Diamond 2
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View Diamond 2 as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 1,191
- Pages: 1
2 :: www.MinorityReporter.net - Week of July 18, 2009
The People’s Jewler:
“Day of Edutainment” “The event will be the closest thing to American Idol and the Grammy’s that Rochester Sees” BY RAJESH BARNABAS
Before Shawn Corey Carter, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., and Faheem Rasheed Najm became, respectively, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain, they had to be discovered. Rochester, though the birthplace of a fair share of entertainment stars, rarely been a launching pad for the industry. Artists have had to travel to New York City or Hollywood to be noticed. Doug Gallant and Laura Lee of Diamond Dougs Inc. are making plans to change that.
major part of his business, Gallant replied, “that is our business.” Through the years relationships developed between Diamond Dougs and the local and national hip hop community, to the point where he can now call out favors.
In Midtown Plaza for 32 years, now located inside the Sibley Building, Diamond Dougs Inc. has become more of an institution rather than H I\ZPULZZ >P[O HU VMÄJL VU [O street – at the heart of NYC’s diamond district and factories in New York, L.A., and Houston, Diamond Dougs is a national player in the diHTVUKTHYRL[)HJRPU[OL »Z the founder Gallant had something unique to contribute to the trade.
“I know so many people in the hip hop industry,” said Gallant. He has recruited a number of these friends in what is dubbed the “Diamond in the Rough” talent contest. But this is bigger than your run-of-the-mill talent show. It will take place at the (YTVY` [PJRL[Z OH]L HSYLHK` been sold, Gallant has hired proMLZZPVUHSZ [V ÄST HUK WYVK\JL [OL show, there will be an actual red carpet for arriving guests, and nationally recognized artists such as Levert II will be panelists. Yes there will be panelists, not simply judges, and they will be discussing topics important to those trying to make it in the industry.
“I was getting from Europe these colored diamonds – blues, greens, reds,” said Gallant, “ and no one in the US was making those.” Carving out a niche creating custom cuts, Gallant’s work eventually caught the eye of some pretty big names in the entertainment industry.
“Everything is way deeper than what is on the cover,” said Luara Lee – Marketing Specialist for Diamond Dougs. “The event is to entertain but also to educate so we are calling it ‘a day of edutainment.’” Panel discussion topics will range from publishing to how to get airplay.
As Diamond Doug’s business was NYV^PUN PU [OL »Z HUK »Z the cultural phenomena of hip hop emerged to position diamonds at the forefront of all things bling. In ¸+PHTVUKZ 6U 4` 5LJR¹ by Smitty got regular airplay on hip hop stations. Diamond Dougs was well situated to meet the increased demand for diamonds. He already possessed gangster swagger with his business logo a straight repurposing of Scarface graphics: Diamond Doug is the black and white ÄN\YL PU WSHJL VM (S 7HJPUV 0U H commercial for Diamond Dougs, local artists rap about the “iceman” Diamond Doug. For instance DJ Bacspin states, “when I need that iced out chain, when I need them iced out rings, I hit up my man Diamond Doug.”
For years local hip hop artists have descended on Diamond Dougs to drop off music CDS, transforming the store into a mixed-use jewlery/ music distribution site. Diamond Dougs has also sponsored numerous musical events in the area, but has never taken on as grand a project as next month’s Diamond in the Rough show. Gallant has pumped PU [V WYVK\JL [OL L]LU[ HUK HU HKKLK PU NPM[Z MVY contest prizes.
So at his downtown Rochester location, along with The Godfather and V[OLYNHUNZ[LYÅPJWVZ[LYZ[OLYLHYL now framed pictures of Diamond Doug with various hip hop and r&b singers - most notably Lloyd, Patti Labelle, and Rihana. When asked if the hip hop crowd makes up a
“There is incredible raw talent out [OLYL P[ Q\Z[ ULLKZ YLÄUPUN¹ ZHPK Gallant. “It is just a matter of getting these kids exposure.” He says the event will be the closest thing to American Idol and the Grammy’s that Rochester sees. Diamonds in the Rough will take place at Water Street Music Hall on August 1. You can view samples and vote online for Rochester’s best artist, producer, video, model, rap song, DJ, etc. at diamonddougscontest.com.
