The event will consist of an open mic contest and a screening of “Raisin’ Kane: A Rapumentary.” The open mic contest, called “Xposed,” is sponsored by Universal Music, Famous Players, MuchMusic, Roots and Trebas Institute.
The show is being called a hybrid of the “Gong Show,” “Popstars” and “Live at the Apollo.” Contestants are invited to rap or sing in front of a panel of industry and celebrity judges. The panel includes Universal Music representatives, artists such as Concise and Checkmate, and MuchMusic producer, Greg Baptiste. Event hosts will include MusiquePlus VJ Malik “Versatile” Shaheed and RS Smooth. DJ Scratch Bastid and DJ Shortcut will act as the two supporting DJs. The winner will have the opportunity to fly to Toronto to record a professional demo with Titan Records.
After “Xposed will be a screening of “Raisin’ Kane: A Rapumentary.” The documentary is based on the struggles of an independent hip-hop group (Citizen Kane) and chronicles their journey as they work to keep their dream alive. The film features interviews and cameos from the likes of Choclair, Maestro and Michie Mee. Audiences will have the opportunity to interact with director Alison Duke and members of Citizen Kane during a brief Q&A at the end of each screening. The shows will also feature live performances by urban acts Citizen Kane, Ndidi Cascade and Kaleb Simmonds.
