And The Winner Is...

JOKA. It's been a long journey for this St. Louis native but on Saturday when he won HOT 104.1's DTP Madness, Joka was humble and emotional when Ludacris and Chaka welcomed him to the DTP Family. Joka will have a single deal with Disturbing Tha Peace. I don't want to tell Ludacris how to run his business but they really should look at releasing Joka's hit "Swing On 'Em" and add a little DTP magic to it. For some this looked to be a creative radio promotion but seeing Ludacris on hand at the Loft giving feedback to the four finalist, you knew it was the real deal. Chaka Zula, CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace made it clear that he respected many St. Louis artist and always new there was talent in the Midwest. If you missed the show then you missed seeing some good talent out of the four finalist, Young Zone, Rockwell, Joka and J-Var.

Chaka, Ludacris, Kenya Vaughn (St. Louis American) and Kevin Johnson (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) were all judges

The only singer to make it to the final four was J-Var. His sounds was hit and miss on Saturday but his stage presence which including 2 women in the first round, got high marks from Ludacris. The future video girl in the tight leather like pants brought Ludacris to his feet. Overall his show was just ok for me despite him going all out on Signature Coach Loveseat with bar stools to match.

The youngest finalist was 17 year old Young Zone, who happens to be Joka's younger brother. His performance showed he had some serious talent but his youth and lack of experience showed through. His lyrics are his own and his look isn't the only thing that reminded me of Joka. His voice and energy was dynamic and I'm sure with the right coach he will get his own deal soon. Maybe the folks at DTP took note of the upcoming star and will sign him later and put the two together for a duo project!

Rockwell Knuckles made it clear as soon as he got on stage that he was just there to be HIMSELF. His show was refreshing in today's grimy gimmick hip-hop world. His look was plain, while his lyrics were as a creative and inspiring as Common and Kanye (pre bald-headed big booty white girl) with a STL flare that kept the attention Ludacris and the crowd chanting his hook. This was only my 3rd time seeing him live but it was Saturday when he made me a fan.

While not everyone's favorite person won, it was good to see each competitor support the other while they were on stage. The underground stl hip-hop scene supporters were there along with the Entire HOT Squad. I even spotted last year's winner of Koch Mandess, Nite Owl. Mr. Chain Hang Low, Jibbs (pictured left with Ludacris and Boogie D) was also there to lend his support. DTP artistWillie Northpole and Playa Cirlce also performed for the large crowd of supporters. If you see Joka around the Lou make sure you tell him Congrats and support him and all other local artist...that are good of course