2009 SEA Commemorative Issue

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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 4 - SEA SEA 1.indd 4 16/3/2009 17:11:13

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 SEA - 5 SEA 1.indd 5 16/3/2009 17:11:15

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. 6 - SEA SEA 1.indd 6 16/3/2009 17:11:18

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 seductive, alluring ladies. Cheddar DVD is hip-hop’s premiere video magazine dedicated 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. SEA - 7 SEA 1.indd 7 16/3/2009 17:11:21

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 8 - SEA SEA 1.indd 8 16/3/2009 17:11:24

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 recognized 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 forward 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! SEA - 9 SEA 1.indd 9 16/3/2009 17:11:30

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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 official record as Hood Hard Hitmakers. SEA - 11 SEA 1.indd 11 16/3/2009 17:11:35

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 deejaying 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, deejaying 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!! 12 - SEA SEA 1.indd 12 16/3/2009 17:11:38

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 before 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 southern 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. SEA 1.indd 13 16/3/2009 17:11:44

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 equipment to get the best sound. Three years later, inspired by such blend mixtape DJs as ONPOINT, BOO DA BARBER, and K-BLACK; FINE$$E took a stab at creating his own blend mixtape. By January 2001, his name began to gain recognition in the streets. This pushed him to capitalize on his newfound success and look into doing other types of mixtapes as well. FINE$$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 collaborations 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! 14 - SEA SEA 1.indd 14 16/3/2009 17:11:47

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 addition, 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. SEA 1.indd 15 16/3/2009 17:11:50

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 mixtape 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. 16 - SEA SEA 1.indd 16 16/3/2009 17:11:54

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 definitely 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 recognized 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. SEA - 17 SEA 1.indd 17 16/3/2009 17:11:58

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 individual. 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 18 - SEA SEA 1.indd 18 16/3/2009 17:12:01

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 million 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 program’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. SEA - 19 SEA 1.indd 19 16/3/2009 17:12:05

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. 20 - SEA SEA 1.indd 20 16/3/2009 17:12:09

Jackson Harlem Jackson Harlem, 23, is an author, spoken-word poet, journalist and the designer and CEO of J.HAR, a luxury menswear brand. Growing up in Jackson, MS, he developed and expanded his immense passion for music, martial arts, and literature. Through years of vocal and martial arts training, Harlem also developed a high level of discipline and an even more determined, artistic spirit. In the summer of 2007, Harlem began turning his innovative and creative juices to constructing his self-titled menswear collection J.HAR. Along with two published collections of poetry, My Southern-Fried Affair (2006) and Black Boy Juice (2008), this indomitable entrepreneur is destined to be a household name. ittle Kids L ROCK Little Kids Rock knows that music is a critical component of a first-rate education. We inspire children to express themselves through music, building the creativity, confidence, and self-esteem that are critical to success in school and beyond. We accomplish this by: • Pioneering innovative teaching methods that are rooted in children’s knowledge of popular music forms such as rock, rap, blues, hip-hop etc. • Preparing practitioners such as teachers and youth workers to offer classes utilizing our methods and materials. • Providing free musical instruments and trained instructors to children, especially to those children who do not receive music education. Loose Conduct Modeling better known as The Ladies of Loose Conduct is a modeling agency providing top quality models and promotional staff based out of Oklahoma City, OK. Our company exceeds all expectations and achieves results of high quality with diverse models. We manage models that are personable as well as talented and beautiful and pride ourselves on being professional, prompt, and enthusiastic with all our clients. LCM works hard to satisfy all of our clients. We offer a broad range of talent in the form of: Runway, Fashion, Print, Promotions, Com- mercial, Radio and Film. At LCM our goal is to help every individual that is a part of LCM to believe in yourself and be as successful as you can be by offering them advice, critique and support. SEA - 21 SEA 1.indd 21 16/3/2009 17:12:13

The or ton M isters S Hailing from Jacksonville Florida, The Morton Sisters, Paris Jon- tae-23, Brittony-22 and Ashley-21 are the newest trio to take the Urban Modeling Industry by storm. Given their diverse heritage from African-American and Indian parents, the exotic beauties boast distinct features, perfect bone structure and statuesque figures that most aspiring models would die for! The sisters were born and raised in Jacksonville & have recently relocated to Atlanta Georgia to pursue their dreams in the modeling & entertainment business. You may remember Paris in 2005 as a featured model in BET’s Annual Spring Bling runway show. She later went on to be Miss December in the 2006 Fantasy World Calendar as well as appearing in music videos for Artists such as Yo Gotti and Nelly. Additionally, she’s graced the pages of Riding Big, ACE and Smooth Girl Magazines. Brittony and Ashley started modeling a year later. They too have shot for Riding Big Magazine as well as the cover of ACE magazine for the Core DJ’s retreat. You can find these burgeoning stars in the Young Cash video “That X” presented by Bigga Rankin. The ladies have also been featured in several hair shows and have done extensive promotional work. Only recently did the three sisters decide to combine their star power and started working together. As one, these spokesmodels are nationally known to the modeling industry and the world of entertainment as “The Morton Sisters”. They have accomplished much in amaz- ingly little time. The ladies hosted a BlackMen Magazine party with Marcus Blassingame in Jacksonville. They’ve done promotional work for Young Joc and most recently scored The Glamagirls & Fantasy World 2008 Calendars out of Atlanta. The Morton Sisters have also shot for Vansilk’s New Titaniumgirlz Magazine in New York City. The Morton Sisters are motivated by both the aspiration of success & the desire to make a difference. “What drives us is the ability to be able to be successful women and speakers. To help people around us that may have been through similar life situations. Being able to provide for our loved ones and the people that are loyal to us is what moves us.” www.themortonsisters.com - www.myspace.com/themortonsisters Ms. Rivercity Jennifer McKinnon (a.k.a. Ms. Rivercity) has spent several years gathering knowledge of the music industry in order to help others get their foot in the door. In fact, she earned her moniker by being involved in all the events in and around Duval County (a.k.a. the Rivercity). She’s assisted many artists and DJs with their P.R. and promotions needs. Some of her past associates include G-Mack, Haitian Fresh, Spark Dawg, Swordz, Young Cash (SRC/Univer- sal), Shot Out, DJ Black (H.C.P.), Street Executive DJs, DJ Smallz, DJ Scream, Bigga Rankin and numerous others. After gaining a reputation for getting things done, she landed freelance writing positions with several magazines including HooD, Duval Streets, Iceberg and OZONE. Ms. Rivercity is currently a guest editor and street rep coordinator for OZONE Magazine. In addition to reviews, interviews and music related articles, Ms. Rivercity also specializes in writing artist bios and press releases. Her future plans include continuing her successes in the media business and eventually working in radio promotions. “I want to cover all the bases. I want to be that person you can go to for any and everything.” 22 - SEA SEA 1.indd 22 16/3/2009 17:12:16

Mr. Mack Since 1998, he has released a handful of mixtapes and independent albums, selling them from home and out of the trunk of his car. “If you’ve got CDs, you’ve got money. Keep hustling and grinding, and somebody is gonna want it”. For the most part of eight years, underground and do-it-yourself distribution has been the principal way of getting local hip-hop and rap music on the streets. Commercial hip-hop outlets in Knoxville Tn did not exist until late 2002. Fast forward to 2006….. “Where You From” topped Knoxville’s HOT 104.5 FM rotation for five weeks in June & July 2006. Two months later, the remix featuring Yo Gotti, All- Star and D-Cooley also reached top levels of rotation. During the BOOM in Knoxville, stations in Chattanooga and Johnson City also began to chant “865”. Getting local and regional recognition in a market that did not embrace his style was a David vs. Goliath kind of street fight. David (aka Mr. Mack) won, and attracted attention from Atlantic, Epic, and universal Republic records. But the “localized” theme of the hook got in the way of a national record deal. All companies asked if the “865” could be changed to become more international. Rather than destroy East Tennessee’s new local anthem, he chose to stay true to his roots, hit the studio, and develop something new. Some- thing to show the “White Collars” in NYC what “country slang” is all about. Enter stage left….. “So Fly”. With its twangy bass guitar lick, nostalgic throwback vibe, and a couple of high pitched kids chanting the hook, Universal Republic decided they didn’t want to miss this lick. In September 2007 Mr. Mack signed his first single “So Fly” with Universal. “This does not and will not end the days of Street Hustling your product” Now, more than ever, Mr. Mack has been forming alliances in different parts of the country. While most have been profitable and beneficial, Mr. Mack knows when he has a hit or a miss. ““My Thang” ft. Sam was a direct hit before it hit Tennessee airwaves.” says Mack. He immediately took the finished product to the Knoxville radio station, and it hasn’t stopped spinning yet! With a label like Boiler Room Ent. and partners like Sam, the saga of a man who started his career in the trunk of his car will continue. AND he will always have CD’s in the trunk of his car!! Nesha Lashay At only 19 years of age, South Carolina native, Nesha Lashay, born as Danesha Moon, is certinly making a name for herself in the world of modeling. She was born on April 11, 1989 in Alexandria, VA and soon moved to a small town called Saluda, South Carolina after being only 2 weeks old. As she began to get older, she realized the attention she was getting and that people often commented her on her looks. She had many people tell her that she needs to pursue a modeling career but she never took it seriously until she met her former model management team and decided to work with them so she could get her foot in the door. After her first photo shoot, everything took new heights for her. Over the next several months, she was being featured on numerous websites and magazines. She attended and graduated from Saluda High School. Her interest includes working out, singing, modeling, traveling and learning new things. She now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina and plans to become a massage therapist. In the future she hopes to continue her modeling career, pursue singing or acting, try hosting a television show, and have her own night club. She is definitely a young lady to reckon with, so keep watching because she is a star in the making. SEA - 23 SEA 1.indd 23 16/3/2009 17:12:19

