When THEURBANADVOCATE.COM first launched in February 2009, we set out to find the best and the brightest up-and-coming talent in music, fashion, art and entertainment. We crossed paths with some very special talent this year and we want to commemorate those we thought were the best, made the biggest moves and were able to keep peoples attention throughout the year. So, without further ado, this is the official 2011 TUA Honors!
Recording Artist of the Year
Dee-1
"The One Man Army" really took his movement to the next level this year. We first got the opportunity to catch up with Dee-1 this past summer. Throughout 2011, Dee-1 maintained a constant presence on the independent music scene. He went on tour this past year, got the chance to collaborate with legendary New Orleans producer Mannie Fresh and by the of the year had be nominated for XXL's 2012 Freshman Class honor. No other artist showed up and showed out this year like Dee-1. It was only right that he was named TUA's Recording Artist of the Year.
Artist of the Year
Frank Morrison
When it came to visual arts, Frank Morrison is a master at his craft. Mr. Morrison first came to my attention last year when I kept coming across his paintings online. Visually, his paintings are very much in the same vein of Ernie Barnes, paintings that capture the mannerisms and depict everyday life of the black experience. Frank Morrison has to be our Artist of the Year; why? Because, he's awesome.
Fresh File Pick of the Year
Loyal K.N.G.
Among all the lines we featured on Fresh Files this year, no other line has maintained it's presence on the underground scene like Loyal K.N.G. Centre, Kixpo, they showed up at them all. Any time there was something going on, Loyal K.N.G. was on the scene. Not to mention the fact that their clothing is based one of the most original concepts we've heard in years. Being young, creative and forward-thinking are all qualities that we salute here at THEURBANADVOCATE.COM; and those are all qualities that Loyal K.N.G. possess.
Entertainer of the Year
Quenton “Q” Coleman
What can be said about Q Coleman that hasn't been said. Is not only a hilarious comedian, he's an awesome host and incredible event promoter. This past year, Q has been the leader of the comedy series "We Got Next", he's been the host of PlayDate Dallas, hosted a number of charity events including "Industry B-Ball Game and Concert" as well as "Joking 4 A Cause". Also in 2011, Q not only maintained his presence on Fishbowl Radio Network, but he could be seen opening up for Jamie Foxx and R&B singers Dave Hollister and Joe. No one was entertained the people like Q Coleman.
Advocates of the Year
Nikki Hayes/My Brother's Keeper
Having worked side by side with Nikki Hayes, I can honestly say her commitment to the community is commendable. Nikki has been organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas drives for the past few years. In 2011, My Brother's Keep- Feed The Homeless Thanksgiving Food Drive not only brought out dozens of volunteers but it fed and clothed hundreds of people. Having seen this event first hand, I can honestly say this had to take home the honor for Advocates of the Year.
Alternative Pick of the Year
Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH
Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH has had an awesome year. Earlier this year, they were one of the bands nominated and came very close to winning the contest to play and Edgefest, maintained a busy scheduled and were also named Best R&B/Funk Act at the Dallas Observer Awards. When we featured the band in The Urban Alternatives earlier this year we knew they were on their way to doing big things. But, we had no idea how big this year would be for Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH. So, it's only fitting they end the year on a high-note with being crowned our Alternative Pick of the Year.
2011 Brightest Star
Sequoia Houston
THEURBANADVOCATE.COM prides itself on being able to find up-and-coming stars. We truly believe we've found one in Sequoia Houston, we had to shine our spotlight in her direction. In 2011, Sequoia officially made her directorial debut with her short film What Things May Come. But, in our opinion, this year was just the beginning of what's to come for Sequoia. The multi-talented starlet just made a major move, so it's only a matter of time before her name is shinning in bright lights. Stay tuned...because The Urban Advocate will most definitely.
