OUR 2020 PANEL
Check back for updates!
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EZ STREET
96.3 FM WHUR |
JERIEL JOHNSON
Recording Academy/The GRAMMYS Executive Director, Washington, D.C. Chapter |
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EZ Street knew early in his college career that he was destined to be a D.J. As an undergraduate student at Kansas State University, EZ served as program director and a radio personality of the on-campus radio station KSDB. During this time, EZ was instrumental in developing the station’s distinctive Urban Contemporary format. Just eight months after graduating from KSU with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcast, EZ was offered his first full time radio gig at 100.3 JAMZ in Dallas, Texas. Armed with his fresh style, concern for the community, and eccentric personality, there is no doubt that EZ put the “easy” in easy listening during his 6pm-10pm-time slot. While in Dallas, EZ broke the arbitron record for evening listeners. It was his record-breaking achievements and exceptional radio presence that caught the eye of Q-102 in Philadelphia. During his evening time slot, EZ brought Q-102 from fourth to first place in one rating period! EZ later left Q-102 to spread his positive energy to the morning listeners of Chicago’s WJPC. In 1995, EZ made the switch to Radio One family. He began in Baltimore and later moved to WKYS FM. After 10 years of the working the afternoon drive (2-6pm) in Washington DC, EZ accepted and afternoon drive position at KBLX in San Francisco. In only 4 months, EZ took his time slot 6th to the 2nd spot in the Bay area but something was missing. 4 months later, April 3, 2006, EZ returned to his original afternoon drive home at 93.9 Kiss fm.
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A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeriel Johnson began playing drums at 2 years old and would go on his first international tour at 15. He received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music and after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and Management, Jeriel moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music business. Following roles at Disney, Warner Bros. Records, and NBCUniversal, in 2014 Jeriel would become Head of Urban Music at the Recording Academy, overseeing outreach and the awards process for the R&B, Rap, and Reggae categories for the GRAMMY Awards®. In 2018, Jeriel was promoted to Executive Director of the Washington, DC Chapter of the Recording Academy where he currently oversees Academy Membership and Industry Relations for DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Jeriel has a knack for curating innovative programming that merges art and life. As a skilled musician and advocate for music professionals, Jeriel is passionate about fair treatment of the creative community.
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DJ HEAT
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Daniel Warren Hill
American musician, songwriter, producer, author, and motivational speaker. |
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The nation’s capitol has a hometown hero that spins, scratches and blends music while staunchly staying true to her roots. You can’t mute D.C. and you can’t mute DJ Heat. In addition to rocking turntables, DJ Heat is an adept on-air personality with years of expertise. First there were classes at her high school’s radio program, then studying at Morgan State University that spurned into an internship at WPGC 95.5 An intentional, not coincidental experience, the position put her alongside Big Tigger at a station bursting with talent. A chance recommendation from a fellow radio colleague lead to a full-time on-air
position and DJ Heat later accumulated experience at Hot 97, Shade 45 and Baltimore’s 92.3 WERQ where she currently spins as a mix show DJ. She doesn’t just pride herself on a lengthy musically laced career; the disc jockey revels in providing experiences. She often does so onstage while DJing for Grammy winning songstress Mya and while DJing for Grammy nominated songstress Carolyn Malachi, respectively. |
Daniel Warren Hill is an American musician, songwriter, producer, author, and motivational speaker. Hill is best known as the front man for Washington DC area Alternative Rock band: YellowTieGuy and as the owner and publisher of music and entertainment news platform: Alchemical Records.
As a full-time musician for over a decade, Daniel is as passionate the opportunity to inspire others to find successful ways of monetizing their own creative pursuits as he is about as his music. Daniel has helped businesses, non-profits, and government organizations creating events and programs for sustainable networking and income opportunities within the entertainment industry. In addition to releasing new music in 2020, Hill is also publishing a book titled "Three Keys for Success in Business" which will be a comprehensive guide for content creators, developers, and other industry professionals looking for systems and processes to maintain a work-life balance while achieving both financial and artistic objectives.Hill is also producing a songwriting series called "The 5x5: Songwriters Showcase" to be released in early 2020 on Amazon Prime. |
Zeplyn Tillman
Georgetown University Alum CEO of The Neo Elite DC Production & Digital Media Company Zeplyn Tillman is an entertainment producer, entrepreneur, and media host, with an english and music degree from Georgetown University. Zeplyn is the CEO and Founder of the The Neo Elite, an entertainment and media company producing digital and experiential content for Millennials and Generation Z at the intersection of music and telling our generations stories. Series created and produced by The Neo Elite include the likes of - - AMPD, DMV AUX, Millennials in Music, and The D.C. Soul Stage just to name a few. In addition, Zeplyn also served as the executive producer of Angie Ange in the Morning on 93.9 WKYS, and most currently he is the local producer of The Morning Hustle.
