Core DJ’s Retreat: Industry Inside Scoop

                                                                                                 By Jasmine Lewis

The Core DJ’s retreat livened up an already live city. Celebrating their 10^th year in existence the Core DJ’s did it “Muy Grande” with a host of a-list celebrities and an array of surprising comebacks. The event kicked of Friday, April 24^th at the brand new W hotel in Atlanta, GA with more than 3,000 DJ’s and models in attendance. Artist from labels such as DTP, Atlantic, Koch and Bad Boy highlighted the daily activities from Softball games, club parties, pool parties to late night bowling tourneys. Def Jam was also in the building spotlighting their new female rap duo Unladylike. The East St. Louis natives gave a room full of DJ’S from all over the globe an energetic performance of their new singles “Bartender” and “Dough”, complete with fresh new dance moves and crowd interaction. A show that was reminiscent of the great female duo Salt’n'Pepa, a compliment the group humbly accepts with pride. “Salt’n'Pepa are our Idols,” Says Unladylike member Gunna, real name Jasmine Baker. “We are young ladies. We don’t rap about what we will do to a man; we just rap about things we’ve been through.” A Cinderella story indeed the twenty plus year olds drove from their home in East St. Louis to New York City were they performed an original track entitled “Sit Down” in front of Def Jam Execs. The performances earned them a call back and soon after they moved to New York City were they got jobs to pay rent on their own and began work on their first album due out on Voicez/Def Jam this summer.

            On Saturday A-listers Sean ‘P.Diddy” Combs and Cassie hosted a special event for DJs at Diddys’ Buckhead Restaurant Justin’s. During the event Diddy debuted his new single “Diddy Bop” featuring Young Joc. Later that day the former child prodigy A+ who produced two critically acclaimed rap albums back in the 90’s all before the age of 16 also made an appearance to announce his U.S comeback. After having much success over seas the now 26 year old says he is ready to comeback and once again reclaim success on the home front.

 Even with a boatload of popular DJ’s, gorgeous models and hip, hop artist to satisfy the mainstream and underground, the highlight remains to be the announcement of the Guy and Blackstreet reunion. After years of working on solo endeavors, Teddy, Chauncey, Eric and Aaron were all in attendance to announce publically for the first time that both Guy and Blackstreet are currently working on a comeback that will consist of albums from both groups, as well as a tour and reality TV series. “Good music has changed,” Says Chauncey. “It’s time for some really, really real.” Sunday the group performed with surprise guest, former member Dave Hollister, at the Jam Master Jay Awards ceremony.

Core DJ’s rolled on into Monday finally winding down early Tuesday morning with Post parties and After-After Parties. After which burned out DJ’s, Models, Artist and Industry professionals retreated back to their respected sides with no doubt a lot of CD’s, USB’S and business cards in tow.