The 5th Annual TC Hip Hop Awards
Hosted by TEE MOORE and FRANZDIEGO.COM with SPECIAL DARK
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The TC Hip Hop Awards is an event organized to recognize the efforts of local hip hop and R&B artist in the Twin Cities for the year of 2010. This years marks the 5th Annual event. The past years events have been a major success, selling out every show thus far. We hope to attract more attention for the contributing artist who strive to establish our region as a viable player in the national music scene. This is a non-profit event that reinvests its proceeds to grow each of the following years event into a more effective resource for the nominees who have invested in themselves throughout the preceding year.
This year we have 26 different award categories. We have 10 nominees per category. Including The TC Legends Award which has been presented to the Abstract Pack, Micranots, Travitron & R.L (from Next)prior years. Winners are determined by a online voting process.
MARIA ISA
Beginning her arts education at El Arco Iris Center for the Arts in 1992, Maria Isa quickly progressed from the role of student to the role of singer, songwriter, emcee and performer Her 2009 release, Street Politics, has received much critical acclaim. She has been featured on the cover of Twin Cities Metro and City Pages. She is currently shooting indie film Strike One in LA with Danny Treo; then she is headed to Puerto Rico to shoot the documentary We Rock Long Distance with filmmaker Justin Schnell.
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She has been nominated for a Minnesota Music “Best Hip-Hop Artist” Award, and was recognized as a 2010 Rising Star by the National Hispaña Leadership Institute for her outstanding work with Youthrive on behalf of incarcerated youth throughout the Twin Cities. She has also been honored for her involvement with Peace Jam on behalf of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. She recently received the Best Urban Artist award from Univision 13, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Governor of Minnesota for her outstanding songwriting and contributions to the Latino Community, and a David Laffyette Award for her dedication towards the peace movement through the arts. She has appeared on the International Bazaar stage at the Minnesota State Fair, as Mimi in the musical Rent at the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre and at New York’s BMI Latin Alternative Music Conference showcase. Her music has reached audiences around the world, including Asia and the United Kingdom, Latin America, the United States and Puerto Rico. She has performed alongside Slick Rick, Tego Calderon, Plena Libre, Los Pleneros de La 21, The Roots, Digable Planets, Julio Voltio, Lil Rob, Chingo Bling, La Bruja, Miguel Alegrin, Alice Russel, Bomba Esterio, Brother Ali, The Alkoholiks, Semisonic and Paracumbe, to name a few.
I SELF DEVINE
I Self Devine returns with his highly anticipated sophomore album The Sound of Low Class Amerika. You can feel the passion I Self Devine delivers on topics of community, class and social injustice in America as he spits truths to inspire the masses. The album is both a narrative for the current state of the world and a telling history as to how we arrived here. I Self Devine's truly unique voice and style create a sense of urgency and call to action while leading and equipping the listener with the tools necessary to act and dissent. Production from Jake One, Vitamin D, Medium Zach, Benzilla, DJ Todda, King Karnov, and Proh Mic drives the entire album. It comes in strong and never slows or wavers as it takes to the listeners ear and marches them to the end. It's an album that ultimately solidifies I Self's position as a leader -- not only in his own social community but that of the music community.
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Chaka Mkali, also known as I Self Devine is a musician, MC, community organizer, racial justice trainer, graffiti artist, muralist, program coordinator and director of organizing and community building at Hope Community Center in Minneapolis. As an MC, I Self is known as an integral part of the Atlanta and Twin Cities underground Hip Hop community as ½ of the duo Micranots, ½ of Semi Official, ¼ of the Dynospectrum, and as a soloist. Over the last decade I Self has released over 10 albums of political conscious socially aware music capable of moving the crowd as well as uplift the spirit and sustain the movement.
As a graffiti artist and muralist, Chaka Mkali is recognized as one of the crucial figures in the revitalization of graffiti art in the Twin Cities using the skills developed in the streets, alleyways, walls, and store fronts of Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Atlanta. As The Director of Organizing and Community Building Chaka has developed impressive work with very diverse largely low income teens and young adults that is impacting individual lives and collectively helping to bring change to a challenged community.
NO BIRD SING
"Nearly everything about No Bird Sing is innovative and artistic. Just the musical makeup of the group is gutsy: essentially a hip-hop band built on the raw sounds of one guitar, one microphone, drums and little else. The lyrics are bold, too, influenced by everything from "A Clockwork Orange" to Muddy Waters to Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz."
- Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune
"There's a huge buzz about No Bird Sing around town and for good reason...they are the best new local band of 2009."
