Submitted by Riccola "The Phat Cat"

I had the opportunity to attend the Maximum Level Entertainment 2^nd Annual Networking event, hosted by Hala and Entaty from Maximum Level Entertainment; and co-hosted by RANE from WPCG 95.5 FM and Tamiko from Mad Flavor TV. This event was a great opportunity for aspiring artists to gather in one place for one united cause – to get their music out to the public. Maximum Level Entertainment whose motto is "Truly Dedicated To Providing A Forum For All Unsigned Artists To Be Heard" is definitely doing just that.

RANE from WPGC 95.5 started the forum off with a boatload of knowledge. As we all know, education is the key in anything successful. RANE, who is one of the hottest radio personalities in DC, was the professor for the course RANE 202: RANE’s Radio Pointers. She basically gave the artists a lesson in ways to promote themselves, the dos and don’ts, professionalism, what it takes to get your music played and words to make music by. These lessons were definitely the highlight of this forum. It was presented straight to the point and straight from the heart.

This networking event not only gave the artists a chance to perform, sell cds and promote themselves; but there were also radio representatives from URSCENE Radio, XM Radio and Bowie State University Radio. Each of the representatives dropped knowledge on how to get airplay, the audiences that they cover and how to send your material to the station correctly. There were also magazine representatives, promotion companies, distribution companies, Mix Masters, the DC Hip Hop Alliance and Len Woodfolk from Universal Records also stopped by. It seems that Maximum Level Entertainment tried to cover every avenue in order to make this a one stop networking shop.

The range of talent was wide in variety with such artists as Angel, 2 Face the Don featuring the Mobb Boys, Allyance Entertainment, Big Boy Beats, Eternal Thought, CityWyde, Dark Alley, Indicator, Gina Williams, Hala & Entaty, Marlo, Meccanikal Azzazzinz, Moett, NOMAAD, Sharp Shooter, Storm the Unpredictable and TUG. Even though it was a Hip Hop Rap affair, everyone brought their own seasonings to the table because this was a feast of DC talent.

As we all know, mainstream music is where the money is, but the underground should not be underestimated. Remember in order to get to the next level we will need each other’s shoulders to stand on to reach the top. Hats off to Maximum Level Entertainment, RANE, all the artists that performed and all who represent the love for the underground. If you didn’t make this event, make it your business to be at the next one.

For more information on upcoming events, contact Maximum Level Entertainment at (301)526-3576 or visit www.maximumlevel.net.