The William & Mary Hip Hop Collection is proud to host the Cherish Your Legacy event on December 2 from 10am to 3pm in Read & Relax on the first floor of Swem Library. The event will feature networking opportunities, talent exhibitions, and panel discussions with hip hop artists, media executives, and music industry professionals. Free and open to the public, Cherish Your Legacy will bring together music enthusiasts and supporters to celebrate the importance of preserving and celebrating our local cultural heritage as well as empowering and providing opportunities for students and the local music community.
The William & Mary Hip Hop Collection stands as the definitive resource for Virginia's hip hop culture and history from the 1980s to the present. With its commitment to preserving and documenting this vibrant community, the collection encompasses a wealth of oral histories, capturing the essence of Virginia's hip hop legacy. The collection features an extensive assortment of hip hop music recordings, publications, and ephemera contributed by Virginia and Virginia-based artists and businesses that have shaped the hip hop landscape in Virginia.
Event Schedule
* New location! All sessions will be in Read & Relax on the first floor of Swem.
- W&M Hip Hop Collection Open House in Special Collections
10am - 4pm, Special Collections Research Center, 1st Floor
- Welcome & Networking Session
10am – 10:30am, Read & Relax, 1st Floor
- Session Report: From the Creative Process to Publishing
10:30am – 12pm, Read & Relax
- Lunch & Learn (RSVP - first come first serve!)
12pm – 1:15pm, Read & Relax
- Virginia Talks Different – Talent Exhibition
1:15pm – 1:45pm, Read & Relax
- Define YOU: The Power of Effective Branding & Marketing
1:45pm – 3pm, Read & Relax
Featured Panel Discussions:
Session Report: From the Creative Process to Publishing
Fam-Lay
Fam-Lay (born Nathaniel Johnson) is a multi-talented artist and media executive. He is the podcast host of “OtherTone,” where he joins Pharell and Scott Vener as the third co-host. Fam-Lay has an impressive background in the music industry, having been signed to Pharrell’s Star Trak imprint in 2002. With his experience in both music and management, Fam-Lay brings a unique perspective to the panel.
Nottz
Grammy-nominated producer Nottz is a powerhouse in the hip hop industry, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business. With an impressive list of collaborators including Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, Scarface, Snoop Dogg, Cassidy, Ghostface Killah, Kardinal Offishall, Royce da 5’9”, Little Brother, The Game, Dwele, Termanology, Bilal, Asher Roth, Slaughterhouse, Pusha T, Torae, Rapsody, and Talib Kweli, Nottz’s production skills are highly sought after.
Osman Bangura, Patchwerk Recording Studios
Osman Bangura, the Marketing Coordinator and Studio Manager for Patchwerk Recording Studios, a legendary hip hop studio in Atlanta, GA, possesses valuable insights on the transition from creative work to preparing for rollouts. His experience managing a renowned studio adds a unique perspective to the panel.
Bink!
Roosevelt Harrell III, widely known as Bink!, is a Grammy-winning producer with a strong affiliation to Roc-A-Fella Records. His exceptional productions have graced critically acclaimed albums like Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” and Kanye West’s “My Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Additionally, Bink! has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Drake, J. Cole, John Legend, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and many others.
Lunch & Learn
We cordially invite you to join us for a "Lunch & Learn" session in Read & Relax on the first floor of Swem. Representatives from a diverse range of organizations, including but not limited to Creatives For Virginia and The Slover, will share their initiatives and projects that empower creatives in our vibrant community. Your attendance will contribute to the continued growth and success of our artistic endeavors, and we look forward to having you with us!
Please note that lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to partake in this event while engaging with these esteemed speakers.
Define YOU: The Power of Effective Branding & Marketing
June Jones, Atlantic Records
June Jones, the Mid-Atlantic Director of Urban Promotions for Atlantic Records, is well-versed in the art of promotion. She brings her vast experience working on projects with artists like Jack Harlow, Silk Sonic by Bruno Mars, and Anderson .Paak.
Cory Taylor
Cory Taylor is a highly skilled music industry professional with over a decade of experience. Cory made his entrance into the music entertainment industry in 2005 as the Day Manager for Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, a member of the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated R&B trio Sisters With Voices (SWV). Recently, Cory has partnered with VIBE Magazine to showcase a weekly column that highlights new and emerging artists. Additionally, Cory was selected as a talent scout for the 20th season of “American Idol,“ where he scouted fresh talent.
Kasim Peterson, DreamChasers Records
Kasim Peterson is a marketing and analytics specialist with an impressive track record. Having worked as the Digital Marketing & Strategy Manager for Roc Nation and the Digital Marketing Director for Maybach Music Group, Kasim brings a wealth of knowledge in the field. Currently, he serves as the VP, Digital Marketing for DreamChasers Records.
Quinelle "Coach Q" Holder, Medium Creative Agency
Quinelle "Coach Q" Holder is a versatile American entrepreneur, manager, and music industry expert based in the DMV Area. He is renowned for co-founding Medium Creative Agency alongside his wife Sabrina and has gained national acclaim for his contributions to the music industry. Holder's recognition includes features in VIBE Magazine and AfroTech, and he serves as a Board Advisor and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee for The Recording Academy.