So you want to be an emcee, huh? We’ve teamed up with Do312 to launch an emcee contest like none other. Hit the jump to see the rules, the prizes, and everything in between.
RULES:
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Presented by Do312.com & Ruby Hornet
Official contest page
The Overview
Being a true Master of Ceremonies isn’t just about skills on the mic– because being a Hip Hop artist is way more than that, right? It’s also about your presentation, your style, how you command a crowd, your promotional skills, and everything else that makes you the complete package. Start off by submitting your best original track in the opening round. The contest will narrow down to the semi-finals and then to the finals where the top four MCs will battle in front of a live audience, an industry panel of judges, and alongside headlining performances by some of Hip Hop’s up and coming giants!
The Open Round – The Demo
September 10th – November 5th
From September 10th – November 5th, MCs will enter the contest by submitting their best or original track and building their MC profile page. Once posted, artists will heavily encourage fans to vote via the website, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and any other platforms available to them. Individuals can vote for each artist once per day. On November 5th, the open round will close and fifty semi-finalists will be selected, comprised of 40 artists with the highest voter scores and 10 hand-picked by the judges (regardless of vote score).
The Semifinals – The Mixtape
November 15th – November 22nd
The votes are reset and the top 50 will have from November 8th to November 15th to record a Mixtape track using one of their favorite instrumentals. To be a true MC not only do your lyrics have to be on point, but your production does as well so choose wisely!
From November 15th to November 22nd MCs will once again jump on their promo game and get themselves as many votes as possible. On Novermber 22nd at midnight, CST, the top four MCs with the highest rating (combination of fan votes and judges’ scoring) will advance to the battle on December 10th!
The Final Round – The Throne
December 10th
On Friday, December 10th at venue TBA in the Chi, the top four MCs will go head-to-head in front of a live audience for a shot at the throne and crowned as the Master of Ceremonies and one of Chicago’s next up. A grand prizewinner will be chosen by an industry judging panel and a runner-up by audience vote. Stay tuned for headlining performance and special guest announcements!
JUDGES:
Michael Kolar: Owner Soundscape Studios
Michael Kolar is the owner and chief engineer at SoundScape Studios,
Chicago’s premier recording studio. It is currently the recording home of many of Chicago’s top musicians, and especially Hip Hop artists. Current and past clients include Rhymefest, Ludacris, The Smashing Pumpkins, George Clinton & P-Funk, Kidz In The Hall, and many others. Michael Kolar is a member of the NARAS Engineering Craft Grammy nominating committee, and has been recognized for his excellence in recording and engineering. The Chicago Reader called SoundScape Studios “an institute of Chicago Hip Hop.”
Alexander Fruchter: Editor In Chief and Founder of RubyHornet.com / DJ RTC:
Alexander Fruchter is the EIC of the music and culture online magazine, RubyHornet.com. As the EIC of RubyHornet, Fruchter has built the site into an industry leader and go to destination for insiders, fans, and artists alike. The website updates daily with original print and video columns, new music, as well as fashion and culture news. He is regarded highly for his unique interviewing style, which caused Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan to dub Fruchter, “Baby Howard Cosel.” In addition to being EIC of RubyHornet, Fruchter is also a nationally recognized DJ. He has performed across the country, as well as festivals such as SXSW and Sneaker Pimps. He has produced and distributed mixtapes and singles with artists such as Naledge of Kidz In The Hall, 6th Sense, Jovi Rockwell, Tanya Morgan, Curren$y, Bun B, Jay Electronica, DuckDown Records, DJBooth.net, GLC of G.O.O.D. Music, and others.
BBU
One of Chicago’s top independent Hip Hop acts who’s DIY formula is more relevant than ever in today’s music business. Developing their sound in one of Chicago’s most well known and respected alternative spaces, Quennect 4, BBU have since performed locally and nationally alongside names like J. Cole, Dead Prez, Wale, Freeway & Jake One, The Cool Kids, Diplo and so many more. Their affection for constatantly performing live, recent performance at Lollapalooza 2010 and online notoriety for pumping out viral hits like “Chi Don’t Dance” have not been going unnoticed and now the group is here to put their twist on our industry panel.
Tony Baines
Tony Baines can be defined as the merge of a producer and artist resulting in a musical climax of gargantuan proportions. The rapper turned producer took his evolution as a rap artist and transitioned himself into a producer extraordinaire. As a former member of Chicago-bred group “Drunk Unklz,” Baines was instrumental in developing their sound while the remaining members focused on the lyrical aspect of the group. After one album release, they parted ways and Baines began to brand himself as a producer graduating to working with various artist including Sly Polaroid, Bump J, Stic
Man (Dead Prez), Little Brother, Currensy & G.O.O.D Music Artists GLC and Really Doe.
With an established resume of clientele and artist under his belt, his signature seal of approval, “Tony Baines!” has brought national and local artist to his studio creating an individually customized on the spot sound for artist. His tracks are tailor made to an ideal fit thus suiting the artists? needs for a specific style. This attention to detail with every encounter, along with the consistency of the superior quality is culminates the Tony Baines experience.
Ruben Trejo aka Bacardi Ru: Co Founder of New Era Promotions
Ruben Trejo is the co-founder of New Era Promotions, a successful Marketing and Promotions company based in the city of Chicago. For the last 4 years Ruben aka Bacardi Ru has been holding down the duties of marketing and Promotions for labels such as Atlantic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Bros., J Records, and Sony Records. Not one to neglect his city Bacardi Ru has helped launch and execute street and radio campaigns for LEP Bogus Boys, Sly Polaroid, Ben One, Mic Terror, Hollywood Holt, YP, and countless others. A staple on the night life scene, Bacardi Ru has run a successful business in a hard economic climate and given opportunities to those looking for positions in the entertainment industry.
PRIZES:
PLEASE STAY ON THE LOOK OUT AS MORE PRIZES YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ARE CONFIRMED!
Winner
*A Ruby Hornet Media Experience including a professional photo shoot by Virigil Solis founder of Ruby Hornet, a “First Look” feature by DJ RTC, and more….
*One 5 Hour recording session at Chicago’s own Soundscape Studios
*Cash Prize
*A remix by Stefan Ponce of Midnight Rockers
*One remix by Stefan Ponce of Midnight Rockers
*One beat produced by Tony Baines
*An opening slot at one of YM!/Knuckle Rumbler’s upcoming events. (Past events include performances by J. Cole, YelaWolf, and more)
*36 Black with White T-Shirts courtesy of Veoba
*10% Discount Coupon for next order of any service (excluding digital distribution) courtesy of Veoba
2nd Place
*Eyeball USB Microphone Courtesy of Blue Microphones
*A 1 Hour Gift Card at Soundscape Studios
*10% Discount Coupon for next order of any service (excluding digital distribution) courtesy of Veoba
3rd & 4th Place
*A 1 Hour Gift Card at Soundscape Studios
*10% Discount Coupon for next order of any service (excluding digital distribution) courtesy of Veoba
*Snow Ball USB Micrphone Courtesy of Blue Microphones