In collaboration with Who Got Next? Tours, OUT40 brings the nationwide rap tour competition to Frederick, Maryland during its 2022 Spring Tour – DMV Edition.
Retro/Ricole, Frederick Artist @ricolebarnes;
Lue Minks, CEO of VA Premiere Playlist @lueminks @thevapremiereplaylist; Kiki, CEO of OUT40 @out40media
Yesterday, local artists competed for the semifinals in DC where the winner received a featured verse on a celebrity rapper’s single, a flight to Atlanta to perform at Coalition DJ’s, or better yet the organization known as “The DJ’s That Turn Rappers Into Superstars” New Music Mondays, and an artist spotlight write-up in the Washington Informer: Sounds of The DMV. The judges panel: Music producer J. Medina, long-time Frederick artist Retro/Ricole, Lue Minks, CEO of VA Premiere Playlist, and Kiki Wilson, CEO of OUT40 determined the winner based on versatility, live performance, and audience engagement. Three rappers competed: Wan Too Cold, a D.C. based artist, Leo Fibino, and Kijaay, both local artists on the rise.
Kijaay, Frederick native and talented rapper, took home the win. Judges emphasized his skill and performance because he applied historical hip-hop etiquette that is mostly lost in modern practice: breath control, articulation, and a capella vocals. He will be heading to D.C. to compete among other winners along to the tour for the grand prize!
Credit: Bernard Rollins Nardcam
Tone P., Who Got Next Tours’ founder is a multi-platinum record producer from Southwest, Washington, DC. Known for his GoGo influenced style production, Tone earned his platinum songwriter accolade by penning the hook on celebrity rapper Wale’s song ‘Ambition” feat. Rick Ross, and Meek Mill on the rapper’s self-titled album.
Check out WGNTours for more footage from the Frederick show and others in the DMV! Fingers crossed for Kijayy!