Deal Wit It (D.W.I.) This southern rap group from West Memphis, AR has been taking the music industry by storm. Deal Wit It aka D.W.I., has been Grind- ing within the industry since 2004. Rapper Mareo “Young Yo” Perry would do tracks with his cousin Brandon “Big Paper” Gates, as well as Doug “Low Key” Johnson. After producing many tracks together, the three combined to form the group known as Deal Wit It. They began working on tracks in many local recording studios around town and produced their first underground album titled “A Long Time Coming”. D.W.I began to work with producers such as Headz and Tailz Productions and CKB records and completed a mixtape titled “Still Underground” selling a combination of 10,000 copies throughout Arkansas and the Memphis, Tenn. area. D.W.I traveled to promote their music and performed at local shows. At the same time, the group created a buzz throughout the south, leaving local recording labels a lasting impression of the group with an undeniable talent. While D.W.I worked hard to promote their music, High Rize Recordings CEO, Corey “Thuda” Mills noticed the group’s talent, drive, and commitment. He admired their effort and pursued interest in the group. In 2007, Deal Wit It signed with High Rize Recordings. They eagerly began recording in the studio and produced their hit single and popular dance, “360”. The group traveled around the south promoting the “360” dance and performing at shows creating a fan base in many states such as Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Georgia. During the fall of 2007, D.W.I dropped their second mixtape “Get Wit It or Deal Wit It”, distributing over 100,000 copies on the streets stretching from Florida to Texas. Following D.W.I. released two hot singles “Fresh As I Wanna Be” produced by Montana Trax and “Nothing” produced by Young Juvie. The group is currently working on a new album self titled, “Deal Wit It” which will be released in fall of 2009. The new album includes tracks produced by major producers such as Montana Trax, J Dav, Heads and Tailz, Young Juve and Swizzo. The group has recorded tracks in studios such as Low Key Studios in Jonesboro, Arkansas, V.I.P. Records in St. Louis, Missouri and Patchwork in Atlanta, GA. Deal Wit It has a compilation of songs that entertain all types of audiences. Opening for acts such as Kinfolk Kia Shine, Gucci Mane, Rocko, Baby, Lil Wayne, 8-Ball & MJG, Lil Boosie, Lil Webbie, Pleasure P, Pretty Willie, Young Joc, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Soulja Boy, Ne-Yo, Shawty Lo, Huey, Rich Boy and Yo Gotti. D.W.I. is now currently recording their debut album and preparing to release two of their hottest mixtapes to date! Check out new releases at www.myspace.com/dwihrr DEaL WIT IT! 24 - SEA SEA 1.indd 24 16/3/2009 17:12:22

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MySpace is an online community that lets you meet your friends’ friends. Create a community on MySpace and you can share photos, journals and interests with your growing network of mutual friends! See who knows who, or how you are connected. Find out if you really are six people away from Kevin Bacon. MySpace is for everyone: • Friends who want to talk Online • Single people who want to meet other Singles • Matchmakers who want to connect their friends with other friends • Families who want to keep in touch--map your Family Tree • Business people and co-workers interested in networking • Classmates and study partners • Anyone looking for long lost friends! Mz.Trinity is one of the most lyrical hard-edged female MC to hit the scene today. With her catchy phrases, outstanding word play and hardcore attitude, she most defiantly can hold her own on the mic. Mz.Trinity was born Chemeika Spencer in Houston, TX in 1982, and started rapping at age 10. Straight out of Elementary School, she began rapping on 97.9 The Box 5:30pm Roll Call on Madd Hatta’s afternoon show. The “Roll Call” was where people could call in and display their skills live on the air. Becoming a regular on the “Roll Call”, she had a chance to be heard and develop her skills battling other callers live on air. Before she knew it she was battling MC’s in contests and just for the love of it. After graduating High School in 2000 she slowly stopped rapping on the “Roll Call”. Not knowing what was in store for her future, she decided to attend The University of Houston Downtown for a Communication Degree. However, little did she know that would be the places where she would meet T. Farris, A&R of Swisha House Entertainment. They knew each other from Middle School and High School but never really talked about music until they crossed paths again in college. Soon T. Farris introduce her to G-Dash, co-owner of Swisha House Entertainment and after meeting him she had a chance to feature on Choppin’em Up 6, Straight To Tha Room pt2, and The Day Hell Brooke Lose pt2. Since then she has featured on a number of projects and worked with a number of well known artists from Houston. She came out with her first underground mix tape entitled “The Madness Begins”. Talking shit should have been her middle name because on that mix tape she was not playing around, the madness did begin. On December 17, 2006 she graduated from college and received her Degree in Communication. Then she came back with her second mix tape entitled “No Nuts No Glory”. In January of 2008 she received a Southern Entertainment award for “Slept On Artist Of The Year”. Then it was time for the world to wake up and see what she was all about. She came back and dropped her 3rd mix tape entitled “The Madness Never Ends” hosted by DJ Michael “5000” Watts. www.myspace.com/mztrinitymusic - www.mztrinity.com 26 - SEA SEA 1.indd 26 16/3/2009 17:12:27

Ozy Reigns Ozy Reigns has blazed a musical path that stretches from his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended College. It was also in Atlanta that Ozy met up with talented producers such as Illastrate and Koda to begin molding a unique sound for himself. It was by Koda and Illa’s beat ingenuity that the foundations for Ozy’s high- powered tracks “OZ,” “Staywitchu,” “ALB” and “FireFly” were laid. “ I make music for music lovers. I wanna take Hip Hop music beyond where it’s ever gone and replenish the edge and the soul that it had before it was a billion dollar industry,” says Ozy. Between show dates and radio airplay in S.C., N.C. and ATL, Ozy and Jus Cuz(Nefarious and SinSkyy) with their label MOONDOX, Ltd.(est. in 2002) maintain a growing buzz. As an individual, Ozy will conquer not only the music industry but the world of film as well. He studied film at Clark Atlanta University following a note worthy history in the drama program at Richland Northeast High school back in South Carolina. During and since college, Ozy has acted in, written, directed and composed music for several projects. Some of which can be found at video stores nationwide. Excelling in multiple arts, including music production, he can only be labeled an artist. From his first rolls in grade school plays, to leading songs in the church choir, and local club performances around Columbia and Atlanta, Ozy has stayed on it. In his own words “Me and my fam have starved long enough. I gotta feed generations with my raps so in my eyes I gotta blow! No question!” In any crowd, Ozy stands out like a sore thumb. Maybe it’s because of his laser beam focus on his goals, which was evident in the communications department at Clark Atlanta. Ozy was a 4-year member and eventually became president of 4-Reel Productions, a popular film organization at the university. Success through leadership has always been in the cards for him. Even as a 4-year old belting out his own renditions of hits by Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and New Edition Ozy, or Corey Gillens as his parents named him, knew his destiny. His quote worthy lyrics give him a presence that is rare in today’s beat driven market and the soul that he brings to the game is paralleled by none. After the huge success of The Spade’s South Carolina hit “Incredible SC,” Ozy prepares his yet untitled solo debut album. With several projects in the works, and “The Last Dragon” mixtape, hosted by Hood Hard’s DJ Aaries, smashing the streets he will solidify himself as a music legend and further secure that his destiny will be fulfilled. MySpace.com/ozyofspades P. Dog James M Out of Nashville, TN, P Dog & James M are highly driven, music minded business men. They want nothing more than to be heard, understood and their craft respected. P Dog & James M have been labeled as lyrical masterminds by many greats among the southern underground music scene. Having done music with many dedicated and talented artists their name has began to buzz. In 2007, separately they found themselves with Damnit Boy Productions where their lyrical grittiness was complimented by the new age production of Big John. After making several changes & moves, P Dog bought a studio to help them & others pursue their dreams. This is where P Dog & James M grinded day and night to make this 09’ SEA nominated mix tape. In 2009, it’s a new year, new mind state, new goals and new paths to take for the duo. P Dog & James M have personally re- vamped themselves, business minds and game plans. Now with everything falling in place, they are more focused than ever! With new mixtapes in the making, much anticipated solo albums on the way & various court dates 09’ will be a busy year. P Dog & James M have a mission and a goal in mind with a hunger that is comparable to children in 3rd world countries. SEA - 27 SEA 1.indd 27 16/3/2009 17:12:30

nique By Marquita Gonzalez Nique’s impeccable swagger hails from the Far Rockaway section of Queens New York. His story reads like Anne’s hard knock life but through hip hop, Nique made his statement. The gritty vibe of street battles and the legendary on wax battles of the 80’s influenced a young Nique to purse a hip hop career. Nique credits the legendary battle of KRS, who is from the Bronx and Mc Shan of Queens the fuel that sparked the flame to his own lyrics. A self proclaimed “everyday guy”, Nique’s down to earth attitude gave him the neighborhood “baller” title on and off the court. His locate freestyles amongst friends in the playground showed off his venomous lyrics. Nique starting recording at a local studio and began his career at the age of 15 through the encouragement of a childhood friend. Nique’s constant struggle with the shady music industry helped him create Rock- street Entertainment. Nique and business partner/ Co-CEO Brooklyn producer Sick 6 founded the company. Rockstreet’s underground buzz and Nique’s steadfast approach have multiple the size of Rockstreet Entertainment. The company continues to grow with a real music movement in mind. Nique’s musical talents landed him on several nationally and international mix tapes. His distinctive flow represents his unique life experiences and his borough. Nique is definitely going hard in the rap game and proves to the haters that he stands out more like King among his counterparts. Check him out on his Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/uniquestreet HtR ae Pof Ro By Marquita Gonzalez Caution: If you are among the “haters”, this is not for you! Quenton Barnes better known as HaterProof is here to let those haters know where to put it. His strong conviction to keep the haters away is heard in his distinctive voice and music. Currently, HaterProof resides in Nashville, Tennessee a.k.a. (Cashville, Tennakey) and is blowing up on the Underground Street Circuit . HaterProof is a CEO and the forefront artist of his label M.H.P (Meadow Hills Posse) Entertainment. He has released a mixtape titled Something 2 Ride 2 Vol. 1 and coming soon the mixtape Living Truth. With the help of his aggressive street team and his own power moves, HaterProof focuses on giving his fans what they want to hear. HaterProof’s “Dirty Dirty” lyrics give me an edge in the hip hop community. Something you haven’t quite heard recently. His raw delivery and realistic message puts him on top of his game. For more information check him out on his official Myspace page: www.myspace.com/haterprf 28 - SEA SEA 1.indd 28 16/3/2009 17:12:35

