and the nominees are....
MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD
SLEPT ON ARTIST
Chingo Bling
B.G.
Texas’ tamale king stays in the kitchen, whipping up new product.
DSR
Dallas’ T-Town Music collective landed a $7 million dollar deal with Universal Records off their impressive underground grind.
Magno
Mike Jones’ (who?) former partner Magno now represents DJ Clue’s Desert Storm South and stays on his mixtape grind.
Pitbull
No longer just Mr. 305, this internationally recognized superstar still stays true to his humble beginnings and releases mixtapes frequently that are, dare I say, better than the album.
Plies
Ft. Myers, FL newcomer Plies’ 100% Real Nigga mixtapes with Cool Runnings’ DJ Bigga Rankin helped him amass plenty of fans, and haters, in 2006.
Young Jeezy
This category wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Jeezy’s accomplishments with mixtapes like Trap or Die and Can’t Ban the Snowman.
LIVING LEGEND AWARD 8Ball & MJG blah blah
Scarface blah blah
Three 6 Mafia
By now, we all know that they made history by winning an Academy Award. But even before the Oscar, these Memphis legends impact was clear.
Although he’s been in the game for a decade plus, B.G.’s independent releases through Koch were underappreciated by the mainstream audience.
Bohagon
Lil Jon’s secret weapon helped everybody “Get Crunk,” but he’s just a soulful country boy at heart.
Jody Breeze
Jazze Pha protege and Boyz N Da Hood member Jody Breeze is still waiting to drop his solo album, and fans are waiting also.
Little Brother
Allegedly dubbed “too intelligent” for their audience by BET, this North Carolina trio proves once again that catchy hooks often win over substance.
Webbie
Grimy, gutta, and unrefined, this truly talented Baton Rouge rhymer stayed somewhat under the radar despite two big singles.
Yo Gotti
Respected in the streets of Memphis and beyond, Yo Gotti is still awaiting national recognition.
TJ’s DJ’s HUSTLER AWARD DJ Chuck T
Carolina representative “Mr. Publicity” lives up to his name, churning out mixtapes after mixtapes consistently and maintaining numerous other hustles.
David Banner
Whether rapping, producing, acting, or aiding hurricane victims in his home state of Mississippi, Banner redefines 24/7.
DJ Drama
Drama and his Affiliates’ crew are literally everywhere.
Too $hort
Mike Jones
UGK
Tampa Tony
Uncle Luke
Tony Neal
It’s all about that almighty dollar sign: $. Who showed you how to do this indie thing? Biiiiiiitch! Port Arthur, TX, rap partners Bun B and Pimp C have each earned the title of Underground King. Bun B also gets the loyalty award for his relentless (and apparently, successful) “Free Pimp C” campaign. From challenging censors to paving the way as a businessman, Miami’s bass king has earned the title of “pioneer.”
You don’t grind, you don’t shine. You don’t work, you don’t eat. Call 281-330-8004 for more information. Known for his Florida anthem “Keep Jukin’,” Tampa’s most creative artist added “inventor” to his list of job titles this year with the ingenious smoker’s device Da Splitta. The founder of The CORE DJs, Tony goes the extra mile to make sure his crew eats. OZONE OZONE
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