The Martin Luther King County Executive’s Hip Hop award acknowledges and honors innovative performance, community service and entrepreneurial achievement by locally based members of the hip-hop community whose work has had significant impact in King County.
Former Washington State Legislator Dawn Mason, activist Eddie Rye Jr. and Pastor Paul A. Stoots of the Greater Trinity Church will give keynote addresses. KUBE 93 fm radio personality Tony B is the Master of Ceremonies. Musical guests include a line-up of King County’s outstanding vocalists: Mycle Wastman, Josie Howell, Lady “A”, and Dionna Long. Performances also include Hip Hop artist “Tendai & Young Fast” from Seattle, along with Tacoma Rap group “Young n’ Brave”, who recently performed on BET’s 106 & Park.
Everett based jazz ensemble “New Shades of Grey”, Gospel rap artist OnlyOneWizer and Sheela Moss also perform. The MUSICA Festival honors the legacy of Dr. King while raising awareness to the name change of “King County” to “Martin Luther King County”, and logo change from a crown to the likeness of Dr. King.
An independent panel reviewed nominations and recommended Hip Hop Award recipients. The 2011 winners will be announced on Thursday, January, 12th, 2011. Previous award recipients include: Devon Manier, CEO of Sportn’ Life Records, The EriAm Sisters, who were recently finalists on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, and Keith Tucker (2010), Chani and Silver Shadow D (2009), Wyking Allah and Toddler Hip Hop (2008), Gordon Curvey, DJ Supreme and King Khazm (2006), Sir Mix-A-Lot, Industry Pioneer; Melissa Noelle Green, Spoken Word; The Volunteer Staff of KMIH-FM “X-104,” Broadcast Innovation; (2005) Georgio Brown and The Coolout Network; (2004) Jonathan Moore, co-founder and chief executive of Jasiri Media Group; and (2003) Shon Peterson, Mr. Dog (2002).