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YOUNG CARTOON Though he comes across as being upbeat with a colorful personality, Young Cartoon’s coming-of-age experience was far from animated. While his story is seemingly similar to most rap artists today, from coming up in a broken home to making bad choices to earn money, one would never know it by listening to his music. “I make ‘feel good music;’ because I like to make people feel good, no matter what they are going through,” explains the twenty-two year old rapper. Randy Kelly can recall the reason his parents began to grow apart. His mother worked hard to accomplish her goals as an entrepreneur, while his father grew closer to God and became a devoted Christian. Wanting his children to have a strong religious upbringing, his father was determined to raise all six of them while his mother went on to pursue her dreams. Kelly recounts, “I was hurt, but I also understood why my mother had to leave. My father’s choice to maintain a secure relationship with the church was putting a strain on his relationship with our family.” Growing up under his father’s rearing, Kelly was restricted from listening to any music with the exception of Gospel. “Although I love all kinds of music, Gospel didn’t make sense to me at the time. It didn’t reflect what I was seeing on the streets and in the faces of the gangsters in my neighborhood,” Kelly recalls. The exposure of Hip Hop came by Young Cartoon easy. With the influences surrounding him at school and finding his brothers’ secret stashes of mixed tapes under their beds; he was certain to start bucking the rules of the household. Soon, he began to grow weary of his father’s strict polices. At 16, Kelly left home and took to the streets. To keep his mind off current decisions of surviving the street life, he would freestyle with people in his circle. He was not on the streets too long before he convinced his father to enroll him into Job Corps. There, he calculated moments learned from his father’s home, the streets, and his mother’s sprit and realized that he could put all that energy into his hobby. Using the nickname given to him by his mother, Young Cartoon started his first rap endeavor in a group with his cousins, Sedy Sed, and Kellz Ozborne called Young TKS. Although they were gaining popularity as a group, they were heavily influenced by their mentor, DJ Rhymer to become solo acts. The short-lived group took his advice and disbanded. While Young Cartoon stepped back from the mic to reevaluate rapping as a solo artist, he formed an entertainment company called Scooter Entertainment. Running a fulltime promotions company in South Florida and booking local DJ’s would soon be beneficial to both Scooter Entertainment and Cartoon’s career as a solo artist. His underground testimony can be heard in the streets of Miami, Carol City and Hollywood, 305 toon Florida were his following is strong and his sin- pace.com/ www.mys gles, ‘Shawty What’s Your Name’ and ‘Shaw- ty, I’m …’ are dominating the club and mixed tape circuits. Outwardly fusing the worlds of Hip Hop, Pop, and Dance, Young Cartoon is the epitome of a Florida artist. “Even though the IN DA STREETS HIT SINGLES INCLUDE SHAWTY streets of Florida are corrupted with killings, drugs WHATS YOUR NAME, SHAWTY IM AND WHAM!! and prostitution, my music is uplifting. It makes you want to dance and have fun.” – Young Cartoon WWW.YOUNGCARTOON.COM SEA 1.indd 30 16/3/2009 17:12:41

Tears for HOPE Foundation Tears For Hope Foundation is a 501c3 foundation with our permit CDC, communities, and for that matter the world together to help from the state of Georgia making the foundation a legal founda- understand each other and to find common ground to a grow- tion/charity. Tears For Hope Foundation was started by Founder/ ing epidemic.” says Victoria Smith, Founder/Chief Creative Officer. Chief Creative Officer Victoria Smith over 4 years ago. What would “The current stats as we see them today are not correct, and are make a woman want to start an HIV/AIDS foundation when in based on the year 2006 with research done in 33 states, but yet fact Victoria could have started any other business, but decided having people thinking this is for the whole United States and after thinking really hard this is what she wanted to do? The vi- it is not. This is why I have started Tears For Hope Foundation sion started while researching the stats when it comes to HIV/AIDS to help in getting the numbers correct and see just how many since 1980’s to current. It wasn’t long until Victoria Smith knew people we are looking at that are HIV positive.” says Victoria there was something missing and that’s a warm heart, open Smith, Founder of Tears For Hope Foundation. Currently Tears For arms for hugs, many tissues to wipe the tears that ran down the Hope Foundation has programs that are on going, (1) Collecting faces of people who she knew was HIV positive. 3,000 brand new Baby Bottles, (2) Feed one, But feed all is an “Tears For Hope Foundation is a foundation that helps premature on going program to feed the homeless, (3) Collecting pampers babies, HIV babies, HIV mothers, and currently MSM (Men Sleep- for premature and HIV babies, (4) Mothers helpers is a program ing with Men) in which the stats are the highest among African for mothers that are HIV positive who needs help in getting the American/Black men and Latinos are not far behind. “One of our proper items for their new born babies and the mothers also. goals is to open a statistical data center to help track the numbers For more information on these programs, please send an email to and stats when it comes to the African American/Black and Latino tearsforhopefoundation@gmail.com. For more on Tears For Hope communities. It is not as easy to get people to come forward and Foundation, please visit https://www.tearsforhopefoundation.org let the world know they are HIV positive, but with the proper un- or http://www.myspace.com/tearsforhopefoundation. derstanding and knowledge, many will come to seek the answer Want to make a donation? All donations can be made online to an age old question. A question that has surface not here in the by way of http://www.paypal.com and the account name is United States, but around the world. The question is how do we tearsforhopefoundation@gmail.com. bring not only the communities together, but how do we bring the The Texas Summer Music Conference began in 2003. Serving as an outlet to educate aspiring urban music artists, producers, dj’s models and all lifestyle related affiliates on the entertainment industry, the event has provided this audience with access to exclusive networking opportunities. SEA - 31 SEA 1.indd 31 16/3/2009 17:12:44

TroubleSum TroubleSum is the most dangerous weapon the Hip Hop world has seen in years! With an effortless delivery of lyrics written by this living, breathing, walking paradox, she’s certain to alter the hip hop scene. TroubleSum (Born Tabitha Grant) was raised as a “Preacher’s Kid” and knew very little about the world of rap. At just 9, TroubleSum attended her brother’s high school functions where he would mix and perform which introduced her to Hip Hop music. Taking an interest in this new scene, she began to write and perform Christian raps at her Father’s church. After a life-altering event at the age of 13, this young lady learned the streets rather quickly. What used to be going to church Wednesday and Sunday was now hanging out on the block free styling Friday nights. “I remember it like it was yesterday, we would stand on the corner and listen to screw and just freestyle, I would be the only girl rapping with a group of hustlers.” Making a name for herself by entering in freestyle contest around her hometown, Houston, Texas, she felt rap was her true calling. TroubleSum is featured on such collaborations as the album “Ghetto Classic’s” with such songs as “Gimme that Thang” and “Trouble in this World”, featured on Grammy Award Winner, Chamillionarie’s Texas Extended Remix of “Won’t Let U Down”, Music World’s Lil J Xavier on the song “We got Next” which became the ANTHEM for the WNBA’s Houston Comet’s, the underground mix tape “GO DJ’s Presents: The Movement Vol. 1”, Trae tha Truth’s “Streets of the South”, Cory Mo’s “Houston’s Most Unknown” hosted by DJ Smallz. An impressive performance by the ONLY female on the roster of the nationally distributed “HIP HOP LIFE” DVD (In stores NOW!!!!!!! ) lead her to be the opening act for Young Jeezy, Fat Joe, Trina and Rick Ross. Her inspiration includes such artist as Tupac Shakur, Jimmy Hendricks, and the Gospel group The Clark Sisters. These artists influenced her writing ability, and like them, she strives to reach her own legendary status. “I will hold stead fast to my vision, and never comprise myself respect.” With a distinguished sound and intimidating lyrics, you know Trouble is on the way and what you see isn’t always what you get! Vanessa Phan Vanessa Phan was born in the wintery city of Syracuse, Newyork. She then moved to the Florida’s sunshine state in her teen years. Residing in gov- ernment housing with a Vietnamese nationality, growing up was not easy. Surrounded by drugs and crack houses, the desire to work harder soon became a priority, in order to get out of the hood. Vanessa’s curvy body and full lips, she was deemed an outcast and labeled “The Ugly Sister”. She was always being compared to her two, smaller figured sisters. She did not realize the nature of her beauty until the age of 18, when she was scouted by an agency based in Orlando, Florida who were amazed with her look. Vanessa then took advantage of the opportunity and branched out into different avenues of modeling and entertainment. She created a look and taste of how she wanted to brand her new alter ego. Currently working in music, television and fashion,Vanessa can be seen in videos, magazine covers, mixtape covers, independent films, and event hosting. Her talents also include songwriting and choreography. She built a name throughout the east coast, Canada, and Asia which earned her a spot as a Core Model. Vanessa Phan is definitely a Jack of All Trades. 2008 is her first year nominated for Model of The Year and Impact Model of the Year for the SEA awards. She has definitely earned her position, and many of her fans and supporters agree. Her growth and progress throughout the years have helped her push harder and further. Be sure to catch her in the new upcoming “One More Drink” video with Ludacris ft. T.Pain. Be sure to show love: www.myspace.com/vanessaphan 32 - SEA SEA 1.indd 32 16/3/2009 17:12:48

