tina Dunham, a native of Philadelphia, DJ Diamond Kuts always had an affinity for music. However, it wasn’t until her father gave her a DJ
starter kit for Christmas that she knew just how she was going to leave her mark on the entertainment industry. Before her radio career took off,
Kuts put a series of mixtapes out that caused the streets of Philadelphia to take notice. “I started to get my buzz by dropping mixtapes when
I was in school. I felt that the only way to keep my name out there was to drop tapes every month.” People would line up to get one of her
mixtapes and she turned that hustle into a career. With influences like Cosmic Kev, Coca Chenelle, Jazzy Joyce and Beverly Bonds, DJ Diamond
Kuts decided to perfect her craft and make it her life’s work.
After practicing in her basement and hanging out at Armand’s Records with DJ Fat Cat, Diamond starting DJing at a local
sneaker store in Philadelphia called Sneaker Villa and spinning in 21 and over clubs at the age of 18. In July of 2005, Diamond
got her big radio break spinning on Power 99’s Mix Master Weekend for the first time. “After I spun for the Mix Master Week-
end I got a call from my APD, Kashon Powell. She called me in for an interview and a week later I was hired at Power 99.”
Diamond’s first position at the station was a 2 to 3 am slot on Saturday mornings until her PD, Thea Mitchem, was convinced
that she should be placed on a more prime time slot and gave her the 9pm to 2am slot on Saturday nights.
Diamond Kuts is the official tour DJ for Lil Mama on Jive Records. She started touring with Lil Mama in March 2007 and has
traveled all over the world including just coming off of the Chris Brown Tour. Diamond Kuts won the DJ Jazzy Joyce Award at
the 2nd Annual Beverly Bonds, “Black Girls Rock Awards” and has appeared on BET’s Rap City, 106 & PARK, and MTV’s Total
Request Live. She has appeared at the Author Ashe US Open telecasted on CBS and Diamond is also a member of the very
influential Murda Mamis, a clique that consists of some of the most talented women in the entertainment industry.
Many say Diamonds love for music is equal to her fathers love for Hip Hop. Diamond Kuts’ father was legendary Philly MC and
hip-hop pioneer Grand Tone, who was a member of the Grand Masters of Funk. When asked about her career as a female
DJ, she simply replies, “I want to be a good DJ, period. A lot of female DJs are satisfied just with being called a female DJ
but, I want to do the same things the guys are doing. I have accomplished so much thus far, My next move is to release my
album and get radio syndication. I never wanted to be a local DJ. I learned how to get out of the city and be bigger than
that.” DJ Diamond Kuts wants to take the world by storm and that is exactly what she is going to do!!
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13. raw By Krystal Hardy
Every rapper seems to step on the scene with the same back story;
growing up in the inner city, experiencing a rough childhood, being in
trouble with the law and rapping to make it out. Florida native, RAW,
made the same positive change after racking up serious offenses be-
fore he even made it to high school. After serving three years in jail
for the possession of cocaine and battery charges, Raw decided to
take on rhyming seriously. Mr. 386 Raw was born when the rapper
decided to pursue a solo career in music after the group he previously
recorded with took a different direction.
The baby-faced rapper, whose Myspace music profile is just shy of
800 hits, still has room for growth in the music game. Mr. 386 shows
some promise with Money Over Everything, the heavy hitting south-
ern joint that is sure to be a strip club favorite. Raw, is still trying to
make a distinct name for himself like his musical influences, Nas, Jay-z
and fellow Florida native Rick Ross, but his lyrics, drawl and beats are
sure to gain cross-over appeal. Be on the look, but until then catch
him at www.myspace.com/raw386.
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14. DJ FINESSE
On the streets of Queens, NYC (Corona/East Elmhurst to be exact), a mixtape star has risen up to claim
the R&B crown, and his name is FINE$$E. DJ FINE$$E was given his smooth moniker due to the way he
quickly learned and “finessed” the art of DJing. It was back in 1996 that FINE$$E began to learn about
the art of DJing from an old time pro, his father (Sounds of Pleasure). His father bought him his first set
of DJ equipment and taught him how to utilize that equipment in the most impressive way. FINE$$E
learned how to mix and blend on the turntables, customize his own speakers, and hook up his equip-
ment to get the best sound.