ARTISTS PROFILE: CHANISE REED a.k.a: Queen of the Rock Age: 34 Genre: Contemporary Gospel Background: Grew up singing at Salem Baptist Church, Thomas St.. Her mother was also a singer in the choir. “It’s in the genes, I have no choice,” said Reed. Her inspiration is her mother, who passed away four months ago. She’s performed at Venu Resto Lounge and starred in the musical “Hot Mama Blues” at Café Underground Railroad. Reed describes her intentions with Contemporary Gospel as this: “When I am in the Church, I try to take em’ to the streets. But ^OH[»ZPU[OLZ[YLL[Z`V\NV[[V[HRL[V[OLJO\YJO0[Y`[VÅPWIV[OZL[Z:VTLPU the church think they are so holier than thou.” At the “Diamonds in the Rough” show Reed will be performing an original song “It’s You” – a song she has not performed publicly yet. Reed is nominated for the “Female R&B Most Voted Song” award.
KEVIN RANGER a.k.a.: Christian Age: 22 Talent: Dancing )HJRNYV\UK! 9HUNLY OHZ ILLU WLYMVYTPUN MVY `LHYZ /L ÄYZ[ WLYMVYTLK MVY his church – Truth Ministries Fellowship, Scottsville Rd. Ranger also contributes ZVTLKHUJLTV]LZMVY+>033»Z]PKLV /PZPUÅ\LUJLZHYL6THYPVU*OYPZ Brown, James Brown, and Michael Jackson. “I create visuals of what is going on lyrically in a song,” says Ranger. He will be fusing multiple styles into one artistic expression to a gospel number “Wave Your Banner.” Ranger is up for the Hottest Dance award.
D-WILL Genre: Rap Gospel Background: D-WILL describes himself as the typical street hustler until No]LTILYVM ^OLUVULKH`ZVTL[OPUNPUOPT¸Z^P[JOLK¹/LKLKPJH[LKOPTself back to Christ and now attends Mt. Sinai International Ministries. D-WILL ZH`ZOPZMVY[OJVTPUNHSI\T PZ¸SPRLH[LZ[PTVU`¹7LVWSLULLKH [\YU he says “even if you think you’re having a good life, that’s when you need Jesus: Jesus is the Lord of the hood.” His music label is Double Edge Ministries – owned by Kre8tor – a former producer for The Game. D-WILL’s style resembles no other rapper. He is nominated for “Best New Artist of the Year,” “Banging Video of the Year,” and “Best Motivational Rap Song.” Link: http://www.doubleedgeministries.com/
M. DOT A.K.A.: Mr. Moore Or Less Age: 23 Background: M. Dot rises from the west side of Rochester. His motivation is “the hood.” M. Dot was locked up for three years, yet only some of his songs are about the gangster lifestyle. “My songs are aimed at the masses,” says M. Dot. “I try not to be put in any one category. I want everyone to at least like one VMT`ZVUNZ¹/LZ[HY[LKOPZV^UYLJVYKSHILS4VVYL6Y3LZZ,U[LY[HPUTLU[[OPZ spring and is working on a mixed tape compilation of Rochester’s best hip hop artists. He will be performing “Didi Bop My City Hot,” nominated for Best Rap Song. M. Dot is also nominated for Best New Artist of the Year. Link: http://www.myspace.com/mr_more_or_less
4ORTY Age: 19 )HJRNYV\UK!69;@PZMYVT[OLLHZ[ZPKLVM9VJOLZ[LYHZL]PKLU[PUOPZUVTPUH[LKYHWZVUN¸0»T:V,HZ[ZPKL¹/PZPUÅ\LUJLZHYL5HZHUK1H`AHUK¸[OH[»Z P[¹OLZH`Z69;@»ZZVUNZZOV\SKILH]VPKLKI`JOPSKYLUHZ[OL`HYLL_WSPJP[ but his wordplay should not be dismissed. He just came out with a mixed tape 5L^)LNPUUPUNZ[OH[PZH]HPSHISLH[+PHTVUK+V\NZHUK0[»Z6MÄJPHS69;@PZ nominated for “Best Swag Single” and “Best Artist,” awards. Link: http://www.myspace.com/keldiese
The People’s Jewler:
“Day of Edutainment” “The event will be the closest thing to American Idol and the Grammy’s that Rochester Sees” BY RAJESH BARNABAS
Before Shawn Corey Carter, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., and Faheem Rasheed Najm became, respectively, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain, they had to be discovered. Rochester, though the birthplace of a fair share of entertainment stars, rarely been a launching pad for the industry. Artists have had to travel to New York City or Hollywood to be noticed. Doug Gallant and Laura Lee of Diamond Dougs Inc. are making plans to change that.