Ava Samone Alesha Paulette Location: atlanta, Ga - Stats: 5¡¦9¡¨ 145 34-28-40 - Status: Single - age: 24 Site: www.myspace.com/caramelflavor82 Booking: 404.200.8787 or ava_samone@comcast.net Location: atlanta, Ga - Stats: 5¡¦ 6¡¨ 130lbs 34-24-40 - - Status: none - age: 27 Site: www.myspace.com/aleshabell & www.aleshapaulette.com Booking: bookingaleshabell@ymail.com SEA - 33 SEA 1.indd 33 16/3/2009 17:12:52

Ebony Doll Location: Oklahoma City, OK - Stats: 5¡¦8¡¨ 34DD-25-40 - Status: Single - age: 25 Site: myspace.com/theebonydoll Booking: theebonydoll03@yahoo.com Keara Tha Truth Location: Baton Rouge, LA - Stats: 34-28-42 - Status: Single - age: 22 Site: www.myspace.com/kearathatruth Booking: scootiahotgirl_04@yahoo.com 34 - SEA SEA 1.indd 34 16/3/2009 17:12:55

Tamira phis, TN Location: Mem 36-24-32 5¡¦7¡¨ 125lbs e Stats: nun-ya LOL ƒº olved, but still Status: Inv age: 20 2fyne06 pace.com/mrz_ Site: www.mys 6 m/mrz_2fyne0 myspace.co Booking: www. selite.net & www.prodiva n metrius Morga Photo: De SEA - 35 SEA 1.indd 35 16/3/2009 17:12:59

#1 DJ IN THE SOUTH SLEPT ON DJ OF THE YEAR MIXTAPE DJ OF THE YEAR Bigga Rankin DJ Big Swoll Bigga Rankin DJ Aaries DJ Blaze (Florence, SC) DJ 5150 DJ B Lord DJ Blazinhell DJ Bobby Black DJ Barry Bee DJ Dacick1 DJ Chuck T DJ Bobby Black DJ Dee Bee DJ Dollar Bill DJ Chuck T DJ Dollar Bill DJ Drama DJ Drama DJ Jonasty DJ Finesse DJ Howard Q DJ Kool.Laid DJ RPM DJ Jelly DJ Ksmoove DJ Scope DJ Khaled DJ Mixx-Tenn DJ Scream DJ Nasty DJ Purfiya DJ Sir Swift DJ Scream DJ Ryno DJ Smallz DJ Smallz DJ SureShot DJ Teknikz DJ Teknikz DJ Swatts Dutty Laundry OG Ron C DJ Wheezy Trapaholics FEMALE DJ OF THE YEAR OLD SCHOOL DJ OF THE YEAR MIXTAPE OF THE YEAR Brandi Garcia Carebear (Memphis,TN) Allstar & Young Buck - B.O.A.T. (Starbucks) DJ Chela Derek “Bigg Dm” Durand DJ 007 - All Work No Play DJ Diamond Kuts DJ C-Wiz DJ 32 Degreez - Texas Massacre Part 13 DJ Dimepiece DJ Finesse (Jackson, MS) DJ Bobby Black - Crack Addiction (Jay Z & Barack Obama) DJ Dimples DJ Howard Q DJ Burn One - Gucci Mane: Chicken Talk DJ Gloss DJ Jelly DJ Chuck T - Down South Slangin Vol 49.99 DJ Kaye Dunaway DJ Mixx-Tenn DJ Coolbreeze - Clash Of The Titans DJ Lady Blaze DJ Phingaprint DJ Drama - Ludacris:The Preview DJ Legacy DJ Pillzbury DJ Folk - The Shield Gang: All Eyes On Us DJ Mami Chula DJ Rage (Nashville,TN) DJ Raj Smoove - Lil Weezy Ana Vol. 1 DJ Mami Fresh DJ Rob Storm DJ Rell & Gucci Mane - Wilt Chamberlain-The Mixtape DJ Southern Belle DJ Spanish Fly DJ Scream & MLK - Big Kuntry King:Cocaine Kuntry DJ Storm Lawbreaker (Nashville,TN) DJ Smallz - Yo Gotti:Cocaine Muzik Princess Cut (Atlanta) Shekeese Tha Beast DJ Teknikz - No Bitch Ass Ness Princess Cut (Dallas) Smooth Denali Evil Empire - Interstate Trafficking Part 6 IMPACT DJ OF THE YEAR DJ CREW / FAMILY OF THE YEAR BEST ART/GRAPHICS ON A MIXTAPE Bigga Rankin Aphilliates DJ 2Mello & Rapmullet.com - Summer Breeze DJ Aaries Bum Squad DJs DJ 5150 & The Empire - Goon Music DJ Chuck T Cool Runnings DJs DJ Bobby Back - Crack Addiction (Andre 3000 & Jeezy) DJ Demp Core DJ’s Worldwide DJ Cannon Banyon & DJ Dyce - Three 6 Mafia Special Ed. DJ Drama Def DJs DJ Cashis Kay - Blends For That Ass 5 DJ Freddy Hydro Down South DJs DJ Chief Rocka - Throwin Bows 5 DJ Khaled Fleet DJ’s DJ Coolbreeze - Lil Wayne As Hancock (Super Hero Ed.) DJ Lil Larry Future Star DJ’s DJ Dollar Bill - Unstoppable (Diamond & Princess) DJ Montay Go DJ’s DJ Hella Yella - Lavish R&B 4 DJ Q-45 Hittmenn DJ’s DJ Herc - Spring Break Ya Deck DJ Scream Hood Hard DJ’s DJ Obscene & Lil C - Big Money Heavy Weights DJ Smallz Hustle Squad DJ’s DJ Rah2K & DJ Racks - Plies & Trina “F**k Friends” DJ Teknikz Legion Of Doom NOMINEES DJ Scream - Soulja Boy:The Teen Of The South DJ Troy 2 Da Vent Shadyville DJ’s DJ Smallz - Smokin R&B 13 (Gucci Edition) Tony Neal Slip n Slide DJ’s Evil Empire - Interstate Trafficking Vol. 6 36 - SEA SEA 1.indd 36 16/3/2009 17:13:02

MIX-TAPE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR MIX-TAPE ARTIST (MALE) OF THE YEAR BEST HOST ON A MIXTAPE Deshawn White 2 Deep B.O.B. DJ A-Smooth Allstar Bigga Rankin DJ C-Dub Donnie Cross Block (Block Ent) DJ Crisis Gorilla Zoe Da Ryno DJ Decko Gucci Mane DJ Aaries DJ Karizma J. Jizzle DJ Ames DJ Merk Jokaman DJ Bobby Black DJ Murk Mr. Mack DJ Chuck T DJ Prime Def Mr. Wiredup DJ Dee Bee (Big 6 Ent) DJ Ron (Nashville) OJ Da Juice DJ Drama DJ Southern Belle Ozy Reigns DJ Scream DJ Spinatik Playa Fly DJ Shekeese The Beast DJ StuPac Shawty Lo DJ Southern Belle Mz Unique (Tulsa,OK) SoundChild Crew DJ Whitey S. Dott Yo Gotti Hezeleo BEST MIX-TAPE (DUO/TEAM) MIX-TAPE ARTIST (FEMALE) OF THE YEAR BEST SKILLS ON A MIXTAPE Dirty Dix DJ’s Black Frost DJ B-Nasty DJ 2Mello & DJ Cashis Kay Da Ladie DJ Burn One DJ Bobby Black & DJ Mars Gangsta Boo DJ Chief Rocka DJ Bull & DJ Luis Khia DJ Decko DJ Cannon Banyon & DJ B-Lord La Chat DJ Dollar Bill DJ Chuck T & DJ Set It Off Lady Legacy DJ Frogie DJ Demp & Exclusive J Lil Buna DJ Grind DJ Hella Yella & Street Pharmacy Ms. Re Da Boss Baby DJ Hotsauce DJ Scream & DJ Cuttz Ms.Honeysiccle DJ Houston DJ Sureshot & Soundchild Crew Nicki Minaj DJ Ike G DA DJ Whut It Dew & DJ Scrill Nicky 2 States DJ Jelly Juice & Yellaboy Nina Ross DJ Mixx-Tenn P Dog & James M Rasheeda DJ Panic Southern Style DJ’s Riskay Da Drama Queen DJ Rapid Ric Tapemasters Inc. TroubleSum DJ Trick BEST CHOPPED & SCREWED MIX BEST FREESTYLE (ON A MIXTAPE) BEST INTRO ON A MIXTAPE 2 Deep DJ Cuttz DJ Black - Lean & Kush Black Frost DJ Joe Pro DJ Blazinhell - Wrek’d & Slurped Vol.2 Bohagon DJ Karizma DJ B-Nasty - Screwed Tales 12 DG Yola DJ King Pin DJ Bull, Dj Luis & Chalie Boy - Late Night Creep #31 Dirty Mike DJ Panic DJ Digga - New Orleans Nightmare 9 Dizzy aka Raw D.I. DJ Pillzbury DJ Herc - Spring Break Ya Deck FINE$$ DJ Princess Cut DJ J Jizzle - Between The Sheets Vol. 1 Hezeleo DJ Rapid Ric DJ Princess Cut - Sip-A-Lot Classics Mesha DJ Rob Storm DJ Rapid Ric - Whut It Dew Radio:Cash On Deck Ed. Mz.Trinity DJ Slikk DJ Whut It Dew - Sippin On Screw Juice Nino Blac DJ Southern Belle Michael Watts - Benjamin’s & Grant’s 2K8 Ricky Prince DJ Splash Michael Watts & Swishahouse- Still Smokin’ Soundchild Crew DJ Wheezy OG Ron C - F-Action 50 Sparkdawg DJ Whitey Pollie Pop Tha DJ Presents: Wet N Da Mood 10 Yung Texxus DJ Whut It Dew Screw Sessions - Old School R&B SEA - 37 SEA 1.indd 37 16/3/2009 17:13:05