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Marcus K. Dowling
Journalist and Creative Entrepreneur Marcus K. Dowling is a journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur. In the past ten years, via his conceptual vision and marketing expertise, Marcus has aided creative entrepreneurs in the arts and entertainment industries in earning over $25 million in gross revenue. He is currently a co-founder of the DC-based Afro-Latino ADOBO event brand, plus as a freelance journalist regularly writes for the likes of DJ City, VICE, Pitchfork, DJ Booth, Complex, Bandcamp, Mixmag, ESPN's Undefeated, and more.
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Princess Best aka "The HipHopMomma"
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Brad Do
Co-Founder/Owner, Talent Buyer, Marketing at Nu Androids |
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Princess Best aka "The HipHopMomma" is an inspirational public speaker, musical theater performing artist, arts educator, playwright, thought influencer and mental health & wellness advocate for girls and women of color. Currently, Princess speaks, tours and leads a movement called “The HipHop Health Crusade” where she uses performing arts to teach personal development and spread awareness on the wellness of women & girls, healing communities, and creating engaging effective education and organizational systems . She is the author of the book “My BARZ Heal Scars: The WombPrint to Healing The Girl Within.”
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Brad Do is Co-Founder/Owner, Talent Buyer, Marketing at Nu Androids, a D.C. based music community that brings 100s of forward thinking artists to town per year.
He spent 10 years as an Engineer for the Department of Defense but in this time, he also devoted time to master the craft of DJing. Having played at some of the most iconic venues in the city, he wanted to take a different direction with music and created this community called Nu Androids. Over the span of 6 years, his community has championed the first North America tours for many influential artists like; Gryffin, FKJ, Yaeji, Ekali, Matoma, Kasbo, Nora en Pure and many others. |
John C. Good
WALA DC |
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John has enjoyed a career as a non-profit executive with premiere arts presenters including The John F. Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap Farm Park, the Washington Performing Arts Society, Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals, and Blues Alley. He is the founder of the Virginia Jazz Service Organization, and is President and CEO of GMG Events, an entertainment and special events production group.
,John has worked with The Washington Ballet, The Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, Eclipse Chamber Orchestra, The Burton Awards for Legal Achievement, and Funding the Future Live, and has executive produced the University of Virginia JAZZFEST, the Association for Independent Music INDIE Awards, and the JazzTimes Conventions. An enthusiastic speaker, he has presented many lectures and seminars on the music business at conferences, colleges, and at The Brookings Institution. John has served on the Board of Directors of the Washington Area Music Association, Capital Area Performers Organization, and Community Arts Agencies of Virginia, and as a grants panelist for the Virginia Commission for the Arts, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. |
Chris ‘Von Pimpenstein’ Carter
Record producer & mix engineer Chris “Von Pimpenstein” Carter is a major label record producer and mix engineer and a transplant from Los Angeles. He has three #1 radio singles and has worked with artists like J. Monty, Jasmine Trias, Backstreet Boys, PyreXX, Adrian Marcel, and hundreds more on labels from Sony and Universal down to the local unsigned artist. He was formerly a top executive at Say Music Inc. leading to a joint venture deal with Universal, and at Stars823 Records.
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Molly D Ruland
Heartcast Media |
Malcolm Xavier
DJ 93.9 FM WKYS |
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Disruption and determination fuel Molly’s perspective on life. She is an innovative problem-solver with an instinct for fostering creativity, storytellers, and makers to grow and share their voice. As founder and CEO of One Love Massive and Heartcast Media she continues to be a leader of communal experiences for as many people as possible in D.C. and beyond. Heartcast Media was created when Molly recognized the need to support entrepreneurs and organizations in their efforts to develop and share inspiring and heartfelt content as well as brand legacy. Molly’s idea worth sharing is that "Listening is the Revolution”. She is a native of the Washington, D.C. region and lifelong optimist.