Three years later, inspired by such blend mixtape DJs as ONPOINT, BOO DA BARBER, and K-BLACK;
FINE$$E took a stab at creating his own blend mixtape. By January 2001, his name began to gain rec-
ognition in the streets. This pushed him to capitalize on his newfound success and look into doing other
types of mixtapes as well. FINE$$E eventually decided that R&B was the way to go. However, instead
of just copying the R&B mixtape style that was already out there, he decided to forge ahead with
his own take on the slow jam scene. That first foray into the R&B mixtape world was so successful for
FINE$$E, that he quickly followed up with another. Soon enough, DJ FINE$$E was known for dropping
an R&B/Blends mix CD every month. He was officially a fixture in the mixtape world.
In September 2001, FINE$$E introduced his fans to the highly successful slow jam CD series entitled
“Platinum Slow Jams”. The intense demand for these particular CDs prompted his decision to only focus
on making slow jams/R&B CDs going forward. Just two months later, in the fall of 2001, FINE$$E was
nominated for “Best R&B Mixtape DJ” for the first time in his illustrious mixtape career. Other nominations
followed in 2002, and again in 2003. FINE$$E finally had his day and won the “Best R&B Mixtape DJ”
award in March of 2004 at the 9th Annual Justo’s Mixtapes Awards Ceremony. That highly deserved award began to open many
other doors for FINE$$E. His dreams were finally being realized as he appeared on BET for the “Rap City Memorial Day Special” that
same year.
In 2006, FINE$$E began to expand his DJ empire overseas. His travels have now taken him all over Europe to DJ parties and shows
for various clients. January 2007, FINE$$E won the award for “Best Slow Jams Mixtape DJ” at the Southern Entertainment Awards
and again in 2008.
DJ FINE$$E now holds 4 mixtape awards and has dropped 100+ CDs circulating worldwide during the course of his short career…
He has definitely earned his title of “The Untouchable R&B Mixtape King a/k/a The Ladies Choice”. For parties and updates www.
myspace.com/djfinessemusic and djfinessemusic@yahoo.com
dj lady blaze
Born in Washington DC, DJ Lady Blaze was raised in music. She grew up around her talented father that was not only
a DJ, but also a sound engineer. Growing up, Lady Blaze was not into music much.
This lady was very quiet and to herself. She didn’t discover a real love for music until the age of 19.
Strongly influenced by her dad amongst other DJ’s, this lady learned the skills of djing by watching and listening to
others. Today, DJ Lady Blaze is an all around entertainer. Not only does she DJ, she owns a company called “Rock-
Solid” Entertainment where she is an audio engineer, song writer and artist. Aggressive enough to hold her own in
a dominated man’s world, this lady does so with looks and skills. Music is her life and she strives to be the best at
whatever it is she does.
On the scene, DJ Lady Blaze has been a working force doing numerous events. Currently, she is planning to take the
world by storm. With a modeling career underway, mixtapes circulating, a heavy buzz in the streets, and collabora-
tions with many publications and other entertainers, she is getting a lot of exposure. With the backing of the “Fleet”
DJ’s, she is destined for the top!
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15. DJ Dimepiece
Making her way quickly to the scene, DJ Dimepiece has continued to make her mark as the
South’s premiere female deejay. Hailing from the sunny state of California, Dimepiece came to
Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her college career at Fisk University. Always desiring to get into
radio, Dimepiece began interning at the university’s radio station, 88.1 WFSK. By her sopho-
more year, she hosted an R&B midday shift and soon landed a weeknight shift. To supple-
ment her show with the hottest music, Dimepiece would purchase mix cds and mixtapes from
Nashville’s well known music store, Platinum Bound Records. The store owners, DJ Infamous,
DJ Outlaw and Janiro Hawkins, would always encourage Dimepiece to learn the craft and start
making her own mixtapes and cds. With that in mind, Dimepiece made it a priority to become
a deejay. She began to practice on the university’s turntables, hanging out at the city’s clubs
to spin with deejays and soon opening for one of Nashville’s known deejays, Derek Jurand,
who Dimepiece also claims as her mentor. Meeting Derek Jurand at 92Q, sister station of Blazin
106.7 where she interned, Derek saw the grind and hunger in Dimepiece and took her under
his wing. Derek introduced her to one of the biggest DJ organization, Tech.Nitions where Di-
mepiece later became drafted in September 2003. From then on, she has been making noise
in Nashville, getting her first time to shine on commercial radio and dropping her 1st mixtape
within that year. In 2004, Dimepiece went from interning at Blazin 106.7 to landing a part time position as an on air personality/DJ. In ad-
dition, she joined Huntsville, Alabama’s number one hip hop and R&B station, Power 93.3 part time. Topping the year with a Southern
Entertainment Award, “Female DJ of the Year” for 2005, the sky is the limit for Dimepiece. She is now an on air personality and Mixshow
DJ for 101.1 The Wiz and Sirius Hot Jamz Channel 50. Definitely be on the lookout for major things from this female spinstress.
