Atlanta’s annual concert also features Gucci Mane, Plies, Rick Ross, Fabolous and Soulja Boy Tell’em.
As a hip-hop journalist, I have to tell you that I’m not to happy with the way that hot 107.9 handled Atlanta media this year. Apparently they did not feel that we were good enough so they only approved of MTV and Wire Images and one popular celebrity blogger which I really didn’t get, to attend this year. I made it in anyway thanks to Polow Da Don and Zone 4.
For many years I have worked my butt off establishing relationships with the radio stations as well as publicists in this area. It’s funny how the journalists aren’t good enough to cover an event but we are good enough to get the word out when a senator wants to make it hard for black radio. Somebody over at hot or Radio-One obviously has their priorities in the wrong place. A word to the wise. If you do not support your community do not expect your community to support you. I speak for all media who should have been there when I say this. No I won’t be posting any pics of the event go to the celebrity bloggers site for that or wire images or MTV.com for that.
Now on to the racap
First and foremost let me tell you the Birthday Bash was weak this year. They had 19 acts of majors on the stage and only 6 acts stood out there to me that really had a crowd response. I’m not going to go in to hard but I’m going to tell you the truth of what I observed.
Top 6 acts of the night was Keri Hilson, Gucci Mane and the whole So Icey Crew, Rich Kids did their thing, Jeezy only because he brought out Lil Wayne and Mary J blige. Wayne did a short set Mary did not perform. Trey Songs did his thing and Plies had the ladies going nuts. Grand Hustle did their set with Young Dro and Young LA early. Hot treated them like step children. It’s amazing how people act when the big star T.I. was not around. Truth be told T.I. got the Birthday Bash on lock and it was just not the same with out him. Not taking away from Jeezy he performed all his signature bangers.
But to be honest I think Gucci Mane had the bigger show. When Gucci hit the stage with OJ The Juice Man it was a wrap.The arena went Banana’s. It’s been a long time coming for Gucci and to be honest I can honestly say I’m proud of him. He is that real street voice now. Jeezy went main stream and should be happy that he propelled the level that he has gotten to. Gucci brought out hip-hops bad girl Nicki Minaj, I’m still not sure about her yet. But she did do her set and performed well on the stage. Gucci also brought out T.I.’s former arch nemesis Shawty Lo so the hood was in the building.
Rick Ross came out and performed his set, he has some great music but the crowd response to him was short lived. No disrespect and I love this dude to death just because he is a real dude. But Maino need not perform on any Atlanta Stage until he realizes he has to get the love of the hood first. He may have the love of the hood in New York but he get’s no love in the ATL. It just goes to show you that all the love in the world and affiliations will not propell you to music stardom. Fame yes but stardom no.
Hurricane Chris came out and did his Halle Berryn Halle Berry song and had the kiddies jumping around. Shouts out to Pleasure P,Mario,Shop, Boyz,Soulja Boy,Gorilla Zoe and many countless others on the stage at the Birthday Bash. I will be looking forward to next year when T.I. gets out. Hot step up your publicity game and support your community.
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