Hosted By:
Tasheik Devane of The National Museum Of Hip Hop
& DJ Scoop of Fleet DJ's & Fresh Produce

Judged By: Leading Industry Professionals (TBA)

GRAND PRIZE: An Artist Development Package Worth $2,500


New York get ready for your chance to be a part of a new industry standard talent showcase. We are looking for ALL genres of music: Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock, Reggae, etc. Virtual submissions start August 30th thru October 1st, 2010 and only 15 slots are available. So, if you think you have that raw, unique talent that the industry is missing, submit your YouTube video or audio performance file to firstlooksessions@gmail.com for your chance to be considered.

Space is limited and we know there are many talented acts out there so hurry and enter for your chance to grace the stage and give us that First Look!

But Wait! Live out of state? Want to join us? We will fly ONE lucky contestant Round Trip to NYC from any of the 50 states! That's right! If you live in LA, ATL, MIA, or Hawaii we will fly you to New York City*, so here's your lucky chance to show us your what the game's been missing. Remember only ONE solo artist can experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

SUBMIT TODAY!

*Visit www.firstlooksessions.com for terms & conditions

Born and raised in Hempstead, New York to a single mother of west indian decent, Gottz McFly embodies a similar start to all of hip hops legends. Growing up as the youngest member of a poor middle class family showed him the principles of being his brothers' keeper as well as family values. Without the proper guidance from his father, Gottz looked up to his older brothers and cousins who participated in the gang life as well as the drug game. Similar to a domino affect Gottz followed in their footsteps and slowly learned the rules of the game. After a brief run in with the law, Gottz realized this was not the life he wanted for himself. Instead he used his talent as means to show everyone what he has seen and been through growing up in Hempstead. Now at 21, he is finally getting the recognition that he always yearned for as well as the respect from his peers. With his unique style and lyrical wordplay he fuses his harsh upbringing with his new found fly lifestyle to create music that connects with everyone on every level. Gottz McFly will not only change the face of hip hop but will single handily elevate the game itself.

Twitter.com/@iAmGottzMcFly

These are the first two songs to be released from the upcoming mixtape by HeatRoc & *PriCeLeSs* called “Real World Mixtape.” Release date TBA. HeatRoc & *PriCeLeSs* have created their first project as a compilation of songs collaborating with different artists. It is a combination of sampled driven beats and original soundscapes. Artists in the project will include D/WiLL, Pheo, The Machine, Punchline, Cali Nate, Flo'z, Carnegie, Mista Mista, Faimkills, Jayce Miguel, Choze, Eric Vintage and many more.

DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010

CheekiPowPow’s long-awaited first project is here! As of 11:59 on May 30th. “Hear Me Roar” has been available for free download via various media outlets, particularly: Reverbnation, and Datpiff.com. This album is the perfect marriage of mixtape she-mixes and original songs, which is why Cheeki often refers to it as her Malbum (mixtape/album) This started with her re-mix of Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N Night’ which has accumulated approximately 30,000 listens/views via myspace and youtube.

Although she can be considered a rookie when it comes to "the business," shes been at it her whole life and her singing and unique writing ability compensate greatly for what she is still learning. Cheeki is independently releasing “Hear Me Roar” but has help from credentialed producer Skyz Muzik and popular up and coming rapper GreggSelf. Producer/graphic designer Prophecy, is also responsible for producing some of Cheeki’s best records. She is currently being guided by a number of reputable moguls but is still seeking a manager that fits her style, energy, drive and vision.

WEEKEND AT ONESTROKE TATTOOS from JOHN ANTHONY on Vimeo.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, I was first attracted to graffiti immediately after watching the movie BeatStreet and couldn’t be caught without a piecebook, marker, or can of paint until one day I was and vowed to take a different route with my talent. At the age of 17 I knew without any doubt that I wanted to design products. After earning my BFA in Industrial Design from The Cleveland Institute of Art, working for and with many world-renowned companies such as Motorola, Pitney Bowes, and Nike, I learned to silkscreen and developed an Information Apparel company that ran successfully for 5 years. Then, feeling the need to return to my very first love of painting and working with letters I found tattooing to be the first perfect fit.
I’m also a Capricorn and my favorite color is baby blue.

What drew you into getting tattoos in the first place?
Initially, my attraction was to have something visibly permanent that had significant personal symbolism, then later as I acquired more, some of the focus, had become more decorative.

Which tattoo was your first? Why did you get it?
My first tattoo, which was an original piece, I had designed and got when I was 24 as a college graduation present symbolized where I had been, where I was, and where I wanted to go in my life to help focus me when life’s path becomes blurry.

Which tattoo would you say is the closest to your heart? Why?
My daughter’s portrait. No explanation needed is there?

What would you say is your motivation for getting your tattoos?
Although I am continuing to add portraits of family and close friends to my right arm, lately I’ve been wanting to decorate and graphically balance my body with impressive, well thought out images. No impulse stuff. Besides, my daughter says I don’t have enough tattoos to look like a tattoo artist.

What made you want to become a tattoo artist? Why?
Oddly enough, as someone who was formally trained as a product designer, I had no intention of ever even imagining myself as a tattoo artist until a fellow graffiti artist (Twig - Inked) who had been doing well in Las Vegas came home to visit and blessed me with a custom machine telling met that it was my calling, that I became excited about tattooing.

Which tattoo you would say hurt you the most and then which one hurt you the least? And Why?
The artist that taught me the craft (Gus Turner), that does all my portraits is somewhat heavy handed, so they hurt the most. The least painful was a back of the forearm piece from my man, D-Tatstar at OneStroke. I think because he just has the touch.

If you could choose any tattoo artist to tattoo you, whom would you choose? And Why?
There are so many good artists out there now that I would love to get ink from, but for me, getting ink has to have spiritual connection. Otherwise, no matter how good the work is, if I’m not feelin’ you then your work means little to me. However, if I had to choose, it would be from all my Cleveland peoples who sling ink right now all around the country.

What's next for you in the future?
As for the immediate future, I plan to learn as much as I can about my craft, develop my style and grow closer to my N.Y. family. As for the long term? Hell, I might run for president. Who knows.

Any last words for the people that are reading this right now?
Find at least one of many gifts given to everyone by the Creator that speaks to your soul, develop it relentlessly, continue to learn and grow all while sharing it with the world. Oh, and tip your tat artist.