DJ Ike G Da
Armed with a dynamic personality and infectious energy, Isaiah Griffin—known as DJ Ike G Da A.K.A The Carolina
Trendsetter B.K.A Mr. Ciroc—has been DJ’ing and entertaining for more than a decade. His cousins, DJ Tony Tone of San
Francisco and DJ Thunder Child of Cincinnati, first inspired Ike G Da to DJ as they used his natural ability and attraction to
music to draw him away from the streets. Legendary DJs Jam Master Jay, Grand Master Caz, Jazzy Jeff and DJ Scratch
also influenced him.
Since 1995, when he first began DJ’ing, Ike G Da has emerged as one of the Carolina’s most sought after DJs working
as the tour DJ for a host of artists including SRC/Universal artist Grandaddy Souf, DTP/Def Jam artist Small World and
Mogul Group artist J Bully. He has also gained the position of on-air personality and mixer for Trendsetter Radio WCCG
104.5 in Fayetteville, North Carolina as well as a mixshow DJ for Core DJ Radio on Sirius Hot Jamz 50. Although Ike G Da
is a gifted DJ and on-air personality, he is not limited to simply DJ’ing. He is the CEO of Tarheel Promotions and Market-
ing, a company that has a roster of past and present clients such as Jive Records, Roc A Fella, Loud, SRC/Universal and
Paramount Films.
As the Core DJ and Nitram Knarf DJ member continues to expand his reach in music and entertainment, he is simultane-
ously gaining increased recognition for his work and accomplishments. In 2008 alone, Ike G Da has been voted North
Carolina’s DJ of the Year for The Carolina Music Awards; has received the Core DJ’s Jam Master Jay Award; and has
been nominated for the 2009 North Carolina Underground Music Awards for “Radio DJ of the Year.” He has also been
nominated for the 2009 Southern Entertainment Awards in two categories—“Best Skills on a Mixtape” and “Club DJ of the Year.” DJ Ike
G Da’s passion and drive have contributed to his longevity in the music industry and will continue to serve him as he prepares for another
10 years of doing what he loves.
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16. DJ Murk (Mixtape Hitman) (born Joe Ebony Duncan on July, 26 1984 in Dallas) is now
one of the official certified members of the I AM A GO MUSIC GROUP for, but he is most
well-known for his achievements in the mixtape game, producing the popular “Tales
from the hood”, “Hello Kitty” and many other mix tape series. He went to high school in
Duncanville and Texas Southern University in Houston. DJ Murk in the process of landing
a “long term, worldwide” deals with the majors on the distribution of many of his mix-
tape series. In 2008 Murk independently released sixteen of his twenty southern based
mix tapes, featuring acts such as Alfamega, Rickie Lee, Flossa, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy,
Webbie, Fat Pimp, and The Candy House. He’s also one of many elite DJ’s in the highly
productive I Am A Go Dj Music Group with OG Ron C and DJ Hi-C. In 2003, I Am A GO
DJ Music Group inked album breaking deals with many major label clients. He will be
releasing the album “Tales From The Hood” 1st quarter 2009. He also made a cameo
appearances in indie movies as himself, performing at a party, as well as appearing
in Big Tuck Video “Tussle”, and Slim Thugs Video “3 Kings”. DJ Murk has done over 12
Different mixtapes series with major artists like Alfa Mega, Fat Pimp and locals such as
Ricky Lee, B.I.G. and many more.
