Oddy is a supporter of Press Boxx Magazine and I know for a fact she supports all the local artists. If you do hip hop in the Az chances are you have had a run in with Oddy and her Adda2ud Promotions. Some like her, some don''t, but you cannot deny the fact she has committed herself to getting the local artists heard. Oddy is doing local shows about 2-3 times a month now. She is not new to the game. You could look at her wall in her office and see that she has done shows with big names, so if you think you are gonna show Oddy Carter about this music biz, think again. Oddy and company threw another underground show August 26 at the Mason Jar that had local names like CPA, Thug Related, Lords of Flava and Big Freeze. If you missed it do not miss the next one. It was hot. Knowing Adda2ud promotions they have another show coming up next week. Check your nearest Hot Boxx for performances.
I titled this article appropriately enough so you could get a direct perspective of Maricopa County's 'Queen of the Streets.' Some say, "Why give her an appellation so majestic?" I say, "What have you done for the scene in Arizona?" Clueless, they eventually drift away, pondering, indeed, the emptiness of which their careers have evolved to.
In the past, only a selected few could actually embrace the state of some of the more legendary clubs within Maricopa County. Many clubs, like the Big Fish Pub, located in the East Valley, won't allow an entire Black Hip Hop group to headline, for fear of violence. Others just never seem to return your phone calls after detailed messages are left on their machines. This is discouraging, to say the least.
Well, now there's hope. The Mason Jar, one of the most famous clubs in Phoenix, has opened its doors to Hip Hop. I have heard musicians belittle the Mason Jar as some hole in the wall pot, yet none have the reputation as the Mason Jar does for hosting thousands of local musicians from R&B to funk. Problem was, only a select few brandished this spot with Hip Hop flair. That's when Oddy Carter decided to change things.
She single handedly removed the air of separation and allowed raw and authentic Hip Hop and R&B groups a chance to be discovered. She opened the door and let the streets in. For many, this was their first ever live performance, a feat which could only motivate one's career. Others took that motivation and started their own scene and thankfully, Ms. Carter provided the spark.
Q. Why do you think the Mason Jar, on your nights, has seen continued success?
"I think it has a lot to do with my personality, the way I treat the kids and all. I'm straight up with them. If they do something on stage that's not good for their careers, I talk to them afterwards. Like grabbing the mic wrong and little things like that. I give a lot of love and respect to the kids and 90% of 'em I give it in return."
Q. What about the local scene?
I've always saw a need for a local scene. We had no outlet for local talents, so when the opportunity came at the Mason Jar, I did it and was very successful in it!"
Q: What future do you see for local Hip Hop?
We will be on the map eventually. We will have people that will make it all they way to the the top, there's no doubt in my mind."
Q: Finally, what advice can you give to local artists trying to succeed?
If you're serious about the music biz and you really want to make it there, be persistent, practice, practice, practice."
