The homie Shak Diesel is back with more clever punchlines and nonchalant lyrics with his new single “Art Gallery”! Augmenting it’s title, the video was shot at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas. Tis good to see the homeboi puttin on for the OH! umm, Cleveland… stand up!!
Much LOVE,
Weigh ins – Boone, Stevenson
Darnell Boone (right) of Ohio, will be battling Adonis Stevenson (left) in a Super-Middle Weight bout in Montreal, Quebec today @7PM. Stevenson is the current NABA champion and number 1 ranked Super-Middle Weight in the IBF. His record stands at an impressive 19 wins and 1 loss. His one loss is by, you guessed it, Darnell Boone!!
Darnell Boone is a very talented fighter out of Youngstown, Ohio. He has fought some of the best fighters in the world with less than ideal conditions. Now with a new training camp and ample time to train, he is looking to solidify his place among the world’s elite fighters with another win over Stevenson.
The Ohio Hip Hop Awards was able to catch up with Darnell as he invited us into his training camp. All we can say is wow!!! Apart from his extreme talent inside the boxing ring, outside the ring he is very humble and nice person! When asked about his motivation for fighting, he responded ” I fight for the streets, the underprivileged, the misunderstood, the youth, the grind, the struggle, my fam, my fans and friends and most of all, I fight for the heart of Youngstown Ohio.”
Yeah, we are definitely fans and can tell that he’s up for the challenge!! Let’s go Boone!! Bring it back to the O-H!!!
Watch the fight live at WealthTV.com
Much LOVE,
One of the hottest new clothing lines, LaneCarvers, will be debuting it’s new Fall/Winter line this week in Hollywood. With many celebrities already confirmed for the launch, this is sure to be the event that you won’t want to miss!! If you are in So-Cal and are not here, I don’t know where you are!!!
The event is open to the public but space is limited.
Follow @LaneCarvers for updates and special offers!!
Much LOVE
Best New Artist
Lantana
Runner Up: Tezo
Single of the Year:
Tezo ft. Ken Ball “Dinner Date”
Runner Up: Lantana “All Hustle, No Luck”
Best New Group
Ink Lyfe
Runner Up: Draft Pick & KPT
Best Club DJ
Steph Floss //
Runner Up: Dommy Styles
Mixtape Artist
Ray Cash
Runner Up: Lantana
Best National Artist
Machine Gun Kelly
Runner Up: John Legend
Commercial Radio Station
107.9 FM WZAK
Runner Up: 107.5 FM WCKX
Best National Mixtape/Album
Stalley “Savage Journey to the American Dream”
Runner Up: Machine Gun Kelly “Rage Pack”
Best Video
Ray Jr. Ft. Ducky Smallz “Sloppy”
Runner Up: Iphonic”After Party”
Best College Radio Station
The Dobe Show
Runner Up: Hip Hop on the 216 Block
Best Radio Personality
Tropikana
Runner Up: Latin Assassin
Night Club
Earth Night Club
Runner Up: Longstreet
Mixtape DJ
DJ E-V
Runner Up: DJ Suspense
Mixshow DJ
DJ K-Nyce
Runner Up: DJ Steph Floss
Turntablist
DJ Jack Da Rippa
Runner Up: Dj Chicago
Best Graffiti Artist
Ridle
Runner Up: Juse
Manager of the Year
Ashleigh Veverka
Runner Up: Troy Nethken and Joshua Fisher (tie)
Most Improved
Wallabee the Realest
Runner Up: Referee
Best Holy Hip Hop
Dan Smith
Runner Up: K-Drama
Best Media
Streets Illustrated
Runner Up: Thadoubleo.com
Album of the Year
Press Don “Fantasy Island”
Runner Up: Luxury League “Luxury Season”
Best Female Vocalist
Kim Joyce
Runner Up: Erika Kayne
Best Male Vocalist
Sean Mcgee
Runner Up: Dave Speed
Clothing Designer
Ilthy
Runner Up: Cupcake Mafia
Best Graphic Designer
Smart Design
Runner Up: Glen Infante
Best Club Promotion Company
Street Smart
Runner Up: Urban Nightlife
Event Promoter of the Year
J Dub King of the Club Promotions
Runner Up: Cakeboy/Cakegirl
Model of the Year
Juicey Adoir & Jessica Harris
Runner Up: Black Diamond
Best Female Artist
Kamasurta DaBoss
Runner Up: Sylver Karatz
Mixtape of the Year
Lantana “On the Way”
Runner Up: Iphonic “Rock and Roll Vol. 1”
Best Group
Fly Union
Runner Up Iphonic
Lyricist of the Year
Copywrite
Runner Up: Nova The Rebel
Best Collaboration
Pooh Gutta ft. MGK “Police”
Runner Up: Tezo ft. Ken Ball “Dinner Date”
Producer of the Year
Hi Tek
Runner Up: Kill Will
Best Photographer
Tha Double “O”
Runner Up: Shots By Vegas
Best Live Performance
Jay Mel
Runner Up: F.H.S.P.
Best Host
City
Runner Up: Tropikana
Best Entertainment Group
Legit Paper
Runner Up: Band Camp
Best Bboy
Swift Ali
Runner Up: Squirt
Best Male Artist
Copywrite
Runner Up: Ray Cash
Best New DJ
DJ HD
Runner Up: DJ Slouch
Videographer of the Year
Purple Films
Runner Up: Tha Double O
Behind the Scenes Footage for Ohio’s own JTRIP’s Hot New Music Video, “My Girl Which” also features his hit single “Wonder Woman”.