DJ Rage
DJ Rage, the son of prominent Milwaukee DJ, Larry K. Myles, first showed an interest in deejaying
at the age of 15 at house parties held in Nashville, TN. In 1995, DJ Rage relocated to his hometown
of Milwaukee, WI and continued to service house parties while shadowing various Milwaukee DJ’s
such as Tony Neal & Doc B. DJ Rage successfully became a member of DJ Tony Neal’s “Another Level
Record Pool”. In 2002, DJ Rage found himself back in the ‘Ville shadowing DJ’s Derrick (“The Big
DM”) Mason, Darryl Jaye, C-Wiz, C-Lo, Bryant D and DJ team Dolowite & Scooby (from 101.1 The
Beat Jamz). In 2003, after a sizable investment, DJ Rage established himself as a member of the
only DJ crew in Nashville, TN- the “The Hitplayaz” and is also a member of DJ Whoo Kid’s(50 Cent’s
DJ) DJ Collective The Shadyville DJ’s, Slip-N-Slide DJs, and Futurestar DJ’s. DJ Rage is known for his
impeccable spinning styles, professional attitude and friendly disposition. He has a great knowledge
base of professional mixing and blending of music to keep audiences moving nonstop.
DJ Rage possesses the most up to date and old school vinyl music transferred to his Serato Scratch-
live System and uses his deejaying know-how to read the audience and produce the music guaran-
teed to crowd any dance floor.
DJ Rage aspires to become a Worldwide Tour DJ and a member of the highly successful Heavy
Hitters or Aphilliates. He also plans to participate in the rise of upcoming labels Urban Thought En-
tertainment Based in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wi. Rest assured he will always be dedicated to
mixing quality hits for his audiences.
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17. DJ TEKNIKz
DJ Teknikz started deejaying as a hobby back in 1997. Due to his love of the art form, his hobby
quickly progressed into a career. His passion is raw, his skills are unquestionable and his style is defi-
nitely ingenious. Teknikz stands out due to the immutability of his style influenced by his heritage and
exposure to different genres of music but his love of hip hop overcomes all. With his rookie series of
mixtapes in heavy circulation not only in the South but nationwide and overseas, he moved on to set
higher standards with his well known “Georgia Muscle” series which has been trendsetting not only
for the south but for the mixtape game as a whole! Teknikz has a star studded resume, working with
the likes Diddy, Block, Grand Hustle records, C.T.E. records, Gorilla Zoe, Playaz Circle, Jody Breeze,
Yung Berg, Deuce the mouthpiece, Bang Squad, Bizzy, Mean Mugg and many more! He was rec-
ognized at the 2006 Southern Entertainment Awards as “The Rookie Of The Year” while racking up
13 other nominations in the same year. In 2007, he stepped it up by winning “Best Rap Mixtape” of
the year and “Best Gfx on a Mixtape” while being nominated in 11 other categories. Teknikz is also
the official DJ for Block Ent/ Bad Boy South recording artist Gorilla Zoe. Asked how he manages to
juggle his mixtapes, being on tour and club gigs his response was simply “I do it for
the streets”.
DJ WHEEZY
“YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY BUT TODAY IS A GIFT FROM GOD, THAT’S WHY WE CALL IT THE PRESENT,”
is 22-year old DJ WHEEZY’s grind motto since his DJ career. DJ Wheezy started his entertainment career as a student at Tennes-
see State University promoting parties for his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. Soon after DJ Wheezy realized that the DJs in Nashville
were not on top of the new music in the South, and Nashville was behind on new music. Moreover, he always thought to himself
“If I did that mix, I would make it better.” Therefore, after purchasing his equipment in December 2007, DJ Wheezy got on the
grind and started teaching himself how to DJ from playing by ear. With the help of TSU’s campus radio station’s DJs, DJ Wheezy
was able to pick up the pace faster than he thought and I got his first gig only after 2 weeks of practicing.
Born in Memphis, but currently residing in Nashville, TN, DJ Wheezy quickly raised Nashville’s night life level to the extremes. Dee-
jaying in Nashville’s nightclub scene since December 2007, DJ Wheezy has made a true name for himself as one of Nashville’s
top Deejays in the short amount of time that he has been on the scene. After his first gig at a house party in December 2007 and
making his first DJ performance in a club January 2008, DJ Wheezy knew that nightlife was his lifestyle and passion to be. Having
quick learning curves to moving up in the industry, he has already deejayed for major artists and celebrities such as Young Buck, Black of Flavor of
Love 3, Bootz of Flavor of Love, and Kinfolk Thugs, just to name a few.
