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nominees<br />
PATIENTLY WAITING:<br />
TENNESSEE<br />
All Star (Nashville, TN)<br />
The self-proclaimed Cashville Prince scored a huge hit with “Grey Goose”<br />
and landed a solo deal with Cash Money.<br />
Cadence (Nashville, TN)<br />
A witty emcee with striking versatility, Cadence toured the world opening<br />
for Kenny Chesney but still makes records that can get the most<br />
thugged out club poppin’.<br />
D. Cooley (Chattanooga, TN)<br />
Thanks to his consistent grind, D. Cooley has seen his record “Trap<br />
Clothes” grow into a bonafide regional smash.<br />
Kinfolk Nakia Shine (Memphis, TN)<br />
This indie hustler played an integral role in other Memphis’ artists careers,<br />
but now he’s telling you to “Respect My Fresh.”<br />
Lutinent G (Memphis, TN)<br />
Representing for Memphis’ underground rap breeding ground, Lutinent<br />
G had every club in Tennessee screaming “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” to his<br />
monster club banger.<br />
Yo Gotti (Memphis, TN)<br />
Never one to wander far from the streets, the hottest up-and-comer in<br />
Memphis hustled his way through the mixtape and indie scene and is<br />
poised to achieve national success.<br />
Last year, hip-hop witnessed a first when Three 6 Mafia took to a Hollywood stage and accepted an Academy<br />
Award. Tennessee, which has had its fair share of musical adversity, was finally able to bask in a shining moment<br />
again. Add to that the strong reemergence of the state’s crowned princes via the bonafide hits “Stay Fly” and “Poppin’<br />
My Collar,” the release of Project Pat and Playa Fly from jail, and the influx of young visitors to Memphis for major<br />
boxing matches, and it’s obvious that Tennessee is on the rise once again.<br />
While “Tennekey” has been on the music scene for years, producing the likes of Al Green and 8Ball & MJG, in recent<br />
years it’s remained relatively quiet while surrounding areas have stepped into the spotlight. Even still, talent continued<br />
to bubble quietly, and 2006 was the year for it to be manifested publicly.<br />
Take Cadence, for example. Hailing from “Cashville,” this rapper proves that witty lyricism and concentrated storytelling<br />
can be just as entertaining as snapping your fingers and two stepping with his debut, Songs of Vice Virtue. Having<br />
previously toured with alternative rock group Uncle Kracker and country phenom Kenny Chesney, folks couldn’t help<br />
but compare him to Kanye West, and with due cause. His easy charm and penchant for diversity made him an underground<br />
favorite. It’s only a matter of time before everyone else catches up.<br />
Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s persistence and familiarity made his TVT debut Back 2 Da Basics one of the most anticipated<br />
of the summer season, propelled by the single “Gangsta Party” featuring Bun B and 8ball. He continued his rise<br />
to success with his artist All-Star, who also hails from Nashville. After garnering a buzz with his impressive showing on<br />
Young Jeezy’s “Grey Goose” the rapper is poised to make a significant mark in the rap game.<br />
Even the often ignored city of Chattanooga produced the regional hit with D. Cooley’s “Trap Clothes,” featuring Atlanta<br />
rapper, Maceo. Reaping the benefits of his consistent grind, D. Cooley has undoubtedly shown that a little hustle can go<br />
a long way.<br />
And of course, the Bluff City remained on the cusp of innovation with Kinfolk Nakia Shine and Lutinent G. Kinfolk’s<br />
single “Respect My Fresh” quickly became an underground favorite, defined by the rapper’s natural swagger. Newcomer<br />
Lutinent G made significant waves with his catchy, humorous single, “Mangla,” from his debut Out Da Gate on<br />
Select-O-Hits<br />
It’s clear that Tennessee is a haven for inspired artists. Seems like “Patiently Waiting” may not be an accurate description<br />
for the state’s talent much longer.<br />
- Jacinta Howard<br />
ozone 20 awards