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The 7th ANNUAL Free Times MUSIC AWARDS
By Jeff Niesel
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“You guys ready to have a good time or what?” Cherry Monroe singer Matt Toka asked at the beginning of the seventh annual Free Times Music Awards, which took place last Wednesday at the Beachland Ballroom. The invite-only crowd, populated by local band members, club owners, record-label promoters and other music industry types, didn’t exactly respond with a roar, but you couldn’t fault Toka for trying to get the party started.
While his band’s tendency to try to be everything to everyone has gotten its fair share of criticism, the grab-bag nature of its 30-minute opening set was an appropriate way to kick off the event. The concert and awards ceremony took place at the Beachland for the first time, substituting for the Music Awards’ former home, the Odeon, which is now closed. But the change in venue didn’t detract from the production values, as a large projection screen at stage right featured the names of nominees. The bands were loud, the crowd was unruly (but unlike last year, there were no arrests) and the host was obnoxious, all par for the course...
That much was apparent when host Maxwell welcomed everyone to the affair with the disclaimer, “Don’t expect some Carson Daly or Jon Stewart stuff.” It was a promise the WMMS-100.7 FM DJ delivered on, too. Over the course of the evening, he took time out to diss former Creed singer Scott Stapp (whom he said deserved the award for being “the biggest asshole in rock ’n’ roll,” and who was performing that same night at the House of Blues).
Then the Lords of the Highway showed why they’re one of the most popular rockabilly bands in the city. The group’s three-song set verged on the abrasive as the band sang dirty little tunes about beer and liquor while Sugar nearly humped her upright bass. It was sexy, fun and sensational.
Agora talent buyer Andrea Sweazy and a guy she called her “homie,” Free Times classified sales guy Jabari Holmes, presented the award to Jay Kool for “Best Rap/Hip-hop.” Acknowledging that he felt “unrelated” at the event, Kool promised he’d be back next year, saying “get used to the face.”
Even though he rapped over a DAT, Jay Kool’s set was terrific. He was accompanied by producer/rapper Eric Wilson as he delivered a high-energy performance that featured three tracks from his new album, Drunk, High and Sober.
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http://www.freetimes.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=3161&POSTNUKESID=084e2d1f816377ad72a83340892d3b86
- Free Times
Discography
Just Askin(single)
Outta Sheer Frustration(ep)
6niggas 5blunts(ep)
Triflin Life(max single)
Shimmy Shimmy (ep)
Jay Kool:Drunk, High & Sober(album)
Put Some Money on Her(max single)
Photos
Bio
Jay Kool is one of the best lyrical emcee's in the history of Cleveland Hip Hop!! Carrying the experience of over 100 shows, several successful independent releases and one disappointing contract from a major label, Jay Kool has become a Cleveland Street legend and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry when it comes to recording and performing Hip Hop music. Here on Jay-Kool.com, you can download FREE MP3 samples from Jay Kool's catalog of new releases.
Jay Kool has set up an in-house recording/production studio and joined forces with beat making extradonaire Eric Wilson(Scratchpaper Productions) to constantly keep working on bangin tracks/songs. After the songs/tracks turn into singles and albums, The Nina Raw Records Network will then put the songs on the streets independently to build a bigger fan base and develop a better business savvy as well as profit each release.
The style and image is good music, girls, street lyrics, and fun. The bottom line is that Jay Kool can produce product for a marketing strategy, radio, press, video, imaging and a super hype stage show to manifest a profitable business relationship for all parties involved.
Jay Kool Facts
** Part of first Hip Hop group(Catch 22) to get a National Recording deal in Cleveland, Ohio history.
**"Interned" with Outkast(Dungeon Family) and Organized Noize during Southernplayalistic album(1994).
** Voted best hip hop/ rap act in Cleveland(2006 Freetimes Awards)
Warning: All Jay Kool / Nina Raw Records functions are subject to be filled to capacity and off the hook!!!
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