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Malcolm Xavier is one of the best and most sought after DJ’s in D.C. with regular appearances in major cities such as Los Angeles and Boston. As the Nightly DJ on 93.9 WKYS and the go-to dj for all the major clubs/venues in D.C. and for trusted brands including Nike, the Washington, Redskins, Hyde Lounge, W Hotels, and Broccoli City Festival Malcolm Xavier’s roster is steadily growing.
As a musical influencer within the District of Columbia, Malcolm Xavier’s popularity gave way to a weekly party series, Joy Club DC, which features top DJ’s from across the country at the buzzing venue Cloak & Dagger. In addition, he has curated two successful monthly parties, the Really Big Tequila Party which has an average attendance of 700+, and Joy Club at Wild Days, which has hosted some of the top DJs in the world including multiple Red 3ThreeStyle Champions. Malcolm Xavier is an ever-evolving DJ with a keen sense for what a crowd craves. His goal is simple and singular, to be the best; a goal he is quickly proving to be in arms reach. |
Joe Lapan
co-owner & marketing director Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe |
Forest C Godwin
Moderator |
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Joe Lapan is the co-owner and marketing director for Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe. Songbyrd Music House is a 200-person live music venue and vinyl record shop and cafe in DC's Adams Morgan neighborhood. Joe focuses on building Songbyrd's programming and brand to meet the mission of providing a music discovery and celebration platform that provides value to music lovers of all varieties. Joe runs Classic Album Sundays D.C., the local outpost of London-based, worldwide classic album listening and celebration organization 'Classic Album Sundays'. Joe hosts a weekly radio show Sundays at 5 p.m. on Full Service Radio from The Line Hotel. Since 2015, Joe has led the booking and production of live music for Adams Morgan Day, DC's longest continuous running neighborhood festival. Joe believes that music is sacred, valuable and our highest form of art.
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Forest has more than 15 years experience in media and public relations, including on air and producer positions at WYBC FM in New Haven, CT.; WBAL-AM in Baltimore and Radio-One. As a journalist he Covered Georgetown University men's basketball, the Washington Wizards, and the NFL. Forest was a weekly commentator at ESPN radio New York 2005 to 2007, and served as a college football color commentator on Sirius XM / HSRN 2011 to 2013. In 2006 Forest left full time radio to transition to public relations. He worked with GM, NAACP, The National Urban league and multiple NFL players.
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Diane Leigh Davison, Esquire
A general boutique law practice located in the Baltimore-metropolitan area of Maryland with a national and international clientelle. The practice features special concentrations in Entertainment Law & Intellectual Property, Corporate and Business Law, Maryland Medical Marijuana Law & Business, in addition to other areas of law. Since 1993, the practice emphasizes technology and electronic delivery of its resources, and prides itself in its personal attention to all matters.
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Dante’ Pope soul drummer-vocalist
Dante’ Pope is a soul drummer-vocalist and a native of Chicago, Illinois. He blends his gospel roots with a soulful swing that has been showcased all around the world. This year he released his debut soul project, 'After Five Music,' and collaborated on a Grammy nominated album called, 'Black Cowboys,' a collaborative project with Grammy Award-winning artist , Dom Flemons and Smithsonian Folkways. His passion for arts in education has connected him with organizations such as, The Musicianship, DC Public Schools, The Mayor's Youth Employment Program and Levine School of Music as a percussion instructor.
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Maryann Lombardi
Associate Director, Creative Affairs Office The District of Columbia Office of Cable TV, Film, Music and Entertainment |
Zo of Running DA City (RDC)
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Working with an entrepreneurial approach, Maryann Lombardi has spent the past 20 years at the intersection of culture and commerce. She is at the helm of the Districts new Creative Affairs Office, where she is working to improve policy, sustain and scale the local creative economy, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and work with partners to improve equity and access to opportunity. Previously as the Chief Creative Economy Office, she managed Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 202Creates creative economy brand and built the 202Creates portfolio of resources and programs for creative entrepreneurs. She is a member of the Private Sector Network Council with Americans for the Arts, part of the National Mentor Network with Seed Spot, and speaks regularly on workforce development in the creative economy, entrepreneurship, the freelance economy, and community building.