BEST BLEND MIXTAPE BEST REGGAE / REGGAETON MIX-TAPE BEST DANCE/PARTY MIXTAPE Chinese Assassin - Those Were The F**king Dayz DJ 2 Mello & DJ Cashis Kay - Power Play RNB Part 4 DJ Barry Bee - Gentlemens Club Dexterity - Deadly Silence (Hip-Hop Reggae#11) DJ Blazita – Sex & The City DJ B-Nasty - 90’s Flash Dexterity - Strictly Vocals 3 DJ Bnasty – King Of Blends 14 DJ Cannon Banyon - Back In Da Day Booty Shakin DJ Jamsha - Reggaeton Most Requested DJ Cashis Kay – Blends For That Ass 5 DJ Chuck T - Slangin Countdown Vol 10 DJ Jelly & Mc Assault - Rude Boy 4 DJ Chief Rocka – Afterparty 3: Get Naked Edition DJ Cuttz - Under The Influence 4 (5 Star Edition) DJ Kingdom - Wet & Warm Vol 1 DJ Chuck T & DJ Set It Off – Down South Slangin Blends Vol 3 DJ EFX - Got Hits Vol 3 DJ Kool Kid - Wicked Reggae Mix Vol 4 DJ Frogie – Who Run It Vol. 11 DJ Finesse & Sounds Of Pleasure - Take It Back...Old School Part 4 DJ L - Gully Sin Tim Part 7 DJ Jelly – Crunk And Sexy Streetpharmacy & DJ Hella Yella - iDance DJ Ron Don - Dancehall Reggae #49 DJ Joe Pro – Vol. 80: On My Grustle DJ Houston - Dam I’m Sexy DJ Ron Don - Reggae Instrumentals Vol 12 DJ Joe Pro – Vol. 81: Unfukwitable Part 6 DJ Jelly & Mc Assault - Crank Da Party DJ Scope - Reggae Picks 15 DJ Lil Bee – The Best Blend Award Goes…Vol 2 DJ Mic Tee - Class Is In Session: 90’s Hip Hop Part 1 DJ Sin-cero - Reggaeton Rotation Vol 4 DJ Rapid Ric & DJ LL – Me & My Drank DJ Pillzbury - Grandmaster Pillz 90’s Radio DJ Unexpexted - Every Shade Has A Story: Jamaica DJ RPM – The Texas Takeover: Dallas Edition DJ Skillz - Party Like A Rockstar (Blendz) Selecta Renegade -Renegade Sound - Kings Of Miami 2 DJ Skillz – Party Like A Rickstar Part 2 DJ Slikk - At The Crib 14 Suge White - Original Shottas 2 Mista Rello – Hard Body Blends Vol 8 DJ Yahtz - Burn Volume 1 BEST MIX SERIES/VOL BEST R&B MIX-TAPE BEST EXCLUSIVES ON A MIXTAPE 24hr. 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Series DJ Barry Bee - Sex And Tha City DJ 31 Degreez DJ Bobby Black - Crack Addiction Series DJ Cannon Banyon - Shootin The Breeze Vol 6 DJ B-Lord DJ Chief Rocka - Rocka Radio DJ Chuck T - Sexxxplicit 38 DJ Bobby Black DJ Chuck T - Down South Slangin DJ Dyce - Dirty R& B Vol 1 DJ Chuck T DJ Daaone - Dozen Roses Edition DJ Finesse & Sounds Of Pleasure - Platinum Old School Jams (Part 4) DJ Drama DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz DJ Hella Yella - Lavish R&B 4 DJ Finesse DJ Grind - Grind Now, F*** Later Series DJ Jelly & MC Assault - Freaky Tales DJ Purfiya DJ Howard Q - Industry Mixtape Series DJ King Nade - Infatuation Part 4 DJ Rapid Ric DJ Purfiya - Welcome To Flawda Series DJ Pillzbury - GS5000 Grown & Sexy R&B DJ Scream DJ Ron Don - Volcal / Singing Series DJ Scope - RNB Overdrive 27 DJ Smallz DJ Sure Shot - Target Practice Series DJ Smallz - Smokin’ R&B Vol. 14 DJ Teknikz DJ Smallz - Best Thing Smoking Series DJ Teknikz - Executive R&B (Part 10) Dutty Laundry Southwest Connection - Mix-Tape Series Mark Xclusive - Xclusive R&B Part 24 Trapaholics Will Hustle & DJ Knowledge - Whatahustler Series Smooth Denali - R&B Classics Vol 15 (80’s Baby Part 1) BEST RAP MIX OF THE YEAR BEST SLOW JAM MIX-TAPE SPECIALITY (BEST OF) MIXTAPE Bali - The Come Up Vol. One DJ Bull, Dj Luis & Chalie Boy - Late Night Creep 31 24hr Grind - On The Grind:Smoke One 4 Your Brother (Devin The Dude) DJ 31 Degreez - Texas Massacre Part 13 Dexterity - Cum Shots #3 DJ 2Mello - Soul Brothers DJ 5150 - Gucci Mane & Yo Gotti: Gucci & Gotti DJ 2Mello & Rapmullet.com - Summer Breeze Slow Jams DJ 31 Degreez - Louisana Boyz (Lil Wayne,Lil Boosie,BG) DJ Barry Bee - Dirty Business 12 DJ Biz - Pillow Talk 8 DJ 5150 - Gucci N Gotti (Gucci Mane & Yo Gotti) DJ Blazinhell - Southern Slice Of Hospitality DJ Blazita - Sex & The City Part 1 DJ Aaries - Precise Music: Album For The Streets (Dat Boy Tragic) DJ B-Nasty - King Of Blends 13 DJ Cannon Banyon - Shootin The Breeze (Bumpin R&B) DJ Burn One & Jackie Chain - Who Am I DJ Bobby Black - Down & Dirty 31 DJ Finesse & Sounds Of Pleasure - Always & Forever DJ Cannon Banyon - Plies Vs Boosie DJ Demp & Exclusive J - Cash Flow DJ Finesse & Sounds Of Pleasure - Platinum Slow Jams Vol 34 DJ Certified Kingpen - Confessions Of A Choppa City Legend (Soulja Slim) DJ Drama - BG: Hood Generals DJ Jelly & MC Assault - Take It To Bedroom 2008 DJ Dollar Bill - Ball Till I Fall (Best Of Lil Wayne) DJ Joe Pro - Unfukwitable Part 6 DJ Joe Pro - Volume 79 (Southern R&B Part 3) DJ Scream - I Am Atlanta (Gorilla Zoe) DJ Rapid Ric & DJ LL - Me And My Drank DJ Smallz - Smokin R&B DJ Spinatik - Greatest Mixtape Ever Sold (David Banner) DJ Scream / MLK / DJ Spinz - Hoodrich Radio Part 11 DJ Storm - Best Of Mary J Blige Jaywerks - Princess (of Crime Mob) - Class in Session DJ Teknikz - Must Be 2 Sides Michael 5000 Watts - Straight To The Room #9 Kingpin Skinny Pimp - Street Mix Volume 1 Hevehitta - Southern Royalty Part 2 (UGK & Scarface) OG Ron C - F Action 50 Mr. Sche & Nasty Nardo - We From Memphis Will Hustle & DJ Knowledge - Whatahustler Vol 4 Smooth Denali - Good Bye Love: Classic Slow Jams 6 Trapaholics - Andre 3000 (Alter Ego The Mixtape) 38 - SEA SEA 1.indd 38 16/3/2009 17:13:08

