On behalf of the team (Miss Dimplez, Eleven8, & DJ Hella Yella), we just want to thank you for your participation and attendance of Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase (#UHSXSW). Our event was a HUGE success!!! The turn out was outstanding and our venue reached capacity THREE TIMES. Fans were forced to stand in the streets and at the windows just to catch a glimpse of our amazing line up…

As a team, we worked so hard on our events and to see them come together with nothing but a few friends and a genuine love of music is astounding. — Big ups to our host, Fort Knox Live! He is literally the LIVEST host in the game, and did an amazing job. Shout out to our helpers Chas, Sonni, and Tiffany who helped ensure #UHSXSW was running smoothly, handing wristbands, running errands, and more…

#UHSXSW was just the beginning. The team is already back at the board working on our next big move! We’ll definitely keep you posted, but in the mean time, thank you for rocking with us. We appreciate your support, and look forward to making next year even better!

Photos by Hollygrove Photography. If you have photos/video, please email them to sxsw@missdimplez.com.

On behalf of the team (Miss Dimplez, Eleven8, & DJ Hella Yella), we just want to thank you for your participation and attendance of Juice: The DJ’s Official Showcase (#JuiceSXSW). Never before has SXSW had an event solely dedicated to the hip-hop dj… They didn’t think we could pull it off, but we did, and we killed it! We were over capacity! Fire marshals tried to shut us down, but couldn’t!! Huge success!!!!! — As a team, we work hard on our events and to see them come together with nothing but a few friends and a genuine love of music is astounding.

Big ups to our sponsors Muve Music by Cricket Wireless and Hulk Entertainment! #JuiceSXSW would not have been possible without you! Major shout out to the 12 djs who spun: Jon B, DJ Crunch, DJ Fresh 85, Spintelect, Jasmine Solano, Energizer Tha DJ, Mr. Rogers, DJ Rapid Ric, DJ Amen, DJ Drop, DJ Goofy, and DJ Hella Yella, you all did an amazing job! Special thank yous to our friends, staff, and stage managers, they made the magic happen and kept the event running smoothly.

#JuiceSXSW is just the beginning. As a team, we’re already plotting our next move… Until then, thank you for rocking with us. We appreciate your support, and look forward to making next year even better!

If you have photos/video from the event, please email them to sxsw@missdimplez.com.

Dee-1 is the last, but certainly not least, of our featured artists performing at Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase. Hailing from New Orleans, Dee-1 is an inspirational hip hop artist turning the industry on their ear, and with the help of his “one man army”, he has extended his lesson plans from the classroom to the stage…

Question: Do you feel as though being a conscious rapper bares the same reward as being a club/party/dopeboy rap artist? Dee-1: Yes. It actually has a greater reward. To sell records, make money to provide stability for you and your family, AND change lives in a positive way is the best thing you can ask for. But I’m not a conscious rapper. I’m just an artist that uses my music to motivate others and tell my story. My music fits on radio, MTV, college campuses, high schools, churches, and clubs….. and the beautiful part is that I’m just being myself. How you luv dat?

What does the landscape of the New Orleans music scene consist of outside of Lil Wayne? This scene in New Orleans is like a big bowl of gumbo. It’s one of the most diverse scenes in the country. Between Weezy, Jay Elec, Mystikal, Currensy, Dee-1, and all the bounce artists doing their thing, you can clearly see that we cover the entire spectrum of hip hop. 504 don’t play.

What do you feel distinguishes your forthcoming project, The Focus Tape, from any other project you’ve done (i.e. the I Hope They Hear Me Volumes 1 & 2). “The Focus Tape” is a concept tape. I’m locking in on one theme and going in depth about it. It’s a compilation of anthems that will motivate people to get out here and turn nothing into something; turn 15 cents to a buck fifty; turn dreams to reality.

What would be the first piece of advice you’d give to an up and coming rapper? Ask yourself, “Why do I want to rap? Is it just a way to make quick money? Do I have something unique I want to say?” If there is no real passion in your heart for it, your hustle will be hollow and empty. And secondly, I’d say that you have to look at what others did to succeed, but realize that your journey will be different from any of theirs.

How have you been able to stay grounded/humble with your impending success? Blame it on my parents and on New Orleans. My parents raised me to value the power of one, meaning that each person is unique and each interaction is an opportunity to learn from somebody and/or teach somebody something. And in New Orleans, it’s easy to stay humble because you never know when you might lose it all or even lose your life. We’ve all seen it happen too many times. I’m not just saying that, I mean that….and the battle continues.

