Washington Examiner: DC rappers network at BET Awards
DC rappers Garvey, Killa Cal, Boobe (Oy Boyz), Mo Betta (Topp Dogg Hill), and of course Wale (Maybach Music Group), attended the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards last weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. This is an event to honor the accomplishments of rappers, producers, and video directors who work in the hip-hop music industry.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend is popular with rappers from all over the country because every major and independent record label sends representatives to Atlanta. Many artists come every year to network at the industry parties, re-connect with old friends, or just hang out and enjoy the ATL nightlife.
Garvey, one of Washington’s most respected MC’s, took advantage of his trip to ‘The A’ by hooking up with Atlanta rapper Pastor Troy. Garvey and Troy are collaborating on a new track entitled “Gangsta, Gangsta”. Fans can look for this single to be released by the end of the month. A video for “Gangsta, Gangsta” is also in the works and will be shot at a location in DC.
Killa Cal, who is best known for his performances on the go-go circuit with Rare Essence and the What Band, also spent part of his trip in the studio. Cal is working with an Atlanta-based producer to finish his upcoming mixtape Capitol Punishment Volume 1. This project is scheduled to drop in early November. Cal also linked up with Bay Area rap legend E-40, and they made plans to work together in the near future.
Meredith Forbes is the owner of the Afterhours Recording Studio (Bowie, MD), and she was in town to support several of her clients from Atlanta that regularly travel to DC to record at her studio.
“Attending the awards gave me the opportunity to connect with my southern artists in their neck of the woods. Also, with the majority of my clientele being rappers, and working with my own artist Nicholas Baker (of the Obsession Band), it’s important for me to stay abreast of who’s doing what within this genre.”
Ms. Forbes also enjoyed the awards show itself. She says the highlight of the evening was the Chris Lighty tribute.
“It was amazing to see Q-Tip, Busta, Missy, Fat Joe, and 50 Cent performing together on the same stage. Remembering the impact that Chris had on their careers was a dope moment.”
Media reports of fighting during the awards were greatly exaggerated. The incidents occurred backstage and most of the audience were unaware of any problems. BET issued a statement which acknowleged that two scuffles took place – and were quickly resolved by the Atlanta police and BET security.
The 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards will be broadcast on Tuesday, October 9th at 8:00 pm
