Browse Judges

DJ Artistic

Michigan born DJ Artistic has been obsessed with the tables since he was ten years old. Spending hours next to the radio as a kid, he was fascinated by the electronic keyboard and drum machine mixes of the 1980's. In 6th grade his neighbor proudly brandished a freshly recorded cassette tape of the Beastie Boys, Artistic was hooked. "When I saw DJ Prince Paul on the Captain Kangaroo Show scratching a Fat Albert song, I knew I wanted to do that." He moved from Michigan to San Diego in 7th grade and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School. He got his first pair of turntables in his senior year and by the mid 1990's he was DJing and throwing his own events. A family man, he cites his father, son, daughter and friends as his biggest influences. His major inspirations are Deep Rooted and Abstract Rude (who named him DJ Artistic). He recently released a new album with his group “Deep Rooted”, self titled and released on Clear Label Records. After performing at the South by Southwest convention they shot three music videos: "Crazy," "Billy Jean," and the latest "Fade" produced by DJ Artistic, directed by Joser One and KCB. Aside from getting geared up for Deep Rooted's Fall Tour, Artistic is busy with his new project the No Sucker DJ's Sound System, which is a collective of DJ'S who are dedicated to "good music, good vibes, and party rockin' all night."

Yvette Binns - CEO / Genre Records

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Genre Records, one of a very few Independent labels that has the vision, the resources and the management to be successful in today’s music industry. She understands both the new digital and the traditional world of music production, marketing and distribution. Yvette is also a talented Producer who has acted as producer and co-producer on many album projects. She also Produced the Grammy award winning Phoenix Boys Choir latest Holiday CD “Joy to the World”. Visit Genre Records

Kevin Black - Spokes person for the Circuit

Kevin is one of the music industry’s most sought after hit makers, with unparalleled experience that spans Death Row, Virgin, EMI, Interscope, and Warner Records. Visit U Can Fly Holdings

Don Cody - Ceo of Moses Media

Don has more that 30 years in the music business working in radio, marketing ,and promotions Don has been a program director for many stations Visit Moses Media

Creepa

Hip Hop Star and the winner of the first season of MTV's from G's To Gents. Check Out Creepa on G's to Gents

Rainy Davis - Founder and President of Rainysongs Entertainment

A Grammy Nominated Songwriter, accomplished music publisher, producer, recording artist and entrepreneur. As the original artist and co author of the song Sweetheart, a songwriters dream was achieved in the summer of 1998 when Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri recorded Sweetheart as a duet. It was the follow up single to Money Aint A Thing by Jay-Z & Jermaine Dupri on JDs’1472 album. Sweetheart also appeared on the 1999 Grammy Rap Album, went on to be the debut single for Mariah Carey’s #1s then appeared on her Greatest Hits, The Remixes and the latest release in Japan by Sony Music in November 2009. As Rainy continues to write and produce new music, her career sales so far have exceeded 40 million records worldwide. She understands the songwriter/artist and their need to protect their intellectual property while branding their name globally online. In 2005 Rainy was among the first to design and implement a new standard in recording deals through her company that empowers new digital artists and indy labels to benefit in a fair and equitable manner. This agreement structure was an accomplishment Rainy contributed as one of the digital music label pioneers that many digital companies soon followed. She is the Founder and President of Rainysongs Entertainment, the company that provides all services for independent digital music artists and labels. Visit Rainy Songs Entertainment

John O'Day - Member of The Recording Academy / Memphis Chapter

The Wave - For Hip-Hop & RnB Coast 2 Coast & DJ Coalition Member

Dean A. Deyo - President Memphis Music Foundation

In late 2006 Dean came out of retirement to lead The Memphis Music Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on economic development within the Music Industry of Memphis.

Nick DiFruscia - The Grammy’s

In 2008, he joined the Recording Academy as Project Manager for Pop and Country Music where he oversees all the categories for The GRAMMY Awards show.

