Essence magazine and the prestigious Boston music college Berklee have united to promote the third annual teen Hip Hop songwriting contest. Three winners of the contest will receive scholarships to summer classes at the school to perfect their craft, as well as perform in the 2008 Peace and Unity Festival in downtown Boston, a growing tradition in Hip Hop.
The contest is officially deemed “Take Back The Music,” and was founded upon the principles of restoring the images of black women through the media, which some believe Hip Hop has been responsible for damaging. Thus, the three judges of the contest are Yo-Yo, Roxanne Shante and Pete Rock. Judging is based on positive, balanced messages as well as composition.
The eligibility for the contest states that participants must be 15-19 years old and unsigned. Songwriters and producers have until March 10, 2008 to submit. More information is at www.essence.com/takebackthemusic and www.berklee.edu. There are five winners in all.
