Grinder of the Year is awarded to industry veterans. We respect names in the industry who represent themselves, and there brands of excellent caliber. This year we recognize the following people:
Stretch has been a key leader representing leading acts like J Stalin, Mistah Fab, SMC Recordings, and has recently broke two artists, Roach Gigz, and most noteably Kreayshawn. He has made the Bay Area proud with his most recent endevours, he's brought light back to our soil.
DJ Amen has been a top dog at the local radio stations doing massive street and internet promotions of mixtapes, and live events. He has also helped the local scene doing top ten, which has gotten local talent into local newspaper stands. Its helped numerous artists get breaks.
Nano Livewire has been a strong force to be reckoned with in the marketing department of Livewire Records. He does marketing, bookings, tours with the Livewire records label artists, and plays the role of road manager. He also has a upcoming mixtape series coming out with Livewire Records Coming Very Soon.
KMEL has had a long time reputation for being one of the top four radio stations that play hip hop in the country. They now play local talent every week. As local artists look for a blame, KMEL's not to blame when most radio companies of this magnitude dont do this for there local city! Go to KMEL.COM/PAGES/HOMETURF.HTML to vote.
Em Dubious has been a hard working grinder, putting together a popular bay area website Thizzler.com, as well as promoting events. They also have a mixtape series w/ DJ Amen "The Freshman 10", Id say one of the hardest working street and internet bloggers in the bay area.
Gary has been a long time supporter of Bay Area Hip Hop. A Strategic thinker, who has been behind the successful careers of Mistah Fab, Thizz Entertainment, Ozone Magazine, to name a few. He also runs popular website WETHEWEST.COM.