July 5, 2013 at 1:14 p.m.
Ready for the Hip Hop Challenge?
Meet all 15 contestants for Hott 1075’s new competition
Ready for the Hip Hop Challenge?
Bermuda’s young and aspiring rappers are preparing to pit their rapping skills against each other for the inaugural Hott 1075 Hip Hop Challenge.
Some 15 “truly talented” artists are lined-up to compete in the competition that will be staged at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for Performing Arts on July 13.
Hott’s Gwen Blakeney said: “This is the latest in the series of live events that HOTT is producing in its continued commitment to support the youth of Bermuda by providing unique opportunities to showcase homegrown local talent.
All 15 Acts will be judged on the strength of their lyrical content, which cannot contain any explicit material.
Judging criteria will also include stage presence, uniqueness, star power and overall quality of performance.
In addition to trophies being awarded for the first three places, the competition will offer $5,700 in cash prizes.
Tickets are available for $35 in advance from Hott 1075, Music Box, RedLaser Ltd, Electronic Entertainment and Paint ‘N’ Stuff. There will also be a limited amount available at the door for $50.
Meet the fifteen contestants here:
Makeen Bartley: Since primary school, Makeen Bartley (aka Haz) took his knack for reading and writing and transitioned into expression through rap music. His humble nature, lyrics and harmonization separate him from the pack and he proudly embraces his individuality. His aims in rap are to go as far as he can. 
Imari Wade: Imari is “lyrically explosive, innovative, and true to herself” which reflects in her raps. She uses her femininity, street knowledge and experiences to “attack” the mic. Although this is known to be a male dominated industry, she has proven she can keep up, once again, by stepping outside of society’s typical stereotypes. She embarked on her self-discovered journey in November 2008, after posting a ‘Facebook status’ stating that she had decided to become a rapper after listening to the radio’s showcase of local talent, and that she did... 
Jalen Simmons: Aka The Pharaoh is the young “prolific spitter” from Southampton who “has trouble thinking inside the box”. The ‘humble’ Pharaoh found ‘3,000 reasons’ to throw his hat into the ring on July 13. If you don’t already know about The Honorable Grandmaster Feenom The Pharaoh Different Purpose Black Panther… Elephant don’t worry. You will soon enough... 
Kyle Williams: Aka DJ SpecTech aka Scotty Spectac is 28 and has been rapping for 10 years. He started rapping at Bermuda Institute’s Freestyle Fridays. His songs include Catch Me In Da Club, Dracula and Imma G. He says: “I am blessed to have made it to the finals. I’m up against some of Bermuda’s top rappers it is a privilege and an honour to be going up against them.” 
Jahrico Tucker: Jahz Real beatz, aka J.A.H. learned how to rap when he was eight. At school in Philadelphia back in 2006 he would always get called out to get in a rap battle. He started making beats around the same time he started to take music seriously. He sells beats and runs a website and a blog with music beats.
“I want to be a legend with music that can touch souls,” he says.
Donovan Richard Simmons: Born in 1991, music has always been a part of his life. Before rap, he would make beats and other instrumentals using a technique call beating boxing. This eventually evolved into making full tracks he mixed and mastered. He enjoys rapping because he gets to express his opinion, views and life experiences without a costly effect or harm to anyone or thing. Though it is currently a hobby now his goal is to make it his career. 
Xhosi Bascome: Xhosi Bascome goes by the rap name Kidd-X. He has been rapping as a hobby since primary school with simple rhymes. By M3 he began to take his talent seriously. Performing is his favourite part of what he does, it’s what he believes he is best at. 
Deondre Morris: Morris’ “romance with rhythm” began early. Achievements include a three-song EP titled ‘Kingset Presents Da Pre-Mix,’ an appearance in ‘Jesus The Password Concert’ performing alongside international reggae artists Monty G, Dano Rolle, Reubin Heights and in 2010’s ‘Praise Pon De Beach’. 
James Alexander Howard IV: Aka Zander. The “imagery that words invoke and emotions that they bring” is the reason he took an interest in rap. Four years ago he started writing as a hobby and recently it has become an integral part of his life. In uni he joined a spoken word group and has also teamed up with rappers. 
AKaVon Busby: Aka Buzby took interest in hip hop at the age of 13 and has been seriously rapping for four years.Influences are Shawn Perrot, Drake,The Weeknd and J.cole. He has received over 60,000 views on Jelani’s hit We Made It I was featured on Newest Member of Near Future Records. Goal: a distribution deal.
Jahleel Crockwell: Aka “1331” the Virgo born on the 26 of August and the second oldest of four children. He says: “I am the last of the eighties babies so I guess you can say I am a young man with an old soul and music is my relief.” 
Tuare Beek: Aka Swisha, he maybe not be a name that you would hear on the local circuit often but his presence in this rap world has been well established. With over three thousand fans on Reverbnation and personal admiration from artist like T. I. and T-Pain to name just a few, he aims for a great career in the Rap Industry. Later on in life, living in Atlanta, GA afforded Tuare the opportunity to be noticed by T.I.’s publicist, in the parking lot of West Lake High School. Tuare continues to make beats and performs original lyrics with “Miles” one of Atlanta’s beats makers and Jason Sylvan, a sought after producer in Atlanta, producing “Outcast’s” first platinum record. “Swisha’s” song Twist It Up was also featured at a London Club. 
Kyle McNeill: Kyle McNeil is also known as Mack Steez (formally known as Yung Mack). He has been rapping for about 10 years and he is currently studying audio & video production in Rhode Island in order to take his career to the next level. 
Glenn Simmons: Aka Swift, Glenn Simmons, 18, fell in love with rap after he witnessed a freestyle session at this camp aged 10. Once he entered High School he had a clique of about eight friends who all rapped. They performed at different events, talent shows, and rap competitions around Bermuda. He wants to rap, not just to make money, but because it’s he is passionate about it. 
Randy Bean: Aka R. Royalty plays five instruments. He has achieved his degree in business, and currently attaining another degree. He first started out as a manger for local artist and models, as well as dealing with promoters, DJs and clubs as a photographer. Now he is using his skill of rapping to make a way for the new rappers to coming up in Bermuda.
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