Music City Hip-Hop 50

Vocal powerhouse turned DJ Jason Eskridge has worked extensively in Nashville, either as a background vocalist or opening act for countless award-winning acts, such as Zac Brown Band, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Jonny Lang, Amos Lee, Keb’ Mo’, Nicole C. Mullen, Marc Broussard, Robert Glasper, Chris Tomlin and Toby Mac. He has also been featured as a guest vocalist on numerous projects as he has traveled across the country and has also taken his music to Japan, South Africa, Amsterdam, India, and England.

Tim Gent is an artist/songwriter from Clarksville, TN, who has been making a name for himself since the release of his mixtape “Clarksville Nights.” With Gent’s meditative and illustrating lyrics accompanied by his melodic vocals and a charismatic demeanor, he saw success with the release of his first fully-distributed single “Lady America (feat. Drisana DeSpain).” The track garnered heavy attention across many online outlets and charted No. 1 on Spotify’s United States Viral 50. He went on to release a string of singles, gaining more of an online buzz and leading to features from Hot New Hip Hop, Sway’s Universe, UPROXX, The Tennessean, and a full length interview with NPR: World Cafe. Gent released his full-length, jazz influenced project titled “Life Away From Home,” which was featured on Lyrical Lemonade, Hip-Hop DX and 2 Dope Boyz, named Best Hip Hop Project by Nashville Scene and featured in the film The Violent Heart, starring Mary J. Blige. He has opened for multiple major artists, including Nas, Wu-Tang, Rakim, Freddie Gibbs, Goodie Mob, EARTHGANG and Playboi Carti, as well as partnered with Red Bull and super producer Tay Keith for a sold-out industry showcase in Nashville. He signed with Dr. Luke’s publishing company, Prescription Songs. Since signing, he has built a strong track record in TV and film, securing placements on Creed III (MGM), Rap Sh!t (HBO Max), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Good Trouble (Freeform), Harlem (Amazon), Taco Bell, Frito-Lay (Super Bowl LV), Fox Sports (MLB World Series), and ACC Network. Working with Rx Songs has also allowed him to work with many different artists like Tone Stith, Chiiild, Baby Rose, Joy Oladokun, Trinidad James, and Deante Hitchcock, as well as many songwriters and producers, including Rock Flair, Go Grizzly, Tay Keith, Ron Gilmore and BeatGodz.

Eric Holt is Managing Partner of the Nashville-based independent concert promotions company, The Lovenoise Group. Holt earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Communications from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School. Considered an expert in branding, marketing and black music, Holt is a regularly sought-after speaker at universities and business groups on topics such as leadership, strategic management, team development and goal setting. He also consults within the entertainment industry on promotion and branding strategy. He served as a board member on Nashville Mayor Karl Dean’s inaugural Music Council and served as an Advisor and Diversity Committee Chair for the Nashville chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Currently, he is the advisory boards of Nashville Public Radio, the Nashville Jazz Workshop and Give-A-Note Foundation.. Holt graduated in the 30th anniversary class of Leadership Music. At the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University he specializes in Copyright Law, Black Music, Live Music Venues, Marketing and Promotions in his full-time role as an Assistant Professor. ericdholt.com

The moniker that Daisha McBride embraced right out of the gate, The Rap Girl, isn’t an inside-joke nickname or cute handle. (Jewly Hight, NPR) It’s more like a sweeping claim to singularity, which she’s backed up by cultivating a distinct persona and promotional savvy alongside her chops and by playing up her crossover compatibility in the process. McBride has placements in major TV shows on networks including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BET, MTV, and VH-1. McBride sold out a headlining show at Acme Feed & Seed and currently has a stream worthy new single featuring LVRN’s 6lack titled “Birds.” Featured in the “In Her Element” documentary powered by Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective, McBride has begun showing the world she means business. She was an official music artist for festivals such as A3C, SXSW, Newport Folk Festival, Nashville Pride Festival, Kentuckiana Pride and Tribecca Film Festival. Daisha McBride grew up in Knoxville playing classical violin, but was also influenced by pop, rock and country.

Kenny Smoov is the Vice President of Urban Programming for Cumulus Media and overseas 35+ stations in 25 Markets around the country. He is the host of the Kenny Smoov Morning Show heard daily in Nashville on WQQK and the Afternoon Drive host on Westwood One’s “The Touch” heard in 20+ markets. He is an On-Air/Programming radio veteran with stints in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Industry Awards to his credit include Billboard Radio Personality of the Year (Small Market), Highest Rated Urban Station in America (KBCE, Alexandria), NAACP Image Award, SEA-Program Director of the Year, America's Best Program Directors Award (Radio Ink), Radio Personality of the Year (Tennessean), Best Show Large Market (TEA) and African American Leaders of the Future (Radio Ink). Kenny has hosted the Red Carpet on several national awards programs, including the GRAMMY Awards, American Music Awards, and the Billboard Music Awards. Kenny is a decorated Desert Storm Veteran with six years of military service to his credit with tours of duty in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.