Hip-Hop Laureate Drake to Headline BMI’s 13th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase April 20 in Atlanta

Posted in News on March 24, 2010

Atlanta-bred Travis Porter to perform and R&B crooner Lloyd to host event at Havana Club

Music by DJ Ruckus

BMI will present its 13th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase Tuesday, April 20, featuring a combination of the recording industry’s eminent stars and most-promising unsigned talent. Staged at the Havana Club (3112 Piedmont Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA), the event begins at 10 p.m.; doors open at 9 p.m. The festivities are open to the public; attendees must be 21 years old with valid identification. For $29.95, limited advance tickets are available. For table reservations, please call (404) 261-5151 and ask for Byron Wright or Liz VanGraafeiland.

Finalists:

Nicoya

Superman:

Loving What You Do:

Tra Squad

Pic Perfect:

I Ball:

Miss Mykie

Dear Hater:

He Put Me On:

Terrell Howard

Come with Me:

I’m Your Man:

Headliners for the highly anticipated night of music are hip-hop heir apparent Drake, who will be performing with a live band, and Atlanta-based hip-hop trio Travis Porter. Attendees will be treated to a night of the high-energy performances synonymous now with BMI’s annual Unsigned Urban Showcase, which has previously featured Lil Wayne, NAS, and Trey Songz. Hosting the event will be R&B recording artist Lloyd, with music by DJ Ruckus.

Aspiring artists from all urban genres, including r&b, rap, and hip-hop, were encouraged to apply for the opportunity to perform at this lauded, star-spotting annual showcase. Pulled out of the 700 submissions received, four finalists were chosen: songstress Nicoya; rap group Tra Squad; Chanteuse Miss Mykie; and songster Terrell Howard will compete in front of a panel of music industry heavyweights, including top executives, artists, producers, managers and attorneys. The winner will receive an array of prizes (the ’09 prizes included studio time, a trip to the BMI Urban Awards, a photo shoot and much more). Last year’s unsigned winner, Est. 80 (formerly 718) are currently in the studio working on their Capitol Records debut.

The night provides a unique opportunity for BMI affiliates to showcase before a room of industry professionals. The final four will perform for a panel of celebrity judges including producer Bangladesh (Ludacris, Lil Wayne); Def Jam Recording V.P. and Co-CEO of Konvict Muzik Abou Thiam; Interscope, Geffen, A&M Senior VP of A&R Shawn “Tubbie” Holiday; Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Tab Nkhereanye; attorney and manager Nova Perry; producer Damon Thomas (Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown); music consultant Lisa Vu; and producer Zaytoven (Gucci Mane, Usher).

BMI will also present the Legends of ATL Award to a community leader, recognizing his or her contributions to the Atlanta music scene. Past recipients of the prestigious honor include Big Oomp, Organized Noize, Dallas Austin and Lil’ Jon.

SOURCENews TAGS R&B R&B / Hip-Hop Atlanta 718 Dallas Austin Big Oomp Lil Jon Lil Wayne Lloyd NAS Organized Noize Trey Songz Travis Porter