The Core DJ Retreat 10 hit Atlanta April 24–27. Amid hot, sunny weather, DJs, artists, executives and tastemakers from across the country gathered to network and reconnect. While the biannual retreats are always festive, what makes them effective is that records — such as Flo Rida’s “Low” and artists like Yung Joc gain maximum exposure during event. Check out ro’s take on the good, the garbage and the glamorous.
The Good
Unlike other hip-hop-oriented events and retreats, Core DJs always make it a point to be inclusive of other genres — namely R&B. This go-around featured a Guy reunion, with all three original members. Nineties R&B group/production powerhouse Full Force and Jagged Edge also made an appearance at the JMJ Award Presentation and Dinner ceremony on Sunday night. Cassie was on hand at the Bad Boy brunch on Saturday, but the highlight may have been when Syleena Johnson hit the stage on Sunday night at the awards ceremony — and wowed the otherwise unimpressed crowd with her searing vocal energy.
Artists got an opportunity to shine. The founder and president of the Core DJs, Tony Neal said, “the retreat wouldn’t be anything without unsigned artists.” While at times it was overkill, numerous artists got a chance to showcase their skills.
The Garbage
There was too much exclusivity. At one point during the awards ceremony on Sunday, Tony Neal apologized from the stage about the lack of access that many attendees had to certain events, promising to “take care of them later.” Events like the Bad Boy brunch at Justin’s saw people being turned away and security guards being overly protective. Friday night at E.S.S.O.S. also had people upset due to limited access and steep prices ($100 entry fee).
The Core DJs have made visible efforts to include and honor women, but there still aren’t enough ladies involved. Mami Chula, XScape and Rasheeda were among the women honored at the awards ceremony, but it’s still glaringly obvious that women remain overshadowed in hip-hop, which is never a good thing.
Everything started late. Will hip-hop ever be timely?
The Glamorous
The Core DJs always bring out the industry’s elite, and this year was no different. Diddy made an appearance at his event at Justin’s, but the highlight may have been when Akon showed up to “talk s—” at the awards ceremony, but ended up receiving special recognition. The super star was especially emotional when thanking the Core DJs for giving his music a chance and playing his records without expecting any money in return.
–jh