Single of the Year
Big Suave “Beast Mode”
Album of the Year
Hyro Da Hero- Birth, School, Work, Death
Mixtape of the Year
Young Don- Pride of the Projects
Video of the Year
Throwed ft. Dawg Wonder and Spark Dawg “On The Grind”
4 Block TV presents: DFW’s Sexiest Celebrity
Tameka Pearl
The Vincent Tucker Radio Show presents: Celebrity Guest of the Year
Terrell Owens
Click here to hear Pt. 2
Click here to hear Pt. 3
Recording Artist of the Year
Dee-1
"The One Man Army" really took his movement to the next level this year. We first got the opportunity to catch up with Dee-1 this past summer. Throughout 2011, Dee-1 maintained a constant presence on the independent music scene. He went on tour this past year, got the chance to collaborate with legendary New Orleans producer Mannie Fresh and by the of the year had be nominated for XXL's 2012 Freshman Class honor. No other artist showed up and showed out this year like Dee-1. It was only right that he was named TUA's Recording Artist of the Year.
Artist of the Year
Frank Morrison
When it came to visual arts, Frank Morrison is a master at his craft. Mr. Morrison first came to my attention last year when I kept coming across his paintings online. Visually, his paintings are very much in the same vein of Ernie Barnes, paintings that capture the mannerisms and depict everyday life of the black experience. Frank Morrison has to be our Artist of the Year; why? Because, he's awesome.
Fresh File Pick of the Year
Loyal K.N.G.
Among all the lines we featured on Fresh Files this year, no other line has maintained it's presence on the underground scene like Loyal K.N.G. Centre, Kixpo, they showed up at them all. Any time there was something going on, Loyal K.N.G. was on the scene. Not to mention the fact that their clothing is based one of the most original concepts we've heard in years. Being young, creative and forward-thinking are all qualities that we salute here at THEURBANADVOCATE.COM; and those are all qualities that Loyal K.N.G. possess.
Entertainer of the Year
Quenton “Q” Coleman
What can be said about Q Coleman that hasn't been said. Is not only a hilarious comedian, he's an awesome host and incredible event promoter. This past year, Q has been the leader of the comedy series "We Got Next", he's been the host of PlayDate Dallas, hosted a number of charity events including "Industry B-Ball Game and Concert" as well as "Joking 4 A Cause". Also in 2011, Q not only maintained his presence on Fishbowl Radio Network, but he could be seen opening up for Jamie Foxx and R&B singers Dave Hollister and Joe. No one was entertained the people like Q Coleman.
Advocates of the Year
Nikki Hayes/My Brother's Keeper
Having worked side by side with Nikki Hayes, I can honestly say her commitment to the community is commendable. Nikki has been organizing Thanksgiving and Christmas drives for the past few years. In 2011, My Brother's Keep- Feed The Homeless Thanksgiving Food Drive not only brought out dozens of volunteers but it fed and clothed hundreds of people. Having seen this event first hand, I can honestly say this had to take home the honor for Advocates of the Year.
Alternative Pick of the Year
Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH
Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH has had an awesome year. Earlier this year, they were one of the bands nominated and came very close to winning the contest to play and Edgefest, maintained a busy scheduled and were also named Best R&B/Funk Act at the Dallas Observer Awards. When we featured the band in The Urban Alternatives earlier this year we knew they were on their way to doing big things. But, we had no idea how big this year would be for Ducado Vega and BlooDRICH. So, it's only fitting they end the year on a high-note with being crowned our Alternative Pick of the Year.
2011 Brightest Star
Sequoia Houston
THEURBANADVOCATE.COM prides itself on being able to find up-and-coming stars. We truly believe we've found one in Sequoia Houston, we had to shine our spotlight in her direction. In 2011, Sequoia officially made her directorial debut with her short film What Things May Come. But, in our opinion, this year was just the beginning of what's to come for Sequoia. The multi-talented starlet just made a major move, so it's only a matter of time before her name is shinning in bright lights. Stay tuned...because The Urban Advocate will most definitely.
Single of the Year
Big Suave “Beast Mode”
Album of the Year
Hyro Da Hero- Birth, School, Work, Death
Mixtape of the Year
Young Don- Pride of the Projects
Video of the Year
Throwed ft. Dawg Wonder and Spark Dawg “On The Grind”
4 Block TV presents: DFW’s Sexiest Celebrity
Tameka Pearl
The Vincent Tucker Radio Show presents: Celebrity Guest of the Year
Terrell Owens
Click here to hear Pt. 2
Click here to hear Pt. 3