– Empty’s Tapes
"No Bird Sing reject hip-hop clichés on groundbreaking debut… At their strongest, No Bird Sing show off three artists working their mediums to a tense high. The melancholic guitar riffs and sparse drumming of "Devil Trombones" weave a pulsing web around Horton's Clockwork Orange-inspired screed on the terrors of trying to be free.”
- Carl Atiya Swanson, City Pages
"While No Bird Sing's minor-key melodies and funereal tone will likely try the patience of listeners seeking instant gratification, its stunning originality is rewarding over several listens. Those who take the time to let No Bird Sing’s shadowy tunes sink in will find them hard to shake.
– Rob Van Alstyne, The Onion (Twin Cities Decider)
"Is it still hip-hop if the boom-bap is replaced by lo-fi winding guitars with echoes of lost blues tracks and indie sensibilities? No, but with a charismatic frontman in Joe Horton aka "Eric Blair" and a measured, thoughtful approach to songwriting they make for a winning combination."
– Sound Verite
PARIS BENNETT
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Paris Ana'is Bennett is an American singer that came to national recognition as a contestant on the fifth season of the reality television talent show, American Idol, finishing in fifth place. Paris Bennett released her debut album Princess P on 306 Entertainment/TVT Records in 2007.
Bennett was born in Rockford, Illinois, to Jamecia Venzett Bennett, former soprano vocalist of the vocal ensemble Sounds of Blackness, and current solo artist. Bennett was raised by her mother and stepfather, downtown developer Nedal "Ned" Abdul, in Edina, Minnesota. Paris began performing at the age of six and was trained by her mother and grandmother, Ann Nesby, the former lead singer of the Sounds of Blackness.
YOUNG ROCKY
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Young Rocky emerged mid-2009 with the mixtape Tha New Kidd On Tha Block, lead by the hit-single "Jerkin' Wit My Backpack." The single leaked in June 2009 gathering more than 100,000 downloads, millions of views via YouTube.com, as well as heavy radio rotation in the south, midwest & west coast.
In 2010, the Minneapolis, Minnesota-native teamed up with hit singer-songwriter/producer Chrishan to release the highly anticipated single, "Wassup Love" through Hit Republic Music. The single, also featuring Chrishan, brings back a 90's themed tale about a long-lost love that Young Rocky happens to encounter one summer day. The music video was filmed & directed by Rich Peterson (13Twentythree) and debuted September 17th, 2010 on the popular music blog RnBXclusive.com.
Young Rocky [Marckus Shaw] began rapping in his early teens and producing shortly thereafter. He eventually started posting viral videos on YouTube.com which immediately began attracting new fans and music listeners around the world. With an estimated 3 million myspace plays, 100K+ fans via myspace, facebook & twitter there is no question that he will be a staple-to-come in the music industry. He is now currently working on his EP The Famous Nobody, slated for release late 2011.
CHRISHAN
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Everyone has a story. But when 21-year-old Minneapolis, Minnesota-bred singer/songwriter/producer Chrishan breaks pen to paper you can tell, something is very different about him. There are no club anthems, no dance crazes, no songs about fancy lifestyles—just his gritty, unedited, uncut take on life, love, and relationships.
At age 14, Chrishan was a musical prodigy. He ran studio sessions while running for class president, performed at local venues til' early hours on school nights, meanwhile teaching himself how to play piano & guitar. At age 17, Chrishan's first single "2 Late 4 Us" went #1 on Amazon, selling 10,000+ units independently. After enrolling at Concordia University in January 2009, and breaking up with his girlfriend of 4 years Chrishan locked himself in his dorm room day after day, where he ended up writing & producing his debut album later entitled Night & Day.
In July 2009 Chrishan released his first single off the album, "Bitch Look At Me Now," a uncanny story about his ex-girlfriend who had taken him for granted. The single became an international hit, gaining the attention of many label executives. He later went on to release his first mixtape "I Am: Chrishan The Prince," and the album Night & Day was released December 22, 2009.
Since the release of his album Chrishan has been on a climactic rise to fame, performing sold out shows across the country with the likes of Day 26, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy & more. He has been currently writing & producing for several major artists including multiple sessions with Atlantic Records. When not in class Chrishan is hard at work writing & producing his sophomore album entitled Night & Day: Platinum. His mixtape Man Of The Year hosted by DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar features production by Tha Bizness (Drake-Every Girl), KE On The Track (Roscoe Dash-All The Way Turnt Up), Neenyo (Drake-Must Hate Money) and guest appearances by Kyle Christopher, Chris King & Marcel of 2M3, J Watts & more.
