Memphis, TN – January 9, 2008 — MemphisRap.com announces the latest additions to the MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event lineup. Just added, rapper Lil Wyte (Hypnotize Minds/Wyte Music) as well as Al Kapone (Alkatraz Productions) will be among those performing live and making special appearances at the MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event come January 23rd, 2008 at the New Daisy Theater on Beale St. in Downtown Memphis, TN.
Lil Wyte, who’s latest radio single entitled "Feelin Real Pimpish," follows the huge hit single "Talkin Ain’t Walkin" off Wyte’s latest album "The One and Only," which is in stores now. Wyte also has a video for the single "Talkin Ain’t Walkin" which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FnkDfzjZg.
As recently reported on Memphisrap.com, the rapper, who appeared on MTV’s "Adventures In Hollyhood" alongside label counterparts Three 6 Mafia, career started with and is still with label Hypnotize Minds. Now, after his 3rd album, Lil Wyte decided to start his own label "Wyte Music" in association with "WyteHouse Productions". The rappers’ label Wyte Music includes Partee, Ace and Lil Wyte himself. For more on Lil Wyte logon on to http://www.myspace.com/lilwyte, or for more info on Wyte Music logon to http://www.myspace.com/wytemusic.
Legendary rapper, Al Kapone who’s roots date back to the origin of Memphis underground rap and though the rapper is viewed as a pioneer of the Dirty South Crunk/Buck style of Hip-Hop, the Grammy nominated writer and producer is still making history with such collaborations on his resume today ranging from hit songs like Lil Jon’s "Snap Yo Fingers" and E-40′s "U and Dat". Along with the creation of hit songs for movie soundtracks such as "Whoop Dat Trick" off the movie "Hustle & Flow" including "It Ain’t Over (Hustle & Flow Theme Song)" which won Kapone the 2006 Critic’s Choice Award, the rapper has also contributed to music in movies such as "Stomp The Yard" and "Black Snake Moan."
While continuing his focus on writing now for EMI artists, working on his live shows with his live band "Tha Untouchablez," and holding down the position of President at the Memphis Grammy Chapter, the rapper/producer/songwriter still manages to find time to develop new music for his own rap career. Kapone’s current single on radio is "Poppin Tags" off his upcoming album "True Underdog." For more information on Al Kapone, logon to http://www.myspace.com/alkaponememphis.
Along with live performances by these artists such as Lil Wyte and Al Kapone, the MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event also includes a special scheduled performance by Memphis rap legend and recording artist D.J. Zirk who’s most known for the hugely popular song and classic "Lock Em In Da Trunk".
All while enjoying the live music performances, attendees who are part of the MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event will also get a chance to network with the Who’s Who in the Music & Entertainment Industry which includes the ability to connect face-to-face with those already established in the business and aspiring.
Emerging talent who submitted materials and are selected to perform in the showcase will be performing their material for a panel of Industry judges including TV and radio personality Tina Tilton (88.5 FM), two-time SEA Award-winning DJ Freddy Hydro, Rob Storm of Hot 107.1 FM in Memphis, Memphis Grammy Chapter President and music producer/songwriter Al Kapone (Whoop That Trick – Hustle & Flow, U and Dat – E-40), Board Commissioner of the Memphis Music Commission and Grammy nominated music producer Kurt "KC" Clayton (Three 6 Mafia, Angela Winbush, The People vs Larry Flynt…), Kevin Nix (L. Nix & Mastering/Ardent Studios), and a host of other industry professionals. The winners will have the opportunity to receive prize awards including a recording session at the prestigious Memphis Records/Young Avenue Sound, professional PR services, a marketing and promotional campaign and much more.
Other confirmed Industry guests attending include Jason Latshaw of Ardent Music, Chris Lee President of Leeway Music and Nick Fleming (Leeway Music) amongst others.
As the event nears, MemphisRap.com is expected to continue to bring in more special guests who will be participating in the event and/or attending which will range from A&R’s, managers, DJ’s, publicists, magazines, and others.
Whether you’re a singer, rapper, dancer, model, or fan, all are encouraged to be there. As stated best by Hosea Mays, Jr. aka "M Town," founder and publisher of MemphisRap.com, "It’s not just about being seen or being heard or just being connected anymore, it’s about being seen, heard and connected with the right people".
"I would like to see more contributions and participation from businesses within our community helping to sponsor events such as this, because it is the urban community that gives to their businesses and they should want to give back," stated Mays. "I see the same businesses that market to our community using hip-hop imagery, not giving much back to the community. We’re hoping events such as this can be supported by businesses within our community, so that we can provide much needed opportunities to those in the community looking to advance in the Music and Entertainment Industry," added Mays.
In addition to the performances and networking, scheduled on the night of the event, will also be special prize giveaways including official T-Shirts, and Free CDs. There will even be a special ticket giveaway brought to you by co-founder Janiro Hawkins, for the 2008 Southern Entertainment Awards (SEA’s) being held at the Grand Casino Resort in Tunica, MS. The Southern Entertainment Awards kicks off the following day of the MemphisRap.com Showcase and Industry Networking Event, starting January 24th thru Sunday January 27th, which the 27th is the night of the actual awards show. MemphisRap.com, 2007′s SEA "Website of the Year," is up once again for 2008′s "Website of the Year" as well as 2008′s "Online Magazine of the Year."
MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event is currently being sponsored by VanWraps.com (www.vanwraps.com), Memphis Records/Young Ave. Sound (www.memphisrecordsonline.com), and is brought to you in part by M-Town Entertainment with more sponsors expected to come on board.
The event starts at 7PM, with the doors opening at 6PM. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
For tickets, showcase registration, additional information or sponsorship opportunities for the MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event, visit the website at http://www.memphisrap.com/showcase or please call 901-405-1851.
More About MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event The MemphisRap.com Showcase & Industry Networking Event was created to showcase emerging talent and help those in the Music & Entertainment Industry take advantage of opportunities to connect with other Music & Entertainment industry people to leverage their skills and contacts to continue to grow in the business.
The Showcase & Industry Networking event includes an opportunity to interact with MemphisRap.com representatives, industry leaders and other established and emerging talent in the Industry through face-to-face networking and by showcasing talent all while enjoying the drinks, music and entertainment.
More information can be found at http://www.memphisrap.com/showcase.
