4th Annual Baltimore Crown

The 4th Annual Baltimore Crown took place on November 7th.  As in years past, this event is not based on the concept of winners and losers.  It is an event that shines the light on the Baltimore Scene as a whole and to recognize those in hip-hop, R&B, poetry and spoken word who are really striving to do what they love and to make others aware of those they may not otherwise be aware of in other genres.

Every year before the event takes place, Chin-Yer sends out the list of categories and asks that the artists, their fans and even family and friends nominate people for the awards.  The difference in this event than in others is that when you nominate someone you have to give clear and precise reasons why you feel as though that person or group should be nominated.  And as in years past it has caused people to have debates if you will about who deserves this award or that award.  And every year people take this really way too far.

As I got to the event, Graddai was on stage.  These young men are very energetic and I love that they are just being them on stage and their music reflects that as well.  And rightfully so they won an award.  They actually weren't there when it was announced because of another commitment but issued an apology.  So grown up and professional of them!

When I finally got a chance to take a breath because as soon as I got there I actually found a seat and put my stuff down and started snapping pictures, I seen that 5 Seasons was packed.  I was seeing people that I couldn't say hi to because I couldn't get to them and I'm waving across the sea of people trying to speak to everyone!  Finally I got tired of walking back and forth to take pictures and just sat on the sat.  Ogun Bmore's Hero on one side and me on the other!

Larry Lancaster was great as usual.  At least this year he didn't have jokes about me as he has in the past.  One year I was Roseanne and the next I was the Snapple Lady.  Can only imagine what he had to say this year.  But the crowd was laughing and I even seen some people in tears from the craziness this man was saying!  It just flows so easy for him.  If you haven't had the opportunity to see him perform or host, please do so.

The producer battle was once again my favorite part.  The give the producers a challenge to produce a beat or beats using specific songs.  And no one disappointed.  Sorry to say that once they played Skarr Akbar's beat it was a done deal for me.  This man went above and beyond the call.  And from the crowd's reaction I think that it was well known that he had won the battle!

I don't have the complete list of winners.  But to me everyone that was nominated is a winner.  Especially if you have been working hard and trying to perfect your craft no matter what it is be it rap, hip-hop, poetry or spoken word.  There were alot of people there in that building who aren't aware of you and you aren't aware of them.  People need to be aware of their surroundings and be aware of what others are doing.  You never know, that person that you are ignoring and looking down on because you swear your music is better than anyone else, just might be the one to have a better grind and work ethic than you.  It's one thing to be confident in yourself and in your craft and it's another to put yourself on a pedestal and claim yourself the best.  Because there are going to be people to give you the God's honest truth and you are going to be mad.  Humble yourself.  

This year I had the idea of doing something for Chin-Yer for a change.  Seems like that was the same thing that Shaka Pitts had in mind too.  He presented Chin-Yer with an award for the things she does in the scene.  Now with that being said.....LOL  When they announced that I had won for Photographer of the Year, I said my thank you's but choose to use that time to present Chin-Yer with one that I had personally bought myself.  I wanted her to know that as a fan of the Baltimore music scene that I really appreciate everything that she does so that I can get to hear and see artists perform.  So the true winner at the Baltimore Crown as I see it is everyone who is effected by the scene.

And yes I won for Photographer of the Year and a Special Appreciation award as well!  Which I was really shocked to have won 1 much less 2 awards.  I wanted to say some things but I just choose not to address the negative and be happy in the positive.

Dirt Platoon were inducted in the Legends Hall of Fame which they rightfully deserve.  These guys to me are hip-hop.  If you haven't heard their music please go to Youtube and look up their videos.  If you are a lover of hip-hop, you will not be disappointed.

Congrats to all of those who won awards and to those who were nominated.  It is a great look every year to see everyone come together and have a night that is just out and out fun.

Here are the pictures I took that night
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=245976&id=579821289
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=245981&id=579821289

Here are the ones that Desmond Gayle DG Photography took
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2078074&id=11101973