major part of his business, Gallant replied, “that is our business.” Through the years relationships developed between Diamond Dougs and the local and national hip hop community, to the point where he can now call out favors.
In Midtown Plaza for 32 years, now located inside the Sibley Building, Diamond Dougs Inc. has become more of an institution rather than H I\ZPULZZ >P[O HU VMÄJL VU [O street – at the heart of NYC’s diamond district and factories in New York, L.A., and Houston, Diamond Dougs is a national player in the diHTVUKTHYRL[)HJRPU[OL »Z the founder Gallant had something unique to contribute to the trade.
“I know so many people in the hip hop industry,” said Gallant. He has recruited a number of these friends in what is dubbed the “Diamond in the Rough” talent contest. But this is bigger than your run-of-the-mill talent show. It will take place at the (YTVY` [PJRL[Z OH]L HSYLHK` been sold, Gallant has hired proMLZZPVUHSZ [V ÄST HUK WYVK\JL [OL show, there will be an actual red carpet for arriving guests, and nationally recognized artists such as Levert II will be panelists. Yes there will be panelists, not simply judges, and they will be discussing topics important to those trying to make it in the industry.
“I was getting from Europe these colored diamonds – blues, greens, reds,” said Gallant, “ and no one in the US was making those.” Carving out a niche creating custom cuts, Gallant’s work eventually caught the eye of some pretty big names in the entertainment industry.
“Everything is way deeper than what is on the cover,” said Luara Lee – Marketing Specialist for Diamond Dougs. “The event is to entertain but also to educate so we are calling it ‘a day of edutainment.’” Panel discussion topics will range from publishing to how to get airplay.
As Diamond Doug’s business was NYV^PUN PU [OL »Z HUK »Z the cultural phenomena of hip hop emerged to position diamonds at the forefront of all things bling. In ¸+PHTVUKZ 6U 4` 5LJR¹ by Smitty got regular airplay on hip hop stations. Diamond Dougs was well situated to meet the increased demand for diamonds. He already possessed gangster swagger with his business logo a straight repurposing of Scarface graphics: Diamond Doug is the black and white ÄN\YL PU WSHJL VM (S 7HJPUV 0U H commercial for Diamond Dougs, local artists rap about the “iceman” Diamond Doug. For instance DJ Bacspin states, “when I need that iced out chain, when I need them iced out rings, I hit up my man Diamond Doug.”
For years local hip hop artists have descended on Diamond Dougs to drop off music CDS, transforming the store into a mixed-use jewlery/ music distribution site. Diamond Dougs has also sponsored numerous musical events in the area, but has never taken on as grand a project as next month’s Diamond in the Rough show. Gallant has pumped PU [V WYVK\JL [OL L]LU[ HUK HU HKKLK PU NPM[Z MVY contest prizes.
So at his downtown Rochester location, along with The Godfather and V[OLYNHUNZ[LYÅPJWVZ[LYZ[OLYLHYL now framed pictures of Diamond Doug with various hip hop and r&b singers - most notably Lloyd, Patti Labelle, and Rihana. When asked if the hip hop crowd makes up a
“There is incredible raw talent out [OLYL P[ Q\Z[ ULLKZ YLÄUPUN¹ ZHPK Gallant. “It is just a matter of getting these kids exposure.” He says the event will be the closest thing to American Idol and the Grammy’s that Rochester sees. Diamonds in the Rough will take place at Water Street Music Hall on August 1. You can view samples and vote online for Rochester’s best artist, producer, video, model, rap song, DJ, etc. at diamonddougscontest.com.