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR #1 MALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR BREAK-THRU PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 92.7 WKRA (Holly Springs, MS) AG (WUBT 101.1-Nashville, TN) DJ Dap (WWLD 102.3-Tallahassee, FL) 92.9 WBLX (Mobile, AL) DJ Ekin (WBTP 95.7-Tampa, FL) Charlamagne Tha God (WHXT 103.9-Columbia, SC) 94.1 WQBT (Savannah, GA) Devin Steel (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) DJ Frosty (WXBT 100.1-Columbia, SC) 95.7 WBHJ (Birmingham, AL) DJ Daddy King (WBTF 107.9-Lexington, KY) DJ Greg Street (WVEE 103-Atlanta, GA) 97.1 WHRK (Memphis, TN) DJ Raw (WQBT 94.1-Savannah, GA) Dreesey Baby (WWLD 102.3-Tallahassee, FL) 97.7 WRJH (Jackson, MS) DJ Storm (WWLD 102.3-Tallahassee, FL) H-Dub (WHXT 103.9-Columbia, SC) 97.9 KBXX (Houston, TX) H-Dub (WHXT 103.9-Columbia, SC) Jus Borne (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) 100.1 WXBT (Columbia, SC) Lil Bankhead (WVEE 103-Atlanta, GA) Kwasi Kwa (WRJH 97.7 Jackson, MS) 101.1 WUBT (Nashville, TN) Mixx Maestro (WJZD 94.5-Gulfport, MS) Mark Gunn (WGZB 96.5-Louisville, KY) 103.5 KVSP (Oklahoma City, OK) Neek (WHXT 103.9-Columbia, SC) Mike Evans (WHRK 97.1-Memphis) 103.9 WHXT (Columbia, SC) Prescott (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Nephew Tommy (Steve Harvey Show - syndicated) 105.3 KJMM (Tulsa, OK) Prop Joe (propjoeradioshow.com) Rickey Smiley (syndicated) 106.7 KPWT (San Antonio, TX) Scott Wright (KVSP 103.5-OK) Ryan Cameron (WVEE 103-Atlanta, GA) 107.1 KXHT (Memphis, TN) Venom (WXBT 100.1-Columbia, SC) Tino Cochino (KPWT 106.7-San Antonio, TX) 107.9 WHTA (Atlanta, GA) Young Gee (WJMH 102-Greensboro, NC) Waleed Cayote (WJMH 102-Greensboro, NC) INTERNET / SATELLITE RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR #1 FEMALE PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR IMPACT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Blogtalkradio.com/ghentertainment Big Sue (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) AG (WUBT 101.1-Nashville, TN) Chroniccast.com Brandi Garcia KBXX (97.9-Houston, TX) Big Sue (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Dirtysouthradioonline.com Chi Chi (KPWT 106.7-San Antonio, TX) Big Tigger (syndicated) flavor450.com Coka Lani (WMIB 103.5-Miami, FL) Boogaloo (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) Hiphopfriendsonline.com Egypt (WQBT 94.1-Savannah, GA) Brandi Garcia (KBXX 97.9-Houston, TX) Propjoeradioshow.com L Boogie (WWLD 102.3-Tallahassee, FL) Charlamagne Tha God (WHXT 103.9 Columbia, SC) Reewine Music Lady K (KXBT 104.9-Austin, TX) DJ Chill (KPFT 90.1-Houston, TX) Sa-urban.com Maria More (WHTA 107.9 Atlanta, GA) DJ Ekin (WBTP 95.7-Tampa, FL) Sirius - Shade 45 Mizz. Shyneka (WHTA 107.9-Atlanta, GA) DJ Hollywood (Dirtysouthonline.com) Swurvradio.com Neek (WHXT 103.9-Columbia, SC) Egypt (WQBT 94.1-Savannah, GA) Thebeat713.com Pamela Aniese (WUBT-Nashville, TN) Kiki J (KKDA 104-Dallas, TX) Ugradio.com Powda (thebeat713.com) Maria More (WHTA107.9 Atlanta, GA) Wtnrradio.com Ramona (WVEE 103-Atlanta, GA) Ebony & D’Lyte aka On Air Divas (KKDA 104-Dallas, TX) WWW.1.FM TK (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) Porsche Foxx (WVEE 103 Atlanta, GA) XM - 66 Raw Venom (WXBT 100.1-Columbia, SC) Superman (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) SLEPT ON PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR PROGRAM/MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Al Weedon/AL MY-T (WBLX-Mobile, AL) Bigg V (WGNL 104 / WAID106.5) Baka Boyz (syndicated) Brian Douglas (WJMH-Greensboro, NC) Charlamagne The God (WHXT 103.9 Columbia, SC) Big Boy’s Neighborhood (KPWT 106.7-San Antonio, TX) Chuck Jones (sa-urban.com/sauradio) DJ Hollywood (dirtysouthradioonline.com) Damage Control Radio (KPFT 90.1 Houston, TX) Denise Brooks (WZLD-Hattiesburg, MS) DJ Mic Tee (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Devin Steel Afternoon Show (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Devin Steel (WHRK-Memphis, TN) DJ Rob Storm (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) Durtty Boyz (WHTA 107.9-Atlanta, GA) Eric Sean (KPWT-San Antonio, TX) Jus Borne (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) Get Crunk Show (Dirtysouthradioonline.com) J Blaze (WWLD-Tallahassee, FL) Kylan (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Mike Evans In The Morning (WHRK 97.1-Memphis, TN) Jay Alexander (WBTF-Lexington, KY) Lee Money (sa-urban.com/sauradio) Propjoeradioshow.com Kenny Smoov (WQQK-Nashville, TN) ML6 (WEUP 103.1-Huntsville, AL) Ridin Durty Show (WRFG 89.3-Atlanta, GA) Kwasi Kwa (WRBJ-Jackson, MS) Mz Linda (WRFG 89.3-Atlanta, GA) Show & Tell w/ The Phenomenal Gifts (sa-urban.com/sauradio) Mary K (WBHJ-Birmingham, AL) Nu York (WBHJ 95.7-Birmingham, AL) Steve Harvey Morning Show (syndicated) Mike Tech (WZFX-Fayetteville, NC) Princess Ivori (WQQK 92.1-Nashville, TN) Stripper Radio (DJ Funky & DJ X-Rated-XM 66 RAW) Mo Better (KXHT-Memphis, TN) Rashan Ali (WHTA 107.9-Atlanta, GA) The Buck Wilde Morning Show (WBHJ 95.7-Birmingham, AL) Pamela Aniese (WUBT-Nashville, TN) Spanish Fly (KXHT 107.1-Memphis, TN) Thunderstorm w/ Dolowite & Scooby (WUBT 101.1-Nashville, TN) Reggie Rouse (WVEE-Atlanta, GA) Valencia (KBBT 98.5-San Antonio, TX) Wendy Williams Experience (syndicated) SEA - 39 SEA 1.indd 39 16/3/2009 17:13:11

RADIO DJ (MIXER) OF THE YEAR AFTERHOURS CLUB OF THE YEAR INDIE ALBUM OF THE YEAR DJ B Lord 1919 (Dallas, TX) ABN - It Is What It Is Dj Brratt Body Tap (Atlanta, GA) Allstar - Starlito’s Way II DJ Daddy King Boss Night Club (Memphis, TN) Anthony David - Acey Duecy DJ Eddie Brasco Cave Nightclub (Atlanta., GA) Baby D - A-Town Secret Weapon DJ Ezone Club Dubbs (Lexington, KY) Big Unk - Tolerated But Hated DJ Finesse Club Unity (West Memphis / ARK) Bohagon - Crunk In HD DJ Frosty Da Bomb (Atlanta, GA) C-Loc - Anybody Can Get It DJ Funky Delta Grand (Opelousas, LA) Darnell Levine - Journal Entries EP DJ Fuyal Ebony Club (Huntsville, AL) Devin The Dude - Smoke Sessions Vol. 1 DJ Jonasty Faded (Nashville, TN) La Chat - Da Hood Homegirl Dj Spinatik Harlem Knights (Houston, TX) Paisley Hill - The Mixtape Experience DJ X-Rated Hush (Columbia, SC) Paper - Paper View Dolowite Iniquity (Dallas, TX) Pistol - Fed Material Mix Squad Juice Bar (Nashville, TN) Webbie – Savage Life 2 Triple A K.O.H.A. (Orlando, FL) Young Bleed - Once Upon A Time In Amedica NIGHTCLUB/VENUE OF THE YEAR CLUB DJ OF THE YEAR BEST INDIE RAP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Club Crucial (Atlanta, GA) DJ 2 Freaky 2 Deep - Against All Odds Club Fuze (Austin, TX) DJ Beni Boom 8 Ball & Devius - The Vet & The Rookie Club Mirage (Tampa, FL) DJ B-Lord ABN - It Is What It Is Compound (Atlanta, GA) DJ Chill (LA) Allstar - Starlito’s Way II Freelon’s Bar & Groove (Jackson, MS) DJ C-Lo Baby D - A-Town Secret Weapon Level (Houston, TX) DJ Crisis Bohagon - Crunk In HD Ora Ultra Lounge (Miami Beach, FL) DJ Finesse Boo Rossini - #1 D-Boy Parkwest (Miami, FL) DJ Fuyal Devin The Dude - Smoke Sessions Vol. 1 Platinum Night Club (Birmingham, AL) DJ Houston Kamikaze - Draft Day 2 Plush 3000 (Memphis, TN) DJ IKE G DA La Chat - Da Hood Homegirl DJ Joe Pro Mr. Sche & Nasty Nardo - We From Memphis Plush Entertainment Complex (Jacksonville, FL) Silver Spoon (Memphis, TN) DJ Ksmoove Paper - Paper View Studio 72 (Atlanta, GA) DJ Unpredictable Pistol - Fed Material Tha Platinum Nite Club (Okolona, MS) DJ Xmas T-Rock & Mr. Sche - Vendetta The Place (Nashville, TN) DJ X-Rated Young Bleed - Once Upon A Time In Amedica ADULT CLUB OF THE YEAR CLUB PROMOTER OF THE YEAR BEST INDIE R&B ALBUM OF THE YEAR Body Tap (Atlanta, GA) 207 Entertainment - TN Amore’ Rayne - Journey Club Illusions (Fayetteville, NC) 250 Inc Promotions Anthony David - Acey Duecy Club Laroice (Columbia, SC) AG Entertainment Billy Cook - Kiss Tha Cook Club Nikkis (Charlotte, NC) CJ (CJ Entertainment) Cleer - So Good EP Dallas Gentlemen’s Club (Dallas, TX) CSR Promotions - FL Conya Doss - Still Ebony Club (Triana, AL) DJ Joe Pro D.L. Wilson - Lost Chronicles Of D.L. Wilson Harlem Knights (Houston, TX) Eminent Modeling & Promotions – TX Darnell Levine - Journal Entries EP Magic City (Atlanta, GA) Hot Girlz Promotions - GA Jaipee - I Ain’t Got No Time New York New York (Memphis, TN) Hustle Fam Marketing - TX Justice - Your Reflection Onyx (Houston, TX) Steve & Lisa Rogers – TX Paisley Hill - The Mixtape Experience Pink Monkey (Houston, TX) Shunn Gunn - TN Roi Anthony - True Soul Platinum Rose (Memphis, TN) Steletto Squad - NC Skai - The Skai Is The Limit Platnium 21 (Atlanta, GA) Twinz-N-Control Entertainment - TN Southern Keys: Keys To The City Pure Passion (Memphis, TN) Urban Professionals - TN Sy Smith - Conflict Strokers (Atlanta, GA) Urbaneyes Music & Marketing Agency - FL Zain - From The Streets To The Booth 40 - SEA SEA 1.indd 40 16/3/2009 17:13:14

