During Homecoming week at Howard University, students, alumni and professionals in the music industry gathered to spotlight emerging artistry at the first-ever Bars on the Yard event. The freestyling platform was hosted by 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records.
Thursday, presenters transformed the front of Armour J. Blackburn University center into an open-air stage where selected student artists improvised freestyles over beats and Atlantic Records artists performed.
Bars on the Yard featured an open-seat setup with a backdrop of Atlantic Records artists’ names. Before the event began, the crowd gathered in anticipation of the label artist and student performers, while complimentary Starry soda cans and “Bars on the Yard” tote bags were passed out.
AB and Cease, the founders of Bars on I-95, served as the hosts for the performances featuring Atlantic Records artists, such as Bri3, evoking collective cheers from the audience.
The ten student performers were selected by submitting their own freestyle to the Hip-Hop platform. The artists were given a random beat from DJ E-One and asked to freestyle. Student artists Me’Kayla Chenai, a senior TV & film major and Kobe Denmark-Garnett, known as Mfgkobe, performed freestyles as the audience pulled out their phones and nodded to the beat.
Another student rapper, Jeffery Baker, known as SHAU, performed an explosive freestyle over an instrumental beat of “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK. The College of Fine Arts student gained a series of head nods from the hosts and audience.
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. strolled to the DJ E-One’s music selection.
Elyssa Elliot, a junior political science and African American studies double major from Reading, Pennsylvania, joined the increasing crowd near the start of the show.
“The atmosphere was more of a creative space,” Elliot said. “There were music lovers going to see who they can collaborate with, supporting their friends and seeing what’s going on in music today. Everybody was just thinking in the back of their head, it could be them on that mic.”
Student artist MJB, Micheal Brown, a junior audio production major from Chicago, had a positive experience performing live.
“It was one of the most professional and progressive platforms I’ve been on. To be able to do this with some of my peers who work just as much as me, it was just a wonderful feeling,” Brown said.
Student performer Malik Rolle, a computer information systems major from Miami, Florida, hoped to influence the audience by conveying the message of being yourself.
“Nobody can change how you want to be, and you should always stay authentic to your roots,” Rolle said.
Student performers not only gained exposure but valuable lessons as well, according to freshman artist George “King Smooth” Bostic from West Palm Beach, Florida.
“The lesson I took from this was that staying true to yourself is the most important thing… I’m going to keep doing music whether you like it or not.” Bostic said.
The momentum of live experience was not only shared amongst the student performers but the general audience. Kayci Mersier, a sophomore political science major from Detroit, Michigan, is a musician and a recording artist who came to support her friends.
“It was definitely lively,” Mersier said. “Howard people always know how to bring the energy. It was chill vibes, then we had some hype vibes. I figured it would be a good way to start off the homecoming season.”
James “Two” Arroyo, camera operator and editor for Bars on I-95, gave insight into the company’s true mission of hosting live freestyle.
“We were committed to giving these young artists not only visibility but a real sense that legitimate opportunities exist for them in music. Our goal was to inspire and empower,” Arroyo said.
As a prelude to the “Bars on the Yard” event, the 4th Annual VIP brunch brought together student artists, alumni and music executives to celebrate the future of the music industry.
Attendees gathered in the Blackburn Gallery lounge, awaiting live student performances, award presentations and inspiring speeches from music professionals.
The Hip-Hop Corridor, a DC radio station on 96.4, covered the event and interviewed attendees.
The brunch began with welcome remarks from the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business Fellowship cohort members, who introduced the honorees. Student and cohort member Carenda Spencer then began to sing a cover of Valerie by Amy Winehouse, providing the crowd with a boost of energy.
Jasmine Young, the director of Warner Music and Blavatnik Music Center, opened the honoree ceremony by awarding the Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy with a certificate of appreciation.
Presented by the West Africa Arts and Music Festival, the global dancehall sensation welcomed the award with a heartwarming speech about preserving and connecting cultures through song.
The 2025 Artist in Residence, Noochie, known for his viral front porch freestyles, joined the honoree on stage to spread the message of authentic artistry.
“No matter where I’m at, I’ma be me,” Noochie said.
Honorees Rayna Bass & Selim Bouab, who currently serve as co-presidents of Hip-Hop, R&B and Global Music at Atlantic Records, were awarded for their strategic leadership and work in the music industry. Rayna Bass has led the marketing for several Hip-Hop and R&B artist campaigns for over a decade at 300 Entertainment. Selim Bouab’s work in the industry spans across Sony Music Entertainment, Def Jam Records and artist development at 300 Entertainment.
Honorees Ti-Shea Meadows and Mary Spio, as well as the Billboard staff and team, were met with a round of applause by Young for their contributions to the industry. Rapper and actor Chris Martin made an appearance at the honoree ceremony.
As the award ceremony concluded, Joanne Pluff, the university’s assistant vice president, was honored for the School of Music Business’s consistent support. Jomah Watson, the director of the Blackburn Center, was awarded for his partnership with the music center.
Closing out the ceremony, Young was given a series of presents, such as a magazine of herself by her cohort students.
The attendees were invited to partake in the brunch activities and reconnect with each other while other student artists performed.
“Through the unwavering support of The Blavatnik Family Foundation, we’re preparing the next generation of music industry changemakers — visionaries who will not only occupy seats at the table but build new ones,” Young said.
Copy edited by Damenica Ellis
