Nanci O Is Hip Hop

I’m back from SMES 2009. I don’t think I partied too hard but my body is trying to tell me otherwise. I been sick since getting home yesterday. I’m not back in top performance mode yet but will get there.

The most important point is I had a good time, met interesting new people, reconnected with others and learned alot of great information.

Twitter was live and in full effect all weekend. Folks take note.


As you should know by now: the Tweets are always watching.

The industry was definitely in Myrtle Beach, SC this weekend. SMES is large enough to bring out the industry and small enough to make networking easier. New media guru JaWar (ATL), TJ Chapman (FL) [TJsDJs & B.O.B.’s manager], International DJ DJ Judgemental (ATL), and Terri Sherman from Lex Promotions & Marketing (MIA) were there.
The panels went down on Saturday. Recording Artist/Amalgan Digital Quan and Chuck Creekmur (Co-CEO/Co-Founder of All Hip Hop.com) sat on the digital panel and shared great information.

The radio panel was most interesting. Panelists included DJ Ike G Da (NC), DJ B Lord (SC), Neek Minchie (Music Director, Hot 103.9 FM SC) and B. Paiz (SC). Before any artists had a chance to ask “Why radio won’t play my record?” the panelists broke down the science as to how it should happen. Interesting that no one even uttered the word payola. What’s that?


Later in the day on Saturday I ran into Terri Sherman. She’s been in the industry for 5 + years and always willing to share her knowledge.

After the panels went down everyone was in agreement that the information shared was invaluable. In addition to others Wendy Day (Rap Coalition) and 9th Wonder (JAMLA, The Academy) dropped science. Your music industry education is priceless.

What are we talking about, practice?


The parties where off the hook all weekend. Straight zoo status.

On Sunday Shadeed Eleazor (Digital Technology Consultant) and Sean Archer (VA) lead an informal but very intereseting discussion on expanding your brand. Batman (VA’s #1 Promoter) was there too.

Sunday evening the SMES award show went down. The lack of NC presence was definatley noted.



Charlamange Tha God made it down from Philly.


The entire audience was buzzing about Drama Boy’s performance.


I was having a great time. And then it happened.

And speaking of Happy Juice….

Lil Ru won Best Male Artist of the Year.

The people who didn’t come to SMES had something to say too.


All in all a great time. Before I get back to bed and the hot tea Mr. Shadeed sums up the entire weekend with an excellent point.