Catch Dee-1 and more at the Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase, during SXSW on Thursday, March 15th from 11am to 6pm. [R.S.V.P Here]

Question: How long have you been in the game and where may people know you from? Tony Williams: For me, entering into “the game” would mean the first day somebody cut me a check to do this. I was about 21, so a long ass time ago. You know there was a time when artists actually served their grind time in the streets, working clubs, for years, before they rose in popularity. But, I’m sure that most people credit Kanye’s College Dropout album with being my entry into the game and that’s fine.

What is your formula for making a hit? I don’t have a formula for making a hit. In fact, making a hit has never been my intention. I only purpose in my mind to make a great song and there’s a huge difference. Hits are usually defined by rules and tendencies that people have come to expect. I want to make music that separates from the normal expectations, something different. In my opinion, music that defies expectations is the best kind. Of course, the hope is that people will embrace the true genius of the product to the degree that elevates it to a ‘hit’ status, in spite of it’s differences.

What is the meaning behind “The World Famous”? I’m so glad you asked that question. Most people never ask that as if they think I must really be on my own jock like that. They act, as if, they think I’m pretentious to the point that I’d be offended if they were to bring it up. I want people to know that I don’t take myself all that serious at all. I’m a humble lighthearted, fun kinda guy. The whole “World Famous” moniker is actually hilarious to me… it’s kind of a joke. I only came up with it so that the search engines could differentiate me from the legendary jazz drummer that played with all the jazz greats like Miles Davis. That Tony Williams is the real iconic and world famous one. He’s been dead for years and still if you Google search Tony Williams you would have to sift through one hundred of his articles before you see any mention of me.

How do you hope to prove to the world you’re more than “Kanye West’s Cousin”? Prove? Is Kanye a genius? Well, then he just might be astute enough to surround himself with geniuses. Our professional relationship has never been about nepotism. If you know any of my bodies of work separate from him, then you know that I’m not inspired by what he does. He’s always respected me for my uniquely individual artistry and he’s incorporated it. I don’t have to prove anything, just listen to King or The Fool.

How has the response for “King or the Fool” been since its release? I feel like it still has a lot of growing and catching on to do, but that’s what I expected. It sometimes takes people a while to catch on to something that’s not the status quo. They sometimes gotta make sure it’s cool to like something that doesn’t fit the norm. “Another You” is a huge song, even, without commercial radio play. If people would look beyond that song though, it’s not even in the top three of the best works on the project. We’ve just gotta let it grow organically and it’ll happen when the people that have supported and embraced what I do from the beginning, start playing the album and that new audience, such as parents and aunts and uncles start to hear it. Real soul music resonates with everybody.

Catch Tony Williams and more at the Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase, during SXSW on Thursday, March 15th from 11am to 6pm. [R.S.V.P Here]

Here’s Kyle Lucas of Vonnegutt doing a promo for #UHSXSW. Catch Vonnegutt and more at the Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase, during SXSW on Thursday, March 15th from 11am to 6pm. [R.S.V.P Here]

Jhene Aiko is our second featured artist performing at Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase. You may remember Jhene from her works including her Sailing Soul(s) mixtape, and guest features on records by Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q,  but we know her as Def Jam‘s lastest-signee who inked an unfathomable deal with legendary producer No I.D…

‘Effortless sound’ on Sailing Soul(s): I think if you sing too much or if there are too many instruments, that takes away from what you’re saying… ‘Stranger’ is about meeting the same type of people every day, particularly guys. They’re all different, they all have their own approach, but the underlying thing that they want, which is usually sex, is the same.

The purpose behind her music: I want people to find themselves in my music. I want to be that artist where a person listens to my songs, reflects and then they feel good about it. Now they’re over that struggle and it never comes back up. I want listeners to get lost in my music and when they’re lost they find themselves. I really want it to be therapeutic and healing to the soul. I don’t do it for people to say something when I’m gone. This music is for the now. I want the feeling to last forever. I want people to feel it and through it…to feel me.

About ‘selling’: When I graduated from high school, I went harder in music and I had a couple of meetings. I was so used to all of the politics in the music industry and I just wanted to sing…and write, that’s it. I took a meeting, at the time I was pregnant though I didn’t know it yet, I was sitting there with this label head and he loved everything I played for him but he felt like I didn’t “sell myself” and I was like what does that even mean?! I’m not a product, either you want to work with me or you don’t. You see the vision and you want to be partners in this or not because I’m not going to come in here and put on a show and be fake. You either like it or you don’t.

Witness Jhene‘s premier SXSW experience as she performs exclusively at the Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase, during SXSW on Thursday, March 15th from 11am to 6pm. [R.S.V.P Here]

Lecrae is one of our featured artists performing at Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase. Hailing from Houston, Lecrae is an Christian hip hop artist signed to Reach Records, has released five solo studio albums, and his latest Rehab: The Overdose was released last year…

Question: The biggest lesson you took away after the release of his album, “Rehab, The Overdose”? Lecrae: Working as a team is the only way to go. The Reach Records team and producers helped me so much. Pride and ego kills a lot of artists. Humbly hearing from people and not having to control every single detail is liberating.