With a updated touring schedule that includes the Target Center in Minneapolis, Chrishan (currently a biology/pre-med major) is still determined on pursuing a college degree (which he claims is just so his mom will shut up). "Sorry Mom!"
ILLUMINOUS 3
Well known in Minnesota and the midwest for their live stage shows and raw energy, Illuminous 3 (Freez, Mavin MC & Franz Diego) has proven that you can have it all; hard beats, smart raps, rep Minnesota and still have fun all at the same time! The debut album from South Minneapolis all-star rap group Illuminous 3 entitled Room is an introduction to the next level of Minnesota rap music. Filled with hard beats and samples and each indivuals own complex style, this group of rappers and beatmakers are only beginning to show you the raw potential of their work. Buy the album now and pop it in your deck as you cruise the lakes for best results.
ANCHORMEN
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925VE
Tigre Cole, Brando, Big Iggz and Prizm are 925ve. We are dedicated to making the highest quality music matched with an energetic stage presence. Our constant development and mastery of the basics turns the staunchest music critique into a believer of something refreshing, dope and unique to the ears.
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Tigre Cole brings insightful lyricism with a cool, calm skill behind the mic and equally behind the beats. Brando's varied bass intensive beats encourage producers and emcees alike to approach his beats equal strength, otherwise face being the weakest link. Big Iggz pumps the streets hard with beats that one could call anthems. The hard edge to them showcases talent that get's crowds moving. Prizm brings a varied style that's hard to shy away from due to his loud voice and in your face lyricism. Listen with caution.
CHEVY BOY
Leon Martin, known to the streets as Chevyboy, has been a product of Minneapolis MN since May 6, 1982. As an effect of an unstructured childhood, musical capabilities and imagination grew to occupy this artist's mind as well as time, leading him to start performing often, as early as the third grade. Since early 2008 Chevyboy has completed two college courses in sound arts, been featured in magazines such as the Midwest Leak as a first round draft pick, opened up for industry names like R.L of Next and Do or Die, as well as performed at Minneapoliss own Twin Cities Promoters Ball. In 2008 with the loss of two brothers and the need to provide for his daughter Caprice on his conscious, the hunger for success has enormously propelled the creative mind of this artist. Chevyboys style is close to a marketer working on the outside of his cubicle, more simply put as thinking outside of the box. His lyrical abilities when displayed often consist of untouched concepts and topics. Music doesn't just stop at writing or rapping for this artist. Audio production is nearly neck and neck along with his vocal ability. This artist has single handedly written, recorded and produced over 200 tracks using a basement, closet or any space he could find, all of this using just a microphone, a Triton Korg and Protools.
S.MADISON
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S. Madison (S Dot Madison) was born February 21st in Chicago, Illinois during Hip-Hop music’s emergence on the scene. S Dot was inspired by the great accomplishments these artists achieved and that furthered his dream to become a success in Hip-Hop. By the time S Dot was a teenager he made a name for himself by going from high school to high school in Chicago trading verses with the best emcees. He built a reputation as a punchline phenomenon gaining the title “Chi-Town’s Finest” which turned into “Chi-Town’s Pretty Fella.” Two years later he formed a rap duo called The Staff and released two mix-tapes, ‘Double Nickel’ and ‘Hi Haters.’ S Dot than proved to be one of the better emcees in the Twin Cities by releasing freestyles over industry beats going harder than the established rappers. He was then faced with the challenge of writing songs to reach large audiences. In 2006 S Dot released ‘Wet Weight,' in 2008 'Win, Lose, or Draw,' and a year later came 'Hate Is the New Love' featuring underground smash "Deuces" featuring Rico Nevotion. In 2009 while pushing songs "I Drink I Smoke," "The Make-Up Dance," "Bet It Back," and "Don't Back Down" S Dot began working on The Nightlife album, which was released on StreetHistory.com October 10th, 2010. The Nightlife features "The Nightlife," "Bury Me in the Sky," and "Things I Wanna Do featuring Jeff Montoya, "Might Not Remember," "Thanks for Listening," "Demons & Angels" and much more.
SPECIAL DARK
Member of The FLEET DJ'S, Host/Producer of the award winning, "THE SESSION MIXX SHOW" & Titan Administration Records' Cheif A&R..
Promoter, Booking Agent, Street Promotions, Performance Set Arranger, Provide Radio Edits...