In Addition DJ Wheezy, along with his business partner DJ Tuk and Mack ‘I Got Beats’ Cox, started his own music/entertainment group called A-
List Entertainment. A-List falls in the areas of DJ Services, parties, promotions, event planning, special events, and music production/engineering.
Instead of just DJing parties, DJ Wheezy throws his own parties and even puts together major events like TSU Homecoming, ATL Football Classic,
John A. Merritt Classic, and the Southern Heritage Classic, just to name a few, for his own university that generates massive people capacity and
income. Therefore, DJ Wheezy holds the same cards the club owner has when it comes to throwing parties.
DJ Wheezy released his first mixtape “Get Familiar” Volume 1 after only 4 months in the music industry. Known for his catching “Get Familiar” motto
and mixtape series, his accomplishments have allowed him to be in the nominations for the 2009 6th Annual Southern Entertainment Awards,
which is held at the Grand Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi. DJ Wheezy is being nominated for “Slept On DJ of the Year,” “Best Intro on the
Mixtape.”
DJ Wheezy has deejayed and hosted some of the top parties in Nashville such as the D@mn Near Naked Jam w/Phi Beta Sigma, Nashville’s Battle
of the Half-Timers, Thursday Night Network, Sold Out Saturdays, different types of Fraternity/Sorority functions, and house parties, just to name a
few. . As of March 2008, DJ Wheezy became the house Club DJ on Saturday Nights for the Rhythm Kitchen’s Sold Out Saturdays. DJ Wheezy is
now a prominent member of the nationally known, most influential, Hustle Squad DJs based out of Texas and Future Star DJs. Mixtape promotion
and breaking new music and artists is not a problem with access to DJs all over the country. Despite his seemingly never-ending commitments, DJ
Wheezy finds much joy in his new passion and continues to strive for more in the music industry.
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18. In 1999 Don Diva Publishing set out to create a publication with a mission: to provide a raw and uncut look into the phenom-
enon that has become known as ãStreet Culture.ä From fashion, music, entertainment, relationships and more importantly
legal and social issues that affect today’s urbanite- Don Diva would encompass all aspects of the urban street lifestyle. Nine
years later and Don Diva has accomplished its mission and so much more, evolving into a credible and respected multimedia
enterprise to include web commerce, dvd’s, mixtapes, books and apparel. Don Diva Magazine is delivering to its readers valu-
able content that is relevant to their lifestyle.
DOWN Magazine is the only print and online
magazine that is truly “Dedicated to Southern
Hip-Hop Music & Culture.”
DOWN is your premiere source for all the latest news, styles, and cultural
trends regarding your favorite southern hip-hop artists, labels, producers
and designers. No other magazine works harder to showcase the often
overlooked skill of southern hip-hop artists and the distinctly unique flavor
of southern hip-hop culture
Journee started her music career at the age of fifteen, learning the art of deejaying from
well-respected artists in the Charlotte area. Although, at the time it was a hobby for her,
she would later lean on those skills. She attended North Carolina A&T, earning degrees
in Communications Radio Broadcasting, African-American Studies and African-American
Literature. It was at A&T where she found her way onto the college radio station,
WNAA, 90.1. Throughout her college career, WNAA helped to build the foundation for a
strong communications background.
After finishing her studies in Greensboro, North Carolina, she returned to her hometown
of Charlotte, North Carolina (God City), where her company Next Up Promotions was born. The company was founded to give
up-and-coming artists an opportunity to showcase their work, talent, merchandise, performance, etc., a vision that soon became a
movement, known simply as The Unsigned Movement. She quickly rose to the top of her field, becoming the top female Indie hip-
hop promoter in G.C.
During this time, Journee joined forces with two college friends: DJ Complexx and DJ Sweet 16. Together, they formed a crew af-
fectionately named T.F.U. (The Fuck Ups). As a group, they created a dynamic soundtrack for the movement, titled The Unsigned
Movement: Volume 1, which was nominated for Tightest Mixtape of the Year, a Great Em Magazine award.
