Disrespect in Hip Hop where is the Love?

In order for me to even begin this article I have to give respect and love to my dear departed friend;” JUSTO!” All of us that know and love Justo and his legacy would agree that we miss him with every thought and memory. Peace to you and yours forever!!!

Now as for the night we have all been waiting for…the 10th Anniversary of Justo’s Mixtape Awards! Justo’s spirit was alive and strong in the building! When I entered the building a marching band of young kids with their drums and cymbals in hand were ready to set it off and open the show. They did! As I walked more into the theatre I started to see familiar faces. Hip hop legends from the streets to mainstream was in the house!!! Apollo had another legendary night not just for hip hop but in the history of this remarkable building being a vehicle to support and document the history of black music yet again. Here I was, going to this historical event not only to celebrate the life’s work of a dear friend but to also witness hip hop’s finest receive their props for being… true record breakers… the heat of the street… the mixtape DJ!

DJ Red Alert hosted the night along with Hot 97’s Mr. Cee. Red brought back some great memories as he told the history of hip hop to the young comers. As I took my seat I couldn’t help but to say to myself; “ I am so glad this didn’t die.” That elation and joy only lasted a few minutes. I got a call and I had to catch up with my camera crew and co-producer at the red carpet. On the carpet there were even more hip hop legends and contributors to the culture. Sway stopped to give a drop. Jazzy Joyce was heading for the stage to do her thang. It was crazy! The cameras were snapping while DJ’s from all over the U.S. walked the red carpet. The front of the Apollo was in full effect. On lookers and ticket holders trying to get in the Apollo watched in awe, that such a big event was finally here for all to see. As I looked around it reminded me of the early days of hip hop when everyone was someone each with their street credibility getting them through the doors. That’s when it hit me that this night is going to be crazy for more reasons than one. The amount of people waiting to get in was more demand than what the Apollo could supply. Yet it didn’t stop the show…yet. Now back inside my crew and I decided to go backstage and see who else was in the house. The answer… EVERYONE! Bill Duke, Busta Rhymes, Kid Capri KaySlay,, DJ Envy, Dj Camillo, Sugar Hill Gang, Melly Mel, Raheim, Free, Awesome Two the list was crazy. Even Mecca from Music Choice was reporting on the scene. There were industry heads who work behind the scenes in support as well. One of the best areas was the camera that was documenting the night by asking everyone to tell their best Justo story. The stories went on for days. Justo touched so many people and helped even more along the way. It was while I was getting ready to go to my next interview with Busta that I got the word that the event was shut down. The police decided to close the doors due to fights and unruly conduct. Basically, folks were acting out. What a disappointment. A year’s worth of planning and hard work down the drain.