INDIE ARTIST OF THE YEAR BEST INDIE R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR EPT ON ARTIST OF THE YEAR Allstar Coline 3 Fingaz B.O.B. D.L. Wilson Amore’ Rayne Big Meech Da Don Jaipee Big Stacksss Calico Jones JC Colo Korinne GMB Kena Cherelle Jaymall Jackie Chain Maria More Kace Jones Jody Breeze Mario Moore aka Rio Lil Juan Kaneri Diamond Mi-Tyme Lonestar Kingpin Skinny Pimp Quante’ Mario Moore aka Rio Playa Fly Robin Raynelle Mz. Unique Ricco Barrino Skai Paper Sheri Hauck Taitan-O Ricco Barrino Sonny Rich Tone Yates Smoke (TX) Yo Gotti X-Plicit Young Calico Yung Texxus Zain Zero Armada INDIE GROUP OF THE YEAR INDIE PRODUCER OF THE YEAR IMPACT ARTIST OF THE YEAR 334 M.O.B.B. Bangladesh Baby D Albino Gorillaz (JabbaJaw) Beat Mechanix Billy Cook Common Folk Beatz By The Blizz Bohagon Get Money Movement Broadway Ms. Flawless Green City DJ Montay Jackie Chain Kinfolk Thugs Drumma Boy Jacob Latimore Jr Nappy Roots Fate Eastwood Kamikaze P.N.G. (Partnaz N Grind) Manbeast Productions Lonestar Peach Candy Marvelous J OJ Da Juiceman Soundchild Crew Mgeezy & Da Beat Squad Quanie Cash Stockholdaz Midimarc RIP “Cashville’s Ace” Streetz & Young Deuces Montana Traxx Riskay The Drama Queen TMI Boyz Mouse Trai’d Vistoso Bosses Noki Swazay Yo Gotti X-Plicit Zaytoven Zedzilla BEST INDIE RAP ARTIST OF THE YEAR BEAT OF THE YEAR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR Big K.R.I.T. B.O.B. B.O.B. - Haterz Everywhere (By DG Ribah) Emeka Billy Cook Big Kuntry - The Baddest (By Shawty Redd) King David Fuzion Dance Troupe Bun B - You’re Everything (By Mr. Lee) King James JohnsonBoy1 Jackie Chain - Rollin (By Block Beaters) Lil Ru Krystel Lil Wayne - A Milli (By Bangladesh) Ms.Re Da Boss Baby Lil Tre Plies - Who Hotter Than Me (By Midnight Black) Novakane Mesha Pop It Off Boyz - Crank Dat Batman (By Lil Action) OJ Da Juiceman Miss India Rick Ross - Maybach Music (By J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League) Paper Ms. Honeysiccle Rocko - Umma Do Me (By Drumma Boy) Sonny Rich Mz. Trinity Rock-O Da Don - Dis Morning (By Marvelous J) Stix Izza Playa Fly Shawty Lo - Foolish (By DJ Montay) Trai’D Ricky Prince Trai’d - Gutta Chick (By Dough Boy,T-Magic & Joe Blow Da CEO) Webbie Shelly B Yo Gotti - Let’s Vibe (By Seneca Zaphanef & Marlon “Reign” Smith) Yung Texxus Treal Young Jeezy - Put On (By Drumma Boy) Zedzilla Yo Gotti Yung La - Ain’t I (Remix) (By Ben Frank) SL SEA - 41 SEA 1.indd 41 16/3/2009 17:13:17

SONG OF THE YEAR INDIE RECORD LABEL OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY SERVICE OF THE YEAR Baby D - I’m Bout Money 3rd Degree Entertainment 1-Stop Graphics & Distribution, L.L.C. Boo Rossini - That Come Back 8 Ways Entertainment Enchanted PR Alkatraz Productions GME Agency / Entertainment Charlamagne Tha God - Hood Hard Reloaded Collard Greens - I’m Clean Big 6 Entertainment KE Consulting & Marketing Solutions Jackie Chain - Rollin Chopper City Records M.I.N.D. Management Lil Ru - Nasty Song Collipark Music Nancy Byron (OG PR) Playa Fly - Moolah Double Crossa Records Nitram Knarf Plies - Who’s Hotter… Fedtyme Records One Love Group Rocko - Umma Do Me Gimisum Productions Plush Blue Entertainment Shawty Lo - Foolish Monopoly Records Publicity Stunt, LLC Soundchild Crew - Crank My Music N.V.US Entertainment S.E.V.E.N. Promotions Stockholdaz - Don’t Know How 2 Act OneLife Productions Soundload Music Cards Trai’D - Gutta Chick Poe Boy Entertainment Southern Beauties Models Yo Gotti feat Pleasure P - Let’s Vibe Slip-N-Slide Records Status J Yung Texxus feat Yung Joc - Buss It Open Stockholdaz Entertainment TJs DJs RECORD PROMOTER OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY POWER PLAYER (MALE) Bigga Rankin Billy “Big 6” Hughes Bigg V “The Doughman” C Wakeley C. Wakeley Billy “Big 6” Hughes Cory Sparks Charlie Braxton Derek “The Bigg DM” Durand CSR Promotions Greg Gates DJ Aaries DJ Merk Greg Street DJ Freddy Hydro Greg Street Kim Tumey “The Celebrity Broker” DJ Hollywood Interstate Promotions Leita Wesley DJ Toomp Lindsey (Onelife Productions) Mercedes Streets Dollar Bill (D.M.G.) Mercedes Streets Mike Clarke Feygens “ChuckieBigBux” Saint-Joy Miami Mike Sam Crespo JaWar Nick Love T.J. Chapman Jay Classik One Love Group Ted “Touche” Lucas La Dre (Sucka Free Records) Platinum Visions Tesha (Melted Management Inc) Ricardo Hunter Popachris & Ringo Promotions Tony Neal Robert “Kaspa” Smith T.J. Chapman Wendy Porter Benson (Assistant To The Stars) TJ Chapman STREET TEAM OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY POWER PLAYER (FEMALE) 207 Entertainment Atlantis Music Conference & Festival 1st Lady EL 31 Flavurs Core DJ’s Retreat Christal Jordan-Mims AJ Promotions Crunkfest DeAnna Jo (Memphisrap.com) Basshead Street Team Gainesville Music Summit Dee Dee Cocheta CSR Promotions Hood Hard Day GoDilox Enfamous Entertainment Hustle Squad Dj Retreat Jennifer “Ms. River City” McKinnon Hunter Promotions Midwest Urban Music & DJ Conference Julia Beverly Kingpin Productionz Kim Ellis Ozone Awards & TJs DJs Tastemakers DJ/Music Conference OneLife Productions PR 101 (Divadend Ent.) Linda Robbins (1st Lady Promotions) Plush Blue Entertainment Rap it Up Tour Mercedes Streets Pyro Management/Marketing SMES Music Summit Mocca “Underground Queen” S.I.T. Marketing South Carolina Music Awards Rovella “Themverses” Williams Steletto Squad T.H.U.G. Awards Shera Bass (The Niche Carolina Magazine) Strictly Streets Marketing Tampa Music Conference Sweetness (Sweetness Enterprises) Venom’s Vixens Texas Summer Music Conference 42 - SEA SEA 1.indd 42 16/3/2009 17:13:20