Journee, always evolving, started to shift her company towards personal promotions, catering to the needs of the artist as an indi-
vidual. Some of the first artists to join the company with its new direction were Bishop (of Charleston, South Carolina) and rapper,
Ozy Reigns, another South Carolina native. Not far behind were others who recognized the great opportunities associated with
Empress Journee and Next Up Promotions: Charles Herron, I.K.E., Turnah, and Supastition to name a few. Journee focused on album
releases and other celebration events for artists on her promotion team.
During this time, she was nominated for Promoter of the Year, a Southern Entertainment Award, which she won in January 2008.
Recently, the Empress teamed up with DJ Yahtz of the Fleet DJ’s to create a new net radio station “BANGNAT RADIO” dropping
soon... Needless to say, Empress Journee is a driven young woman, who has no intention of stopping. Truly the greatest, she is
only moving onward and upward! www.bangnatradio.com www.myspace.com/nextupevents NextUpPro@GMail.com
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19. In today’s Hip Hop community, if you were to ask what HipHopfriends, (HHf) does, the answer would be…EVERYTHING! HipHop-
Friends is a TRUE Independent. HHF controls all aspect of the business ranging from Distribution, Record Label, Radio, Artist Devel-
opment, Licensing and the list goes on.
HHF owns and operates the number one web cast radio HipHopFriendsOnline.com with 40 Top Record Breaking DJ’s and 10 mil-
lion listeners Worldwide. HHF also exclusively distributes the record label Among Friends Records which roster consists of E&J Blood
Brothaz, B-Locks, G.P. Louis and M.U.R.D.E.R Internash. The executives’ team of HHF is lead by Feygens “ChuckieBigBux” Saint-Joy
Jr., President, Erick “Dirty Dread” Saint-Joy/ Director of Operations and Burt “Mr. Burnz” Orilas/ VP of Marketing. Chuckie and Dirty
Dread are also members of the group The E&J Blood Brothaz. HipHopFriends has released two groundbreaking mix-albums in the
past year. One with Fear Factor Music and DJ Smallz entitled “Operation Overlord: HHF D-DAY!” and the other with DJ Bigga Rankin
entitled “We Building A BIGGA Brand”.
Branding is what HHF does BEST! The HHF logo, products and services are seared in the minds of the music industry powers that
be and the Hip Hop consumers. HHF is considered to be a “No-Coast Imprint” because they operate in various
cities throughout the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. When ask to explain their
GRIND, HipHopFriends reply was “Patience, Dedication, Humility and Proper Business
Ethics Paves the Way to Success”. As the old saying goes, HipHopFriends is “Major
without a Major”.
For more information visit:
www.myspace.com/hiphopfriends
www.hiphopfriendsonline.com
www.myspace.com/amongfriendsrecords
www.myspace.com/chuckiebigbux
Cool Smart
It’s to be
Founded in 2000, IT’S COOL TO BE SMART is a mentoring program for teenage girls that has touched the lives of more 3000 youth
across the country, including cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, DC, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago. The pro-
gram’s mission is to empower young girls to become future business leaders by creating mentorship opportunities with influential
young women in the entertainment industry throughout the nation.
In local and national partnerships with youth organizations
across the country since 1997, It’s Cool To Be Smart —
a charitable [501c3] organization — generates national
media attention for educational and enrichment programs
for teen girls within the target age group of 14-19. Movie
Director/ Screen Writer, Antwone Fisher (Antwone Fisher
Story), Camille Winbush (Bernie Mac Show), Keke Palme
(Akeelah and the Bee) Anwan Glover(HBO “The Wire”)
and musical icons such as the late Gerald Levert, Lil Jon,
T.I., Grammy Song Writer Sean Garrett, Lyfe Jennings,
Yung Joc, Mr. Colllipark, have supported the organizations’
community efforts for teen girls.
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20. Jawar
JaWar is a Motivational Speaker, Author & Business Consultant. He speaks and con-
sults on personal achievement, Internet marketing, monetizing (making money online)
your Internet presence, SEO (search engine optimization), book publishing and the
music business.
He has authored and published over 20+ paperback, audio and ebooks including
the Music Industry Connection Book Series, while maintaining over 60+ websites,
blogs and social networking profiles.
He has spoken and appeared in over 50+ conferences, seminars, workshops, radio
shows and publications. JaWar believes you may will your destiny into existence
when you THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!
Schedule JaWar as a Featured Motivational Speaker and a Business Consultant call
678-887-4656 or 800-963-0949.
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