Rebel Army Radio Awards

  For Cleveland’s hip-hop scene Christmas came early.

Nine hip-hop artists and a model were celebrated at the first Rebel Army Radio Awards on Dec. 21, at the Symposium. Black Money was the big winner of the night as it took home two awards. Along with winning Song of the Year honors for their single “V.I.P.” Black Money was also named Best Male Group.

  Producer Blakk Sun made the instrumental for “V.I.P.” in 2006 before Chill of Black Money convinced the beat maker to allow him to use it. “Two years ago [Chill] heard the beat and he was like ‘Yo you got to let me get that track. I can show you better than I can tell you,’” Black Sun said. “It’s 2008 and it’s the song of the year and they’re the Group of the Year so you have to give him his props.”

  The D.O.C. Showstoppaz humbly accepted the award for Best Female Group, “I love everybody,” said group member Mz. Luck. “I’m so thankful.” Tay Teez continued, “We just appreciate everything – We just appreciate all the love and we’re going to keep going.”

  Outside the temperature reached a record low three degrees but at the start of the show but the Go Live Grizzlies warmed things up with their performance of “Crazy.” Members Chris Todd, San 216 aka San Goodie and Pooh represented the Nappy Head Entertainment collective as it received the award for the Best Crew.

  The Chop Land Clicc followed the Go Live Grizzlies with more energy performing the menacing “Boy Act Bad” as members Bucc X-O, Eastcyde, Mall Tsunami and Dai Dai took the stage to collect the “Innovator Award” for being the first hip-hop artists in Cleveland to regularly incorporate the “Chopped & Screwed” sound in their music. “One of the highlights of the night for us came when a dude came up to me and said that he had been listening to Chop Land since he was 13 and he had to be at least 18 now,” Bucc X-O said.

  “The Proph LP” was honored as the Best LP and Proph the Problem performed a new release entitled “It is What It Is.” Proph showed his comical side while accepting his award when he said, “I want to shout out all of the utility companies that was shutting my service off when I was paying for studio time – good looking out.”

  Spectators showed a lot of love for Zuri Latrice who was awarded the title of Best Model. While most models arrive at award shows baring most of their assets Zuri’s modesty (which involved a black coat) and beautiful smile was appreciated just as much. A fan from the crowd yelled, “You deserve your award … looking like that.” For those who were itching to see her entire hotness, Zuri did autograph photos in which she donned a swimsuit.

  Garbs Infinite who hosted the show took a break from those responsibilities to perform his hit “Simple Man” and accept the Voice of Cleveland Award. The honor was awarded to Garbs for his ability to vividly describe life in Cleveland through his lyrics.

  Neshia Nee and Yung Mook took the Best Collab award for their song “Don’t Call My Phone.” The duo introduced member Yung Soldja who also appeared on the song but wasn’t originally credited. Yung Mook made a splash when he took the microphone stand down in James Brown–like fashion rapping from his knees.

  Neshia Nee’s former band mate Nessacary from their days in the group Ajaiy was named Best Female MC. The two had not been in the same room for two years and some thought that there would be problems but both artists were professionals and focused on their performances. The two artists did not exchange words even though they were seated reasonably close to each other.

  Nessacary upheld the tradition of the Midwest that Twista, Do or Die and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony built with her rapid delivery on the song “Get It.”

  The Best Male MC Drastic paid homage to his mother with his song, “Love You A Lot.” The veteran won new fans as they sang along to his hook. He thanked promoters Pooh of Nappy Head Entertainment and Quincy Taylor aka Heff, who gave him some of his first shows.

  Before Black Money shut down the show with its performance of “V.I.P.” hip-hop fans got a surprise performance from The Real Skittlezzz. Known as one of Cleveland’s most popular adult entertainers The Real Skittlezzz actually showed off her rapping skills in a duet with Neshia Nee entitled “Swagga Like Us.”

  The best sights of the night were seeing artists from different parts of Cleveland who have different styles and views support and respect each other. All of the artists stayed until the conclusion of the show instead of bolting out after receiving their awards.

  Throughout the shows brief intermissions hip-hop acts such as the Freeway Boys, Notice, the S.O.S. Boys and C-2 performed.

  The Rebel Army Radio Awards honored artists and music that is played on Cleveland’s only online radio hip-hop station: www.rebelarmyradio.t83.net.

Major shouts out goes to Quincy Taylor of In the Way Marketing for booking the location and promotions, Garbs Infinite for hosting in providing good suggestions that made the show go smooth, Crazy Dee, Perfect John, Kuzzin Koop and all others who provided media coverage, lastly the Symposium for the excellent hospitality toward the Rebel Army Radio Awards.