Buy the hit single “My Girl” on Itunes
Much LOVE,
First off, if you’re from Ohio and haven’t heard about Yung Monsta (StarLyfe Ent.), you’re missin somethin! Hailing from Youngstown, the homie’s music has been battering PA systems and car stereos alike all across Ohio. I’m sure that the damaged subwoofers are do in no small part to the bass knocking production of the infamous Dj Chip Banks (also from StarLyfe). After much anticipation, the two have FINALLY teamed up to create a full-length original album!!! ***Side-note: If you are a DJ, you NEED to be spinning this album!!!*** But more than just club bangers, Yung proves his versatility with a diverse collection of songs for his wide audience. From tracks for the avid hiphop head (check out the flow on the intro song), to stunt songs (I Told You So), and a few cuts for the ladies (Can I Get a Minute ft. RadiKall), this album is def a must have for any and everyone! StarLyfe or No Life!!! Youngstown Stand Up!
Download the FREE album here
Vote for Yung for this year’s Unsigned Tour here
Much LOVE,
What do I have to do to be nominated for an award?
By: Derrick Majestic McKenzie / majestic@ohiohiphopawards.com / @majesticoh10
(The opinions found on this blog reflect those of the author and not those of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards and its affiliates)
One of the questions I field almost every day from artists in Ohio is what do I have to do to be nominated for an Ohio Hip Hop Award? It’s a simple question to ask with a very complicated answer. There’s more than one way to skin a cat but since none of us are experts in the illegal fur trade I will try to answer the question as best as I can. There is no set formula for a nomination since every artist is unique in their own right. In this article I’m going to give you some examples and advice on what it takes to swing a nomination with most award companies.
1. Submit – Probably one of the most important steps to getting a nomination for any award system is to submit your press kit. Nearly all artists work hard at music, do shows, go on tours, release songs and hone their craft; however most do not handle the behind the scene business practices well. Many assume that since they are creating a buzz in their market while getting praise for their talents means that everyone knows who they are and what they are doing. This is a HUGE misconception. No matter what you are doing in your own city, it is always a good idea to make sure the right people are privy to your accomplishments. A good press kit can go a long way, not just with us, but with any other organization. Reach out to make the introduction, invite members of the business to some of your shows and build a relationship. This is key in almost every aspect of the business from getting press to getting booked by promoters down to your attempts to get recognized for your accomplishments. Just because you know who Jimmy Iovine is doesn’t mean he knows who you are.
2. Marketing – There have been times where I have heard disgruntled artists say, “I bet Kid Cudi didn’t have to submit a press kit.” You’re right on that note; he has never submitted a press kit to us but has been nominated several times. How is this fair? Well it’s not! Because if it was all fair and square everyone would be getting a nomination now wouldn’t they? Kid Cudi has something most of us do not and that is intense marketing power. Still lesser known artists have achieved the same kind of clout from award companies as the Cudster by doing extensive marketing and promotions. A good song can get you nominated but not if no one has heard it. When an artist has their song on the radio with 100,000 plus spins on youtube and fliers in the streets while running successful contests for their fans and headlining sold out shows they are on the fast track to success. Still it never hurts for you to submit a press kit and form relationships with businesses, because once again, not everyone knows you especially when you are unsigned.
3. Networking – It is better to be seen than heard. Although this might sound cliché it is very true in the music business. When they say “it’s not about who you know but who knows you” they are saying it for a reason. If you have the best songs in the world but you don’t know any promoters an don’t have a manager or never met a club owner and have no connection to a DJ; it’s a hard climb to the top. Make sure you are out at events shaking hands and getting connections as much as possible. If you want to win a Grammy, join the recording arts academy, attend their networking events and meet the people who have influence in the process. Want to produce a song for a major artist? You can improve your odds by meeting the people who are in a position to solicit your beats. Same goes with the awards, make it out to some shows and let us know that an award is something you want. Never disrespect someone because they may be a potential fan, employee or connection in the game. Be humble so that people like you and so they will give your music a chance. A lot of times it’s the egos not the music that ruin an artist’s career. Good guys don’t always finish last.
4. Timing – Sometimes people simply jump the gun while others seem to have impeccable timing. Making sure you do the right thing at the right time is more important than simply doing the right thing. Simply swinging the bat isn’t good enough, to hit a home run you have to swing at the right place at the right time. Make your press releases count by announcing information before you actions. A good example of this is MGK’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ promotion. Timing the release of the movie his team released an announcement that they were working on a video that was going to ride the hype of Tim Burton’s big movie release. Releasing the video before the movie came out but after they made their announcement built the anticipation for the video while letting the promotions for the movie help carry their efforts. Perfect timing.
5. Consistency – This is a tough pill to swallow for that artist who is breaking out in the scene. They just had a good year and a lot of buzz going their way, yet, no nomination. Some consider quitting while others use it for motivation. Sometimes businesses want to see if they have the potential for longevity. Simply making one hit song is not enough to sway people who have seen hundreds of artists come and go. Staying relevant is crucial to ones success when it comes to music. Keep hitting them over the head with good music and quality promotions. Create a track record and a good catalog of music, build a fan base and keep the entertainment value at a peak long enough and you cannot be ignored.
Now these are just a few suggestions on what it takes to not only win an award but to make it in the business. There are others and sometimes these five alone are not enough. When you are working 40 hours a week, juggling two kids and trying to finish school it’s reasonable to understand why the music business is not working for you. You have to have time to make and perfect the songs, tour, build relationships and sell your music on a continuous basis to get ahead of the people who are doing the same. A lot of people sacrifice everything to make it and end up with nothing. Sometimes it’s just not in the cards, however, if you love music keep on making it and the right person might just hear it.
If you have a question you want answered email majestic@ohiohiphopawards.com and I will try my best to answer it.
you can also download the free Christmas album with features from various Ohio artists here!
Follow BryanJay @GeezMusicals
Shot and edited by : King Krucial
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