The 7th Annual Baltimore Crown Awards
by Tafari Nefer Ka Ra

Baltimore's underground hip-hop scene converged at the 5 Seasons Nov. 2, 2013, honoring B-mores best Poets, MC's, DJ's and Promoters. The 7th Annual Baltimore Crown awards which was created by Chin-Yer Founder/Director of The Baltimore Scene as a way to recognize Charm City's very talented but under-rated artist. Chin-Yer started the Baltimore Crown Awards on March 6, 2006 and every year since then it has grown bigger and bigger. The 5 Seasons was packed to the hilt with B-more legends, movers, and new comers in the industry. Chin-Yer, The Baltimore Scene and the 5 Seasons put on an excellent award ceremony. The beautiful people of Charm City came out in style to support their own in a positive way.

The show was hosted by Baltimore born and raised funny man Larry Lancaster, who had the crowd laughing to tears throughout the evening. The awards kicked-off honoring the late Smash aka Terrel Taylor who passed away earlier this year. Smash who was known for one of his most popular songs "A Bit Too Much For Me", received a Legends award for his outstanding work and dedication to the advancement of Baltimore's hip-hop movement. Those who also received Legend awards were Frank Johnson for his stellar contribution to the all-around betterment of Baltimore not just through the music scene, also for the economic development and empowerment programs that he and his wife have created. Anita D. Foster Director/Producer of "Hood Dreamz the Movie" coming out soon received a Special Legends award for her work in cinema and her effortless contribution to ending homelessness in Baltimore, as she is the founder/director for the program Hip Hop for the Homeless. Legend awards were also passed out to Michael Macintosh, Huli Shalone, Profit, Paula Campbell, 5th L, Olu Butterfly, and Archie The Messenger. All recipients were gracious and humble that their peers honored them.

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The top award categories were: Male MC of the Year, Female MC of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, Poet of the Year, DJ of the Year, Producer of the Year and Band of the Year. The BCA's even had an award for Clothing Line of the Year award. The BCA’s is a conduit for all that is happening positive in Charm City. I am a native of the Mid-Atlantic city and I never experienced nothing like this in all my years here.

Baltimore Crown Award winners:

• Hip-Hop Artist of the Year Male: Lil Tae
  
• Hip-Hop Artist of the Year Female: Finesse the Best
  
• Best New Artist: Mash/DGK Kids
  
• Song of the Year: “Bipolar” by Lady B
  
• Best Underground Release: “Closer to my Downs” Lil Tae
  
• Video of the Year:  "American Nightmare" Starrz
  
• Videographer of the Year: Wiz Productions
  
• Best Baltimore Clothing Line: City of Gods
  
• Vocalist of the Year: Rob Seven
  
• Battle MC of the Year: Bars
  
• Poet of the Year: Shelly Says So
  
• Band of the Year: Billy Lyve & Ill Luck
  
• Dance Group of the Year: G.A.U. Dance Group
  
• Manager of the Year: Bridgette Johnson
  
• Producer of the Year: Rube Rice
  
• DJ of the Year: DJ TNT
  
• Studio of the Year: Street Legal
  
• Under the Radar Award: Team Jacob
  
• Blog/Website of the Year: Pitfights.tv
  
• Promoter of the Year: Billy Lyve
  
• Photographer of the Year: Baltimore Paparazzi

I was very, very impressed and proud of my fellow B-moreans on the strides that they have made over the years in the industry on all levels. So I look forward to next year’s Baltimore Crown Awards, and I hope to see you there. This is Tafari Nefer Ka-Ra for Behind The Scene Magazine signing off, Hotep and stay strong.