ARTISTS PROFILE: CHANISE REED a.k.a: Queen of the Rock Age: 34 Genre: Contemporary Gospel Background: Grew up singing at Salem Baptist Church, Thomas St.. Her mother was also a singer in the choir. “It’s in the genes, I have no choice,” said Reed. Her inspiration is her mother, who passed away four months ago. She’s performed at Venu Resto Lounge and starred in the musical “Hot Mama Blues” at Café Underground Railroad. Reed describes her intentions with Contemporary Gospel as this: “When I am in the Church, I try to take em’ to the streets. But ^OH[»ZPU[OLZ[YLL[Z`V\NV[[V[HRL[V[OLJO\YJO0[Y`[VÅPWIV[OZL[Z:VTLPU the church think they are so holier than thou.” At the “Diamonds in the Rough” show Reed will be performing an original song “It’s You” – a song she has not performed publicly yet. Reed is nominated for the “Female R&B Most Voted Song” award.
KEVIN RANGER a.k.a.: Christian Age: 22 Talent: Dancing )HJRNYV\UK! 9HUNLY OHZ ILLU WLYMVYTPUN MVY `LHYZ /L ÄYZ[ WLYMVYTLK MVY his church – Truth Ministries Fellowship, Scottsville Rd. Ranger also contributes ZVTLKHUJLTV]LZMVY+>033»Z]PKLV /PZPUÅ\LUJLZHYL6THYPVU*OYPZ Brown, James Brown, and Michael Jackson. “I create visuals of what is going on lyrically in a song,” says Ranger. He will be fusing multiple styles into one artistic expression to a gospel number “Wave Your Banner.” Ranger is up for the Hottest Dance award.
D-WILL Genre: Rap Gospel Background: D-WILL describes himself as the typical street hustler until No]LTILYVM ^OLUVULKH`ZVTL[OPUNPUOPT¸Z^P[JOLK¹/LKLKPJH[LKOPTself back to Christ and now attends Mt. Sinai International Ministries. D-WILL ZH`ZOPZMVY[OJVTPUNHSI\T PZ¸SPRLH[LZ[PTVU`¹7LVWSLULLKH [\YU he says “even if you think you’re having a good life, that’s when you need Jesus: Jesus is the Lord of the hood.” His music label is Double Edge Ministries – owned by Kre8tor – a former producer for The Game. D-WILL’s style resembles no other rapper. He is nominated for “Best New Artist of the Year,” “Banging Video of the Year,” and “Best Motivational Rap Song.” Link: http://www.doubleedgeministries.com/
M. DOT A.K.A.: Mr. Moore Or Less Age: 23 Background: M. Dot rises from the west side of Rochester. His motivation is “the hood.” M. Dot was locked up for three years, yet only some of his songs are about the gangster lifestyle. “My songs are aimed at the masses,” says M. Dot. “I try not to be put in any one category. I want everyone to at least like one VMT`ZVUNZ¹/LZ[HY[LKOPZV^UYLJVYKSHILS4VVYL6Y3LZZ,U[LY[HPUTLU[[OPZ spring and is working on a mixed tape compilation of Rochester’s best hip hop artists. He will be performing “Didi Bop My City Hot,” nominated for Best Rap Song. M. Dot is also nominated for Best New Artist of the Year. Link: http://www.myspace.com/mr_more_or_less
4ORTY Age: 19 )HJRNYV\UK!69;@PZMYVT[OLLHZ[ZPKLVM9VJOLZ[LYHZL]PKLU[PUOPZUVTPUH[LKYHWZVUN¸0»T:V,HZ[ZPKL¹/PZPUÅ\LUJLZHYL5HZHUK1H`AHUK¸[OH[»Z P[¹OLZH`Z69;@»ZZVUNZZOV\SKILH]VPKLKI`JOPSKYLUHZ[OL`HYLL_WSPJP[ but his wordplay should not be dismissed. He just came out with a mixed tape 5L^)LNPUUPUNZ[OH[PZH]HPSHISLH[+PHTVUK+V\NZHUK0[»Z6MÄJPHS69;@PZ nominated for “Best Swag Single” and “Best Artist,” awards. Link: http://www.myspace.com/keldiese
Related Documents
Diamond 2
June 2020 1
Diamond
June 2020 15
Grade 2 Diamond Participants.docx
June 2020 1
Diamond Oxide 2
May 2020 4
Htc Diamond
November 2019 18