Kyle A. Green Sr. - CEO of QS4

It’s always grind time at QS4. For over a quarter century, Qs4 Entertainment has been putting in work in order to stay on the top of Gainesville’s music market. Currently, QS4 Entertainment is the Mecca of affordable marketing and promotion services. Some services include CD duplication, professional grade beats, graphic designs, consulting, radio, television and video production, website development and hosting, internet audio presentations, publicity, radio/record promotions, street teams, limos, tour busses, photo shoots, magazine layouts, studio rentals, vehicle rapping and demo packages. Visit QS4 Entertainment

Terrence Huggins

C.E.O/Chairman Bigga Rankin-L.U.V a.k.a. Flu Season-Mone G.-Ron Ron * I.S.I.S. Management * I.S.I.S. Entertainment * T.H.E. Booking Agency * I.S.I.S. 360 Radio

Ms. Janie Jennings

2009 begins Ms. Jennings 19th year committed to development of the independent record labels and artist.   Focusing on the administrative and logistical structure of a record label, she has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of independent labels and artists across the country.

D.A. Johnson - VP Malaco Records

A a 20 year record industry veteran and VP Malaco Records who’s made a name for himself breaking new ground with artists and working with legends. Currently the Executive Director of the Gospel Division for The Malaco Music Group, home of the oldest and largest Gospel music catalogue in the world.

Allen Johnston

The Music Specialist with more than four decades of progressive experience in all aspects of music product development, licensing, sales, promotion and distribution for national and international markets.

Angela M. Jollivette

Angela Jollivette, also known as DJ Moonbaby throughout the entertainment industry has been on the scene for several years as an entrepreneur connecting her corporation Moonbaby Entertainment to key clients and brands.  A sought after DJ, music lifestyle consultant, and night life manager; Moonbaby Entertainment's long list of clients range from The Grammys, Sony Music, J Records, CBS and Garth Trinidad Sound.  Whether She is producing/managing live events, spinning hot tracks or developing business opportunities for her clients, she is focused on building a multi-media empire.  Music being her first love is her motivation to becoming a major staple in the evolution of the music business and creating multi-media platforms and branding opportunities for artists.   Growing up listening to select radio stations in Los Angeles, she developed a keen ear for her musical selection and taste.  The name Moonbaby simply means that she is musically intuitive. Moonbaby speaks through her music as a writer would through poetry.  DJ Moonbaby has her own style and unique blend of Down-Tempo, Urban Alternative, Gospel, Soul, R&B and Hip Hop.  Exposing good music that deserves to be heard is her #1 goal.  Starting out as a DJ and Promoter was just the beginning for this cutting edge businesswoman.

Miller London - CEO / Publisher - The Urban Network

Mr. London’s illustrious career began at Motown Records in the late 60s, where he held senior executive posts in sales and marketing. He was hands-on and instrumental in the careers of many of the company’s legendary artists such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Mr. London, after more than 23 years, left Motown in the early nineties to head up the black music division of RCA Records. From there he segued to A&M Records, where he was President of Black Music, working with such artists as Vesta, the Sounds of Blackness, For Real, and a host of others. In 1994, Mr. London transitioned to the music trade-publishing sector as President of Urban Network. He remained with the company for nine years, while under the helm of Clear Channel. In 2003, Mr. London acquired the Urban Network trademark from Clear Channel and re-launched the respected branch and its flagship magazine, where he is now Publisher & CEO. Visit The Urban Network

Arthur Mitchell - VP, Business Development Urban Network

Arthur Mitchell is the founder and chief executive of Music Management Systems, which he formed in May 1999 for the purpose of talent development, promotion, marketing, and distribution. He formed Deemo Records in 1993 as an independent label. He is the author of the book Music for Fun and Profit, which will be re-released later this year. He was named as an authority on sales and marketing in the 2000 edition of Who’s Who. Visit The Urban Network

