Hundreds gathered in New York City’s New World Stages theatre for the third annual Global Spin Awards. The intimate event, hosted by LaLa Anthony, honoured the most talented and prolific DJs in the industry. Positive energy was felt throughout the space as notable figures in music joined to recognize individuals who continue to make major contributions to the world of music and entertainment.
The red carpet was buzzing with sounds by DJ Funkmaster Flex, as some of music’s finest came out to show love. Attendees included Ne-Yo, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri, Remy Ma, Papoose, Kid Capri, and Sean “Diddy” Combs who ensured Ciroc flowed throughout the evening.
Performances were seen throughout the night; beginning with DJ sets by AraabMuzik, and Z Bar (alongside violinist Damien Escobar). Highlight acts included Busta Rhymes with new artist OT Genasis performing hit single “Coco” and a surprise DJ set by Swizz Beatz, who also announced his plan to donate $100,000 in support of the Global Spin Awards.
Among the night’s recipients was DJ Khaled who, while being awarded with DJ Album of the Year for Suffering from Success, echoed everyone’s overall sentiment – that now more than ever, DJs are more than just DJs, they are music entrepreneurs and CEOs of their brands. With the recent launch of We The Best Sound headphones, in partnership with Heads Audio and Bang Olufsen, DJ Khaled is living proof that opportunities are endless for today’s turntablists and producers.
“Being a girl, the boys didn’t want to let me use the turntables. So, I bought my own turntables and did the damn thing.” – DJ Carisma
Though the DJ world remains a male-dominated industry, the Global Spin Awards also acknowledged females in the game, with MC Lyte presenting the award for Female DJ of the Year to LA-based turntablist, DJ Carisma.
“Being a girl, the boys didn’t want to let me use the turntables. So, I bought my own turntables and did the damn thing,” said DJ Carisma, upon receiving the accolade.
Throughout the night, award winners and presenters alike expressed gratitude to Global Spin Awards creator Shawn Prez, for providing a platform in which DJs can be spotlighted rather than continually overshadowed by emcees and artists. Global Spin Awards made it clear that the industry is evolving, and it’s time to give credit where it’s due.
Words By. Karla Smith-Brown
Full List of 2014 Global Spin Awards Winners
DJ Of The Year – DJ MUSTARD
National Club DJ Of The Year – DJ VICE
Regional Club DJ Of The Year (Northeast) – DJ QUICKSILVA
Regional Club “OPEN FORMAT” DJ Of The Year (Northeast) – JUS SKE
Regional Club DJ Of The Year (West) – MARK DA SPOT
Regional Club “OPEN FORMAT” DJ Of The Year (West) – JUSTIN CREDIBLE
DJ Producer Of The Year – DJ MUSTARD
DJ Album Of The Year – DJ KHALED SUFFERING FROM SUCCESS
Reggae DJ Of The Year – DJ NORIE
EDM DJ Of The Year – DIPLO
Celebrity DJ Of The Year – JERMAINE DUPRI
DJ Remixer Of The Year – TED SMOOTH
Online/Satellite Radio DJ Of The Year – DJ WHOO KID
National Mixtape DJ Of The Year – DJ DRAMA
National Mixshow DJ Of The Year – DJ ENVY
Regional Mixshow DJ Of The Year (South) – DJ DRAMA
Regional Mixshow DJ Of The Year (Midwest) – DJ 33 1/3
Regional Mixshow DJ Of The Year (West) – DJ FELLI FEL
Regional Mixshow DJ Of The Year (Northeast) – DJ SELF
Latin DJ Of The Year – DJ CAMILO
DJ Entrepreneur – IRIE
Female DJ Of The Year – DJ CARISMA
Regional Club DJ Of The Year (South) – INFAMOUS
Breakthrough DJ Of The Year – DJ MUSTARD
Breakthrough “OPEN FORMAT” DJ Of The Year – DJ TRAUMA
International DJ Of The Year – TIM WESTWOOD
Turntablist DJ Of The Year – DJ SCRATCH
Regional Club DJ Of The Year (Midwest) – STEPH FLOSS
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