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Aganze Chiyoge, a Congo native pursuing his passions in America to inspire the youth and community through music and events. Everyone knows me as Zo of RDC ever since I began my hosting journey in 2014, hosting for multiple homecomings such as VSU, ODU, VCU and many more. I am a brand ambassador for the number one promotion team in the 757 and 804, Creative Nation, which lead me into hosting concerts for profound artists such as Wale, Gucci Mane, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert the list goes on. After many years of hustle, I won the 2019 Host of the Year award. I am currently helping the community through my partnership with the non-profit “Change a Life”, mentoring teenagers at NCS and beginning my music program through my mentor-ship.
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Priest Da Nomad
Hip Hop Artist/Record/Mix Engineer |
ADST MUSIC
DMV Producer |
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Priest Da Nomad aka Mr. Moov Sumthin, is one of the pioneers of independent DC Hip Hop and the U street arts scene in the mid-1990s. He was one of the first indie artists from DC to press up and release 12inch vinyl singles and receive mix show radio air play without being signed to a major record label. Priest made a lot of noise throughout DC as a solo artist and as a member of the Freestyle Union arts organization. They were dedicated to the art of freestyle and improvisational rhyming, performing up and down the east coast. Priest’s most celebrated work to date is his 2005 album, “Mr. Moov Sumthin”, which received much acclaim from numerous hip hop magazines and online blogs. He has been written up in publications such as the Source, Billboard magazine, Sister to Sister, Rap Pages, Blaze, Washington Post, Washington Times, and Washington City Paper (cover story). Priest is also a heralded recording/mix engineer, and has done a lot of engineering and production work
under the moniker Larry “Priest” Ware. This past summer of 2019, Priest dropped a smash single and video, “Can’t Lose the Soul!” which boldly tackles the topic of gentrification in his hometown of Washington DC and other cities across the nation. “Can’t Lose the Soul” quickly became one of the anthems of the #DontMuteDC movement in DC, lighting up the city for the whole summer of 2019! |
When it comes to creating the soul within the sound DMV Producer ADST Music is the one who can create the landscape. Since jumping into the underground hip hop scene, ADST Music has made a name for himself with his own sound of blending intricate soulful sounds and drum patterns. He released the critically acclaimed album 'Definition of Doubt' in 2018 and was nominated as Music Producer of The Year. His continued efforts also landed nominations for his production contributions for 'Say What' and 'Grays' as Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album for the 2019 Washington, D.C. Wammie Awards. ADST Music also is the official DJ for DMV Hip Hop Legends Nonchanlant and QuestionMark Asylum. He continues to keep a weekly pulse in the DMV Hip Hop Scene by weekly Co-Hosting and D.J.ing on 89. FM WPFW's Capitol ILL Radio.
Contact: book.adst@gmail.com |
Uptown XO
Rapper
Rapper
One of DC’s most innovative and enduring artists, Uptown XO has established himself locally and nationally with inspirational songs that touch on hard issues from family and culture to race and gentrification. Born Jamaal Walton, XO grew up immersed in the culture of the District of Columbia, inheriting a love of hip hop from his parents who were both musicians. Formally launching his career in 2009 with his first mixtapes, he quickly became a staple on the city’s rap scene, hosting his own weekly showcase where he built a community of likeminded talented artists. After signing with former Roc-a-fella Executive Kenny Burns’ label Studio 43, he released the classic Monumental and 1.1.10 projects, with Spin Magazine calling Monumental 2 one of their top 50 mixtapes of the decade. He went on to join Diamond District with whom he toured the world and made high profile festival appearances at SXSW, A3C, and Trillectro. XO continued on his own solo career, highlighted by his 2013 album Colour De Grey, which HipHopDX praised for its “agile rhymes and detailed storytelling.” Following that up with a series of collaborations with Aleem Bilal, he has kept up a steady output of fresh material, maintaining his reputation as one of the most vital rappers in DC.