The Third Annual Ozone Awards and TJs DJs Tastemakers Only Music Conference came to a successful and close at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston last night (August 11)..
Celebs and fans came together to recognize the best and brightest in Southern and West Coast Hip-Hop, continuing Ozone Magazine’s tradition of spotlighting those artists - established and up-and-coming - who are often overlooked by the mainstream media.
DeRay Davis kicked off the Ozone Awards.
The Ozone’s honored winners in 32 categories selected by their fans via online ballots.
Lil’ Wayne and DJ Khaled tied for the most wins, walking away with two awards each, with Wayne capturing the titles of Best Rap Artist and Best Lyricist and DJ Khaled taking the DJ of the Year and TJ’s DJ’s Hustler Awards.
High profile awards were also presented to Rap-A-Lot Records founder J. Prince, David Banner, and T-Pain.
J. Prince took home the Living Legends Award which was presented to him by the Geto Boyz, David Banner won the **** C Award – presented to the Trillest Artist, and the TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaker Award was presented to T. Pain for his trendsetting music and fashion sense.
Banner deferred his win to Scarface, creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
But by far the highlight of the show was a moving tribute to fallen Port Author pioneer **** C, performed by several of his contemporaries and the artists he inspired and signed to his label, Trill Entertainment.
Rappers like Hezaleo, Eightball, Too Short, David Banner, Big Boi, Webbie and Lil’ Boosie all took the stage to perform some of the legendary rapper’s best known verses.
Bun B addressed the crowd, while paying homage to his partner in rhyme through minor technical difficulties, urging the crowd to value their loved ones and their time on earth.
“I want to thank everybody,” he said from the stage. “When your time comes, make sure that you right.”
**** C’s eldest son and mother took the stage to a standing ovation, closing the tribute as pictures of the late rapper flashed on a monitor.
Ozone Award Winners
BEST RAP ALBUM Rick Ross – Trilla
BEST RAP ARTIST Lil Wayne
BEST R&B ARTIST Chris Brown
BEST RAP GROUP UGK
BEST LYRICIST Lil Wayne
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST Shawty Lo
BEST RAP/R&B COLLABORATION Usher f/ Young Jeezy "Love In This Club"
CLUB **** OF THE YEAR Webbie f/ Lil Boosie & Lil Phat “Independent” MIXTAPE MONSTER AWARD Trae
MOST SLEPT ON ARTIST Z-Ro
**** C AWARD (TRILLEST ARTIST) David Banner
TJ's DJ's HUSTLER AWARD DJ Khaled
TJ's DJ's TASTEMAKER AWARD (Trendsetter in music, fashion/style, etc.)
T-Pain BEST VIDEO UGK f/ Outkast “International Players Anthem”
DJ OF THE YEAR DJ Khaled
BEST MIXTAPE / STREET ALBUM Tie: B.G. & DJ Drama - Gangsta Grillz: Hood Generals Chamillionaire – Mixtape Messiah 3
BEST PRODUCER Polow the Don
BEST RAP ARTIST (WEST COAST) The Game
BEST RAP GROUP (WEST COAST) DPG (Dogg Pound)
BEST RAP ALBUM (WEST COAST) Snoop Dogg “Ego Trippin”
LIVING LEGEND AWARD J Prince
PATIENTLY WAITING: FLORIDA Brisco
PATIENTLY WAITING: GEORGIA B.O.B.
PATIENTLY WAITING: TEXAS Lil Will
PATIENTLY WAITING: MISSISSIPPI Lil C
PATIENTLY WAITING: ALABAMA Jackie Chain
PATIENTLY WAITING: LOUISIANA Mack Maine
PATIENTLY WAITING: TENNESSEE All Star
PATIENTLY WAITING: CAROLINAS Snook Da Rokk Star
PATIENTLY WAITING: KENTUCKY ****
PATIENTLY WAITING: CALIFORNIA The Jacka
PATIENTLY WAITING: ARIZONA Willy Northpole
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