DJ Jahmar and Edley Shine host fifth annual Tucson Hip-Hop Awards

DJ Jahmar and Edley Shine on Labor Day Sunday, Sept. 6, co-hosted the fifth annual Tucson Hip Hop Awards, bringing their combined experience in hip hop, reggae and dancehall to one of southern Arizona’s premier celebrations of independent music and culture.

According to Caribbean entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey, both hosts shared Jamaican roots and longstanding connections to hip hop culture. 

“Together, they led an evening honoring Tucson’s artists, performers, and creative community while helping introduce local talent to broader audiences,” Flair Lindsey of Acclaim PR told Caribbean Life on Tuesday, Sept. 14.

Now in its fifth year, she said the Tucson Hip Hop Awards presented more than 20 honors recognizing artists and contributors throughout the city’s thriving hip hop scene. 

Lindsey said the evening also featured live performances by Marley B, Murkemz, Rilla Mack, Rute 100, Sbeezy, Arizona Fatz, Da Mutt, TRNTH, Dee One & The Mob, Benny Loc vs. Killa B, Oddigy vs. Greetii Capone, Mr. Cuete From Tucson, Richard Lee, LA Locedup, MOBB, Tyreezy, Mia Banczz, and Dr. G,  among others. 

Lindsey DJ Jahmar has become a prominent force within Arizona’s club, concert, and independent music scenes. 

“Representing Twelve Tribes Sound — the sound system he inherited from his father, Papa Ranger — he has opened for major artists including Tribal Seeds, J Boog, Vanilla Ice, Busta Rhymes, and reggae legend Barrington Levy,” she said. “His reputation for energizing diverse audiences has made him a frequently requested opening DJ for national touring acts performing in Tucson. 

“Through his involvement with the Tucson Hip Hop Awards, DJ Jahmar continues that legacy by supporting independent artists, strengthening the local music community and helping create opportunities for emerging talent,” she added. 

Lindsey said Edley Shine, a Washington, D.C. native and founding member of the influential 1990s hip hop-reggae group Born Jamericans, joined DJ Jahmar as co-host. 

Known for helping bridge Jamaican sound-system culture with American Hip Hop, Lindsey said Shine brought decades of recording, performing and cultural experience to the awards-show stage.

She said the hosts used the weekend to promote their new single, “Broken Dolly,” performed by Edley Shine and produced by DJ Jahmar. 

Lindsey said the track is the lead single from DJ Jahmar’s forthcoming Book of Micah Riddim project, scheduled for release this month through Shinealous Records and Twelve Tribes Entertainment, with worldwide distribution by Symphonic Distribution. 

Lindsey said the pair also filmed content for “High In The Desert,” a performance-based vlog gaining attention for spotlighting artists across Hip Hop, Cali Roots, Reggae and other genres.