On the Rox: Rebel Life Media
Written by Martini Rox | | starmusic@toledofreepress.comLately, I have received videos made by local artists. Most want feedback, but I wanted them to have something more to celebrate their hard work so I contacted an old college buddy in Columbus.
Gezus Zaire is a Cleveland native, 2001 graduate of the University of Toledo and heavy into independent media in Ohio. A passionate maker of films about Hip-Hop and politics, he is also the founder of Rebel Life Media.
A known advocate for great local music, his company is responsible for Rebel Army Radio (www.rebelarmyradio.t83.net), an online radio program dedicated solely to Cleveland artists, and newly launched RTV, an online music video show for all Ohio artists.
His background in college and independent radio, professional journalism and film combined with his knowledge of and passion for Hip-Hop helped influence Zaire’s choice to give Ohio music a voice.
“It’s a network, sort of like MTV for Ohio,” Zaire said. “It’s for Ohio artists. There are multiple shows and there are multiple programs for people to go and watch.”
Located at www.rtvnation.com, RTV is the very outlet Toledo Hip-Hop music videos need to showcase the artists and filmmakers.
For rappers trying to find ways to gain exposure for their music, making a video provides another option. The quality of local videos has improved greatly over the last few years with the availability of affordable HD cameras and software. A clean professional look is achievable and quite a few artists are working behind the camera, adding filmmaker to their resume. Currently, RTV is prepping for its awards show, sponsored by the Ohio Hip-Hop Awards, taking place this fall the same weekend as the Ohio Hip-Hop Awards in Cleveland.
Fourteen different awards will be given, with several artists from the Glass City garnering multiple nominations.
Rapper Johnnie Mae is representing for the ladies in the Best Performance category for her video “Talking to myself,” Best Female Video Artist and Best Female Video for her song “TKO.”
P. Sweety is nominated in three categories, including Best Concept for his song, “Why tell a lie,” Best Directing and Best Male Video.
Big J is nominated for the Fans Choice Award for his video, “Almost,” featuring Caine and Nico the Beast.
Winners are set to be announced in early August.
Understanding that all any artist wants is to be validated and authorized by an institution, Zaire wants that institution in Ohio to be RTV. And according to him, “The main point is to just give artists from the state who maybe can’t afford to get on MTV, BET or any other outlet considered mainstream an opportunity or an outlet to have their music heard, to have their music respected [and] have their videos respected.”
The show is already in its second season. Therefore, new submissions may have to wait to be played, but Zaire promises the show is dedicated to providing the opportunity to see quality music videos.
To submit and gain exposure at the same time, Zaire suggests the music video be uploaded to YouTube for two reasons: RTV’s easy access to the link and so artists can gain a buzz while waiting to be included in the season’s lineup.
Artists can email their YouTube music video link to rebellifemedia@yahoo.com
As we continue on …
Tags: Gezus Zaire, Martini Rox, On the Rox, Rebel Life, Star