GRAPHIC DESIGNER OF THE YEAR WEBSITE OF THE YEAR URBAN MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR Artigraphs Allhiphop.com Center Stage Magazine Digicreativ Blazinstreetz.com Concrete Magazine Dlux Designs Blockworkz.com Down Magazine Durdy Work Multimedia Graphics CultureShockMag.com Got It Magazine Fiestalab Graphics DatPiff.com Hood Magazine Kingz Designs Dubblife.com Hush Adult Magazine Miami Kaos Hiphopucit.com Hustler’s Report Magazine Moody Graphics Hitmusiclink.com King Magazine N’tense Designz Jacksonncrowd.com New Power Magazine Rich Boy GFX Memphisrap.com The Niche Carolina Magazine Tansta Mixxbosses.com Omigawd Magazine Team MOB Gfxs Myspace.com Ozone Magazine Toxic Graphics Rapmullet.com Real Talk Magazine Upscale Graphix & Printing Sohh.com Show Magazine Viper GFX Txraps.com XXL Magazine INDIE DVD/FILM OF THE YEAR MIXTAPE WEBSITE OF THE YEAR IMPACT MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR All Access - Sugababz Edition Arismixtapes.com Black Men’s Cocaine City DVD - Volume 11 Blakmarket.net Block 2 Block Magazine Down-south.com Concrete Magazine (Memphis) Cocaine Cowboys 2: Hustlin With The Godmother Dipsexxx Tryouts - Pro’s Versus Amateurs Hiphopkings.com Culture Shock Magazine Iapstore.com Don Diva Magazine Gucci Mane - Trap-A-Holic (No Pad No Pencil) Hood 2 Hood Part 2: The Blockumentary Livemixtapes.com Down Magazine Hood Survivor TV Vol 2 Mixgrind.com F.E.D.S. Magazine Hoodz - All Star D-Boyz Mixtapehype.com Got It Magazine Kingpins - The Freddie Myers Story Mixtapekingz.com Hip Hop Weekly M.I. Yayo (The Movie) Mixtapesusa.com Hot Block Magazine Raw Report - Bun B For Life (Special Ed.) Mixtrap.com Ozone Magazine Street Bangazz Mixunit.com Play Magazine Sub O - Strip Club Edition Moremixtapes.com StreetWize Magazine The City Is Mine (Patrick Pierre Film) Numixtapes.com Urban Curves Welcome To D.F.W. (Dallas / Fort Worth) Sosouth.com XXL Magazine MIX DVD OF THE YEAR INTERNET HUSTLER OF THE YEAR ONLINE MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR Bedroom Burner Videos Volume 1 Cherese (Pro Diva Elite) Allhiphop.com DJ B-Nasty - Blend TV 9 Digiwaxx.com Cultureshockmag.com DJ EFX - Got Videos? #6 DJ Chuck T Gritsandeggs.com DJ Jelly - R&B Crunk 4 DJ Vlad Illroots.com DJ Jelly & DJ Hotsauce - Quick Flip #2 Empress Journee Memphisrap.com DJ Joe Pro - Still Crunk:Extra Crunk Kevin Hill Newpowermagazine.com Kingpin Productions Rapsoulution.com DJ Juice & DJ Seductive - Video Blends Vol 69 DJ Rah2K & DJ Ruben R - Young Jeezy Lady Nicole / Queen Kong Sohh.com Liquid Crack Videos 5 Lindsey Cope - Net Promotions/Onelife SXPMagazine.com Mocca “Underground Queen” TheNicheCarolinaMagazine.com DJ Souljah - A Million Air: R&B Spring 2000 Ed. DJ Souljah - Primecuts Well Done DVD Vol 4 Morton Sisters Wordofsouth.com Mix Source Videos - Out Of State Vol. 21 Oz (GH Entertainment) Wordonthestreetsmag.com Rooftop Radio Vol. 3 Pat McGurn (Street Wize Mag.) Xxlmag.com Rooftop Radio Vol. 4 Upstart Entertainment & Record Pool YoRaps.com Screwed Video Mix 13 Wandering Star Management Yurmagazine.com Screwed Video Mix 14 SEA - 43 SEA 1.indd 43 16/3/2009 17:13:22

DVD MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR MODEL OF THE YEAR NEXT TOP MODEL OF THE YEAR All Access Ashlee Ford Alondus As Is Candi Scott Angela Iris Cheddar Collins Twins Ashley Collette Da Buz Gizelle The Stallion Ashley Monae Game 101 Glenn Twins Black Anjels Hood Affairs TV Kami 2 Hot Chivon Chandler Hoodz Ky Styllionz Jacqueen Arrington Hush Adult Morgan Jolly Kiara B Nitram Knarf Morton Sisters Kisheology Raw Report Ms. Juicci / Shan B Mesha Model Smack Nesha Lashay Ms Asia South Streets Pebbelz Da Model Ms Shica Dixon Street-Cred Sexy Vanna Black Nesha Lashay Streets Talk Vanessa Phan Shawna Michelle Underground Kings Tamioko (Phat Apples Brand) IMPACT MODEL OF THE YEAR MODEL AGENCY OF THE YEAR PHOTOGRAPHER/JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR Cleve Harrison Photography Briana Loyd 504 DYMES Deshun Smith Photography Brianna Amor Block Dymez / Blockworkz.com Julia Beverly Collins Twins Carolina Honeys Keisha Williams (J’Adore Magazine) Cristal “Serious” Core Models M. Rubin Photography Gizelle The Stallion Dark Secrets Modeling Monica Holder Photography Glenn Twins Dimension Models Mr. Boguard Photography Ky Styllionz Diva Day International Ms Rivercity Malayasia Carter Fyne Dymez Models Teddy (Wright Touch Photography) Morgan Jolly Glamagirls.com Terrence Tyson Morton Sisters Honeysiccle Models Tier Drop Media Ms Asia Loose Conduct Modeling Tiffany Chiles Ms Shica Dixon Pro Divas Elite Models Tim Lewis (Tru Flair Photography) Shawna Michelle Real Muzak Vixens, LLC. Vroom! Photography Vanessa Phan South Models LLC Young Holla Venom’s Vixens Venom’s Vixens RECORD STORE OF THE YEAR SLEPT ON MODEL OF THE YEAR CLOTHING LINE OF THE YEAR Backstage Music Cherese ALGIERZ GEAR Be-Bop Records Chivon Chandler B.A.R.K. Ltd. Clothing Big Oomp Records Destiny Raine Becky The Great Exclusives DBS Sounds Heaven Cash Capital Clothing Disc Exchange Ivy Cohen Edwin Mackey LLC DJ’s Music Jacqueen Arrington Gino Green Global James Records & Tapes Jessica Rochelle Gullee Originals Jumpstreet Records Jocelyn “Myss J” Watts Holla Fashions Manifest Disks Lakisha Patterson J.HAR American Royalty Music Depot LaShonda Denise Kashi Kicks Music N More Lenzi Lee M8KNGEEZ Clothing Co. Pirahna Records Nadia Marie Pero Fashion TheScrewShop.com Soncerae “The Ultra Model” Stockholdaz Apparel Sounds Familiar Sparkle Seay Swag Apparel Underground Sounds Tango Rae Y.U.M.S. shoes 44 - SEA SEA 1.indd 44 16/3/2009 17:13:25

CLOTHING STORE OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR 904 Fashions Brotha’s Keepa Audra Green (Music For A Cause) Algierz Gear Compound Foundation Babiboi (HMF Community Outreach Center) Cash Capital Clothing Big Gates & Plies (Power Of Visions) H.I.P.H.O.P * E.T.H.E.R. Foundation (Community Outreach) City Gear Heal The Hood Inc. Connie Donell Dress Code Inspire University David Banner (Heal The Hood Inc.) End Zone Fashion Dwann Holmes Olsen It’s Cool To Be Smart / Music Mentor Program For Teen Girls Freestyle Clothes Little Kids Rock Grand Prix Hang Time Fashion M.A.P Coalition Kamikaze (M.A.P Coalition) Man Alive Music For A Cause (MFAC) Michael Baisden O City Source Michael Eric Dyson North Dallas Shared Ministries (www.ndsm.org) Phat Kaps Power Of Visions Michael R. Williams (Humble Hearts Foundation) Skyline Product (RED) Ne-Yo (The Compound Foundation) Stax Trick Daddy (Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation) Sistas Makin Money / Black Business Owners Network Tasty Tears For Hope Foundation Victoria Smith (Tears For Hope Foundation) Tayst Fashion LLC Youth Against Poverty William Sizwe Herring / Earth Matters Network SEA - 45 SEA 1.indd 45 16/3/2009 17:13:30

By Krystal Hardy It’s time to retire the Timbs and step your sneaker game up for the Spring/Summer 09’ seasons. Fresh kicks have been popping up in the hottest music videos and campaign advertisements and it’s all about being overdone! High tops, low tops and a wide spectrum of colors, Yums Shoes, with its signature twisted smiley face, is the latest brand of sneakers and apparel influenced by one of the four elements of Hip Hop, Graffiti. Created by Tex, a southern-bred rapper and graffiti artist, Yums quickly found its way to some of Hip Hop’s biggest names. Sporting sneakers, oversized t-shirts, fitted caps or other Yums brand apparel are some of our favorite artists such as Lil’ Wayne and Snoop Dogg. Sneakers and apparel are not exclusively for the fellas, just check the fly, bubble gum-pink sneakers that Mike Jones’ leading lady rocked in his video, Next To You. Certified hot chick and Atlanta recording artist Rasheeda, is also making sure the ladies stay fresh in her Yums ad campaign as she rocks the red Yums fitted hat and Yums Girly Red Tasty fitted tee. Wom- en’s shoes come in a variety of “flavors” like Blueberry, the all-blue suede sneakers or Lemon-Lime, the green and yellow combo sneaker- all don- ning the smiley face keychain attachment. GS Boyz even had chicks doing the Stanky Leg and swaggin’ out in cut-up Yum tees and leggings. To further establish Yums as a household name, the brand has made a few crucial business moves in partnering with New Era, with the signature Yums face on the front and New Era logo on the side of the base- ball caps. And while other celebs are rocking Yums sneakers, only one has his own signature shoes with the Block Star line. Soulja Boy Tell’Em can be seen making television appearances, on music videos, YouTube. com and more sporting Yum apparel and shoes with the graffiti bottoms. The Southern rapper even big ups Yums in “With My Yums On”, a Yums shoes and apparel anthem. He raps “fresh Yums with the hat back, get like me!”. The partnership between Collipark Music (Interscope Records) and Yums is another beautiful marriage of urban fashion and music. Soulja Boy “Block Star” Yums kicks are the first venture of many in the multi-year deal between the rapper and the designers of Yums. JP McDade, co-founder of the Yums shoe brand, describes the brand perfectly, “the shoes and clothing line allow the wearer to express his or her personality because each shoe is an individual piece of art. “ True indeed, as the colors may remind you of a David LaChappelle photograph or a train tagged in NYC with graffiti. Visit www.yumsshoes.com to check the hottest music, view celeb photos or even watch videos of YUM events. Visit www.yumsshop.com to see what new YUMS apparel or shoes are on deck—but whatever you do, step that sneaker game up! 46 - SEA SEA 1.indd 46 16/3/2009 17:13:33

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2009 SEA Commemorative Issue

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