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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR |
The third time is the charm.
Building on the success of our 2006 conference, Billboard promises an even more dynamic event when the eighth annual R&B/Hip-Hop Conference comes back to Atlanta, Nov 28-30, 2007. Headquarters for this third go-round will once again be the Renaissance Waverly Hotel.
The urban music industry has undergone its share of ups and downs since we last convened. There's the ongoing RIAA/DJ mixtape standoff. A take-notice dip in both R&B and hip-hop year-end sales. The N-word controversy. The loss of James Brown, Gerald Levert and other black music icons. Hard-won box office success. Mary J. Blige leading the charge at this year's Grammy Awards. More consolidation. Label executives playing a new game of musical chairs.
Riveting panels focused on these and other issues are currently being planned by Billboard's R&B/hip-hop staff and our distinguished advisory board. And what better place to stage such pivotal discussions than in one of the South's major hotbeds of musical activity, Atlanta?
Stay tuned to this web site in the coming weeks for details about the various events being planned. These will occur in tandem with salutes to special award honorees in radio and music (Founder's Award in R&B and hip-hop) plus the Otis Redding Award of Excellence. Complemented by panels, showcases, exhibits and workshops, the R&B/Hip-Hop Conference offers plenty of opportunities to network with the industry's key decision-makers, meet new business contacts and to become reacquainted with former colleagues.
But don't take our word for it. Testimonials from all walks of the industry-top producer Jermaine Dupri , rappers Kanye West and Chuck D, singer Anthony Hamilton, label executives Cynthia Johnson and Mathew Knowles and more-attest to why our conference has become an industry staple.
Over the last three years, Billboard has intensified its commitment to the urban music community. We couldn't do that without the ongoing support of our friends in the record, radio and affiliated industries. We can't thank you enough.
So don't forget to join us Nov 28-30, 2007 at the Renaissance Waverly. Come see for yourself what all the buzz is about!
Sincerely,
Gail Mitchell, Senior Correspondent, R&B and Hip-Hop
Raphael George, Urban Charts Manager
Hillary Crosley, Correspondent, R&B and Hip-Hop
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