On Saturday, October 27, aspiring Kansas City rappers, R&B singers, and dancers were given the chance to learn about the business side of the hip hop world, and audition for record label executives. Music executives from Atlanta met at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Crown Center, allowing the Midwest rap scene to benefit from their knowledge and experience.

The idea was pitched to KPRS Hot 103 Jamz by Kansas City native and stage actor Todd Neal. "I wanted to bring the labels to Kansas City, because I know the town and I know we have talent here. I wanted to give Kansas City the opportunity to showcase it and also make it educational," Neal explained.

"It was a seminar to allow individuals that work in Kansas City to learn about the industry, and showcase [their talent] for the execs," said Neal. "A lot of times we don't have the markets Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Houston do, where people can just wait for, or bump into, these executives."

Advisors from record labels included Hannah Kang from Grand Hustle, Mike Lee from HITz Committee, DJ Nabs from So So Def, and Dee Dee Murray of Purple Ribbon. The label reps shared lots of information about what goes on behind the scenes, making the event an educational experience for all who attended. This was just what Neal had in mind.

"A lot of people want to go into the industry and it's important," Neal said of the information given to the audience. "You need to be able to have an educated conversation with these executives when you meet with them. It's important to know what you're getting into. It is show business and it's more business than it is show."

The seminar was in part designed to "help people see exactly what they want to be in entertainment," Neal stated. "It exposes them to a lot of other careers in the music business."

"A lot of people like the flash. Being on stage, being popular, and being seen. We're an image-driven culture," Neal elaborated. "We think success is the man out front, when a lot of times the man out front isn't really making any money. It's the people that are behind him and pushing him that are."

Neal has more plans in the works to help get the Kansas City rap scene on the map. "We're going to build on the momentum of Kansas City and help push the movement forward. We're going to come back and do beat clubs, open mics - some of the record label representatives are going to come back and really break the industry down. "

Local music entrepreneur and audience member Mareese Williams could attest to the need to get Kansas City noticed. "Everybody has talent but does not get the chance to express it. They don't have a place where they can go and let it out," Williams said. This is part of the reason he began holding an open mic night at the Firelight Lounge, 2046 N 18th Street, Kansas City, Kansas. Spoken word artists and freestyle rappers are encouraged to come out and share their talent every Monday night at 9:00 p.m.

Visit <http://www.bringingthea.com/> to read what Dee Dee Murray had to say about the weekend.

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