Many people want fame but not many people have what it takes to become a chart topping artist.

Successful artists need to have real, authentic talent, that will attract loyal fans to their music. But it’s also an artist’s drive, determination and passion that will put them at the top of the charts and mark their success. Renowned record label, Def Jam Recordings, was in search of all of these qualities in one particular artist at the Def Jam Ultimate Showcase on July 16. The label refused to leave without seeing some incredible artistry and the artists were determined to show them everything that they’ve got.

At the 2016 Def Jam Ultimate Showcase, those in attendance saw a LIVE fashion show by sponsor and supporter of the showcase, Angry Elephant, a clothing line displaying the universal symbol (the elephant) representing those who cry out against inequality, injustice, and every form of oppression. The showcase also included performances by various featured artists and of course, an opportunity of a lifetime.

Singers, rappers and poets, from Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and all over the east coast, flocked to Halftime Sports Bar in Washington D.C. for a chance to have their lives changed forever by this golden opportunity.

If any artist thought it would be an easy feat then they probably walked into the wrong building because Def Jam Recordings made it very clear that they were looking for the creme de la creme, the cream of the crop, and they wanted the artist’s music to do all of the talking.

“We’re not here fooling around…we want to see serious artists,” said Big K, A&R of Def Jam Recordings in New York City.

The lights dimmed, the spotlight brightened, the DJ played the first track and the road to stardom awaited one lucky artist who performed. Each artists’ set took between 5-9 minutes, in order for the three celebrity judges, Big K, HB The Engineer, and Ola Lafa, to decide which artist would leave with the $500 prize a photo shoot and an interview. The hosts of the showcase, Logan and Fresh, kept the audience entertained but it was the Def Jam Ultimate Showcase winners, Yv Da Vinci and Rue Pratt, who truly stole the show for the judges. Both artists happen to be from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area and they represented well.

Needless to say, this is not the last we will be seeing of songstress Rue Pratt and rapper Yv Da Vinci.

Be on the lookout for my next blog post about the lucky winners and their personal journey to stardom at the Def Jam Ultimate Showcase.