December 08, 2006 @ 9:50 am

Panic! At the Apollo..Justo’s Mixtape Awards 2006

Richard Cruz

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Last night, aspiring rappers, DJs, and industry folk made their way to Harlem’s Apollo Theatre for the 10th Annual Mixtape Awards, braving the cold (not to mention the extremely long wait outside). The red carpet scene was relatively vibrant: a fresh-out-of-jail Freeky Zeeky greeted everyone in high spirits, while local fans stood on barricades to catch a glimpse of former kings Sugar Hill Gang and Fab Five Freddy as they entered the theatre. The scene inside was mildly, although expectedly, chaotic (this IS hip hop we’re talking about), as those in attendance tried to find their seats. Seen randomly in the crowd were BG, Julito McCullum (from HBO’s The Wire), and David Banner. Commencing the show was the Sugar Hill Gang, performing “Rapper’s Delight” like it was 1979, but with a 2006 swagger. Donell Rawlings, best known as “Ashy Larry” from Chapelle's Show, then took the stage and offered the crowd, who was becoming increasingly intensified due to delays, some comic relief. DJ Red Alert, a legend in these New York streets, then took the mic and proceeded to serve as master of ceremonies, quickly offering his sentiment to Power 105.1 DJ Carl Blaze, who was gunned down early Thursday morning and currently in critical condition. The DJs in attendance, a majority of whom are from the New York area, and colleagues of Carl Blaze, shared concern for their friend who is battling for his life. The first award was finally presented when Talib Kweli honored DJ J Love for Best Underground Mixtape DJ. The award for Best Blends Mixtape DJ went to DJ Dirty Harry, while Best Female DJ went to Brandi Garcia, of the Murda Mamis. When Mr. Cee reached the podium to introduce the Best Club DJ Award, which consequently carries his namesake, he, along with some members of the crowd, expressed his displeasure when the award went to Clinton Sparks, and not to the crowd mover DJ Camilo. Clinton Sparks, being a good sport, jokingly told Mr. Cee to “get familiar”. Things immediately got crazy when Apollo ushers and security attempted to deny entry to a crew outside, who simply bumrushed the short-staffed entrance and caused the NYPD to get involved. Despite the award show still going on, and even a requested moment of silence for Justo, all attention was given to the venue’s rear, where scuffle after scuffle ensued, immediately causing the police to shut down the show.

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