Gail Mitchel

Gail currently serves as the trade publication’s senior editor covering R&B/hip-hop. Prior to Billboard, Mitchell operated her own writing/editing firm, the Write Focus. Before forming her own company, Mitchell was VP/executive editor for the daily fax publication Inside Radio, establishing the company’s West Coast office. Prior to that she held a similar post at weekly trade publication Radio & Records. Mitchell began her music journalism career at R&R in 1983. Visit Billboard Magazine

Edwin “OG Eddie” Myles - Founder and CEO of IDJ Trade Association

IDJTA, is Hip-Hop’s youngest forefather. Recruited in 1973 by the “Godfather” of Hip-Hip-Hop, DJ Afrika Bambaataa, to aid in the unification of Hip-Hop. Myles initial duties included ensuring the safety of Bambaataa, DJs Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Red Alert and everyone else who pioneered Hip-Hop. Visit IDJ Trade Association (IDJTA)

Bigga Rankin

A proven A&R both regionally and nationally, Bigga Rankin has been awarded countless accolades including Ozone Magazines Entertainer of the Decade (2000), Upstart Record Pool’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), TJs DJs Tastemaker Award (2003), Seagrams Gin DJ of the Year (2004), Hood Magazine’s On-The-Grind Award (2005), Florida Entertainment Summit’s Record Breaker of the Year (2005), and TJs DJs Hustler Award (April, 2006). He’s graced the cover of OZONE Magazine twice, and has also appeared in The Source Magazine, Hood Magazine, The Hole, and several other publications. Though he has a resume many would consider beyond complete, there is still one goal Bigga Rankin has yet to attain: releasing a platinum artist. In 2008, Bigga Rankin was given the opportunity to achieve his dream when he was made the President of Big Spenda Entertainment. The Miami label is home to Papa Duck and Rarebreed, proven artists that Bigga stands behind 100%. With a lifetime of achievements behind him, and a legion of loyal soldiers, Bigga Rankin continues to conquer new territory. It is a legacy in the making, one of a true leader.

Leo Rodgers - Sr. VP & Label Liaison of Bungalo / Universal Music Group

Leo Rodgers has been in the music and entertainment business for 25 years, he executively produced his first album in 1985, and has either produced, or executively produced 7 more records/CD’s from 1985-2004. In the mid 90’s Mr. Rodgers was solely responsible for the licensing of one of his artist records to the U.K. that went to # 1 on the charts. He later licensed several other records that were subsequently place on the charts as well in Europe. He also attended film school in the mid eighties in order to produce his own music videos for his roster of artist. During his first year of film school he won an International Film award in the music video category from the Black Filmmakers Hall Of Fame Foundation in Oakland, Ca. In just one year later he was bestowed with “Local Video Producer of the Year” in 1989 by a local music video TV station in the SF Bay Area. He has worked in a film with Whoopie Goldberg in the mid-eighties and wrote, produced and directed his own short music montage short film that received raved reviews from a local PBS affiliate. He also directed a short film starring former 49ers Dwight Clark that aired during the S.F. 49ers vs. Denver Bronco’s halftime game. In addition he directed a music video that featured several S.F. 49ers, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, Mike Wilson and Ronnie Lott. Visit Bungalo Records"

Tosha Thomas - V.P. and managing editor for Urban Network Magazine

Fifteen year music veteran, Detroit-native and Howard University graduate, Tosha Y. Thomas began her tenure at Urban Network as a Radio Research Associate in 1997. Thomas' duties and responsibilities at Urban Network quickly expanded from radio research to photo editing and CD compilation coordinating. After four years on board, she'd garnered a reputation for taking care of business. In 2001 Thomas was given NABFEME's Profiles of Excellence Award as the Behind the Scenes Executive of the Year. Publisher/CEO,Miller London often refers to Tosha as the Rona Barrett of the industry covering press junkets, red carpet premieres and interviewing industry notables like: Jamie Foxx, Terrance Howard, Forrest Whitaker, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Samuel Jackson and Halle Berry. Now playing an even more vital role in the organization, Tosha was promoted to Vice President/Managing Editor during the 2007 Urban Network Marketing and Entertainment Summit.Visit The Urban Network "

