Rick Ross, Travis Porter, Sean Garrett & Ace Hood Headline BMI’s 14th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase

A selection of the recording industry’s most eminent stars and promising talent performed at BMI’s 14th Annual Unsigned Urban Showcase May 18 at The Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta. Hosted by comedian Lil Duval and DJ Drama, the showcase featured performances by the inimitable Rick Ross, Atlanta-based hip-hop trio Travis Porter, DJ Khaled-backed rapper Ace Hood, and hit-making wordsmith Sean Garrett, who each brought their respective high-energy sounds.

The evening began with performances from showcase finalists Chase N. Cashe of Surf Club, FKi, Jus Nice, and Saunders Sermons, who each performed in front of a panel of music industry heavyweights, including top executives, producers, managers and attorneys. Winning the top prize was Chase N. Cashe of Surf Club, who wowed the audience and judges with his lyrical delivery, stage presence and overall charisma. Chase N. Cashe won an array of prizes including $1,000 in cash; studio time at Icon Studios; a photo session with F22 photography; image consulting with celebrity stylist Renaldo Nehemiah; a 300 CD duplication package from Disc Makers; a Snowball microphone from Blue Mic; a one-year subscription to The Source; two tickets to the 2011 BMI Urban Awards; and a feature story in BMI MusicWorld magazine online.

BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, along with Dallas Austin, presented the Legends of ATL Award to entertainment mogul Devyne Stephens. The prestigious honor recognizes a community leader for his or her contribution to the Atlanta music scene.