Attn: Aspiring Artists & DJ's: Enter The "Put Da Needle On Da Record" Talent Contest

Give us some background info on your company?

I started this Smooth Z Productions Entertainment back in 2004. I had a good idea of what I wanted to bring to the entertainment circuit and it was, "Raw Talent." I thought back on the times when I "cut the rug" in the clubs and bars and thought how each party offered the same thing. Not one of them offered an artist that was up and coming. All of them had big celebrity's names featured. I admit, at first seeing Cornel Abrams, Dana Dane and a few others was cool but I guess I was looking at things from a producer's point of view. I wanted to see raw talent because everyone knew these artist could pack a house. So, I said to myself , I'm going to take this a step further and I did. I opened my own entertainment business and I only hired unsigned artist to the stage. My company showed loved to all people regardless of faith, sexual orientation, creed or color. I'm happy to say that I hold no regrets for looking out for up and coming artist.

What sets "Put Da Needle On Da Record" apart from other competitions?

I think Put da Needle On da Record is different from other competitions because every year since we began we keep the original title but we add on a theme. For example, 2008's competition was Put da needle On da Record, An All Female DJ Contest. This April the main title is the same but who we seek is different. We are in search of talented youth between the ages of 15 - 25 and therefore the theme is Aspiring DJ/MC/Dancers/Singers. We change our search request to bring all styles of talent to compete.

What is the Grand Prize and how many grand prize winners will be selected?

There are 4 Grand Prizes one for each category. In the MC/Singers category the Grand Prize Winner will receive a One on One with an A&R Representative of Urban Threshold Enterprises where he/she can submit a demo of their music. This winner will also receive a Cash Prize, ticket aboard Hush Hip Hop Tours, a gift certificate from Definite Sound Productions - a Multi Media Company, a gift certificate so they can shop at Sam Ash Music Stores and he/she will be featured live on The Josaine Show Esp51.com. Just a word of knowledge to this winner bring your A-Game to this Internet show as listeners will be tuned in. In the Dance category the Grand Prize Winner will receive a Cash Prize, a gift certificate from Definite Sound Productions - a Multi Media Company, a paid subscription to S.U.R.E Record Pool whose long history in the business has had one of the great pioneers of Hip Hop Afrika Bambaataa as a member, a shopping gift certificate from Sam Ash Music Stores and ticket aboard Hush Hip Hop Tours. Lastly, in the DJ category the Grand Prize Winner will receive a special paid in full semester to a DJ course from Scratch DJ Academy and Smooth Z Productions Entertainment. Scratch DJ Academy was launched by the late Legendary Jam Master Jay. This winner will also receive a ticket to Hush Hip Hop Tours, a gift certificate from Definite Sound Productions - a Multi Media Company, a gift certificate to shop Sam Ash Music Stores and a paid subscription to S.U.R.E Record Pool.

Where will the event be held?

We are looking to lock down the cozy, laid back spot called Jelani Lounge located on Waverly Avenue in Clinton Hills, Brooklyn.

How does an upcoming DJ, Rapper, singer or dancer register for this event?

If an upcoming DJ/MC/Dancer/Singer would like to register I encourage them to go immediately to our official site at www.szpecontest.com and print out an application. Send the completed application by mail along with a $15 non- refundable processing fee and a recorded copy DVD of the applicant performing. I specifically say immediately because although the deadline for all applications is April 10, 2010, if our roster is filled before the deadline we will have to close out the registration date sooner. Make sure your application is mailed before time. If there any questions or you just need to talk to someone about this event you can reach me at DJ Diva de la Sol at 347 824 1804.

What is the judging criteria?

The judges will look for clarity, personality, originality, something new, and other characteristics that are signs of an aspiring artist. You can find more information about this on our Rules and Regulations page at the official site www.szpecontest.com

How will the winners be determined?

Each winner will be determined through a numerical count where the contestant with the highest total points will win in either Grand Prize or Place. If there is a tie in Category A or B there is a tie breaking system that will break the tie. If there is a tie in Category C the tie will be broken by the over powerful round of applause received from the audience for the contestant. So I encourage everyone to bring as many people as they can to vote for them just in case you stand in a tie.

Who are some of the sponsors of "Put Da Needled on Da Record"?

Some of our sponsors and advertisers, (we can't leave out the advertisers as they have helped to generate attention to this event,) are Urban Threshold Enterprises, S.U.R.E. Record Pool, HipHopPress.com, Scratch DJ Academy, Definite Sound Productions, Sam Ash Music Stores, The Josaine Show Esp51.com, Rock and Soul Yahoo/ Daily News and Hush Hip Hop Tours.

What is the website?

Our website is www.szpecontest.com. If you have trouble finding us contact us by phone at 347 824 1804 or send us an email to Szpprod@aol.com