Capitalizing off of the BET Hip-Hop Cipher (how that opportunity came about, and what has you done since then)? That was really a dope opportunity.BET reached out and I initially couldn’t do it but I think God wanted me there, and my voice to be heard. It worked out and so many people were rocked by it. Since the, I’ve continued to keep being a voice in hip-hop. People generally don’t see authentic Christians [in industry], I’ve also branched out into film and did a movie with Kim Fields and Melinda Williams.

What can people expect from you in the new year? Trying to inspire people. Hopefully hitting up Urban areas and doing workshops and conferences. Dealing with guys who haven’t had any direction. I’m working on a mix tape with Don Cannon coming out May 3rd. More collaborations with Statik Selektah, 9th Wonder, Murs, Dee-1. And I’m working on a new album that will drop this year as well.

Catch Lecrae and more at the Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase, during SXSW on Thursday, March 15th from 11am to 6pm. [R.S.V.P Here]

Behind every great act there is an even greater DJ. The DJ has always been known as the unsung hero of hip-hop, responsible for the flow of music, breaking tracks and pushing the needle on the culture. “Juice: The DJ’s Official Showcase”, will give 15 DJs the opportunity to showcase their turntablisim skills from scratching, cutting, beat matching, beat juggling and crowd control, alongside our special guest DJs.

Venue: Malaia (Downtown Austin, TX)

Date: Friday, March 16th

Time: 8pm to 2am

#JUICESXSW will feature live performances by: DJ Hella Yella, Jasmine Solano, DJ Mo Beatz, DJ Amen, DJ Rapid Ric, Mr. Rogers, Energizer Tha DJ, DJ Spintelect, DJ Bonics, Jon B, DJ Fresh85, DJ Goofy, DJ Crunch, DJ Drop, and a few surprise guests!!!

SXSW has never before done an event ENTIRELY dedicated to the hip-hop dj, so come witness history in the making!! It will be nothing less than AMAZING!

This event is being brought to you by Muve Music from Cricket Wireless, the first complete music experience created for a phone and the first wireless plan with unlimited music. For a flat monthly fee, get nationwide talk, text and web, plus unlimited song downloads, ringtones and ringback tones. No computers, cords or credit cards required. Muve Music is now available on Android phones at a Cricket Wireless or Best Buy location near you. Find them on Facebook & Twitter for exclusive music and artist interviews and more…

THE R.S.V.P. LIST IS CLOSED. THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.

The “Unrefined Hype: Extended Play Showcase” will give 35 emerging hip-hop & r&b acts the opportunity to showcase their talents in-front general SXSW goers, fans, brands, and media; in-turn giving attendees the opportunity to see hip-hop’s budding stars before they blow.

Venue: Bat Bar, 218 East 6th Street (Downtown Austin, TX)

Date: Thursday, March 15th

Time: 11am to 6pm

Host: Fort Knox Live (of Atlanta, GA)

This event is free to the public with R.S.V.P. Early arrival is SUGGESTED.

THE R.S.V.P. LIST IS CLOSED. THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.

#UHSXSW will feature performances by Jhene Aiko, Miguel, Talib Kweli, Lecrae, Skewby, Dee-1, Rittz, Jon B, Tony Williams, Res, Emmany, Sioux Lane, Vonnegutt, Termanology, Thurz, D-WHY, Uzoy, First Class Fresh, Propain, The Cranberry Show, The Mohicans, Shawn Chrystopher, Troy Ave, Stanza, Yung Nation, Kris Kasanova, Deadbroke, Ray Dawn, $hannon Al$ton, JYoung The General, Yung Texxus, Devin Miles, Doughbeezy, Iam Jones… and MORE!!

Believe the hype, #UHSXSW will be AMAZING and full of SURPRISES!!! EARLY ARRIVAL IS SUGGESTED!

BBMs & Brewsters: The V.I.P. Gifting Suite: Capitalizing on the reoccurring theme, which is, the inability for artists and media to intermingle outside of the confines of showcases, stages, clubs, and reverberating speakers. Our goal is to give artists and media the opportunity to come together without microphones, performances and traditional demands of media acquisition, as well as give brands to the opportunity to present products and showcase materials to an influential target audience.

Date: Thursday, March 15th

Time: 8pm to 5a

Host: DJ Green Lantern (of Invasion Radio)

This event is invitation only.

Will feature brands including: Deadbroke Clothing, Flud Watches, Cricket Wireless, Herschel Supply Co., JFive, Smithstonean Inc, and more… To be announced.

THE R.S.V.P. LIST IS CLOSED. THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.