King Trick

Also known as MicMaster Trick of the world famous (mack –attack/KDay)Mixmasters, formerly on MCA Records aka Lord Byron, is a man of vision, known in rap circles as the west coast protégé’ of the King of Rap, Grammy Living Legend Kurtis Blow

Rolland Turner

Founder and CEO of Global Music Group, Roland started his career in the music business over 20 years ago as a musician performing with some of the hottest acts in the World and recording on over 300 albums. Roland is one of the few music industry executives that is also an accomplished musician and producer. Global Music Group has risen to the top under the guidance of Mr. Turner & Mr. Black. Roland is also the inventor and designer of the new Tune Source digital download system which allows indie artist and unsigned artist to be charted by sound scan sales. This system is the future for the music business and within the next 18 months every label on the planet will be distributing their music through this system. Visit Global Music Group

Pete Warner - Grammy Nominated Songwriter & Business Affairs

Producer, Grammy nominated song writer and publisher, an arranger, musician and engineer. Pete Warner’s music work has sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide. Latest release in November-2009 on Sony Japan. In addition to writing and producing, his business, internet technology and music expertise intertwine perfectly with four companies. Business affairs and development at Rainysongs Entertainment www.rainysongsentertainment.com The Digital music label group that implements new Internet technology with entertainment worldwide, business affairs & Internet Technology marketing and development for The Circuit www.thecircuitlive.com , and day to day activities for the New Urban Network / Rainysongs Miami office. He reports directly to Rainy Davis (President of Rainysongs Entertainment) and Arthur Mitchell (VP The Urban Network). And the latest addition to the arsenal - available through Rainysongs Entertainment, "The Transparent Major Label Distribution Deal - Stadium Entertainment / EMI Global Music - The New Business Model." Visit Rainysongs Entertainment"

Vernice Watson - Grammy Nominated Songwriter & Business Affairs

Executive Director of The Artist Company International leads the only company with a singular focus on marketing music domestically and internationally."

Harold Whaley - The Virtual World Wizard

Harold “Hdub” Whaley begin his career in the entertainment industry in 1985. After joining the US Navy in ’82, he was introduced to the music industry in the Philadelphia area. Working with greats like Jean Carne, Patti Labelle, Al Green, GQ, Heat wave, and Denise Williams as a background vocalist. After serving 11 years in the military, Harold retired early from the Navy to pursue his passion of music. He was soon signed as a producer/artist with So Cal independent record label Deemo Records. For the past 7 years He has been creating virtual businesses and showing entrepreneurs how to maintain them both financially rewarding and entertaining. Creating unique virtual platforms that range from Convention Centers to Night Clubs, he understands the virtual environment is the now and the future of the Internet. Harold supports green technology through his development and implementation of the ABA iPhone application (licensed through ABA Entertainment.) As a majority partner of newly formed division of the ABA appropriately titled “ABA Entertainment”, Harold’s mobile app design empowers the fans to purchase tickets from their mobile device and keep up to date with their favorite teams, players and more. Harold's mobile design applications are being sought after by major sports conglomerates and enthusiasts worldwide. Visit Harold Whaley "The Virtual Wizard""

Dyanna Wooten - Lyricist and CEO of Marble Ice Entertainment

Dyanna has voiced program promotions for major television networks and cable operations. Dyanna was a Public Service Announcer for KJLH-FM radio in Los Angeles under the direction of Stevie Wonder. 2000 to present worked for The WB voicing Friends promo, in the studios of Arizona FM stations; KYOT, KTAR and KAJM. Visit Marble Ice Entertainment"