No Love for Ozone Awards
[photo © ozonemag.com]
Isis Wisdom of Word on the Streets has spoken out strongly against the recently concluded Ozone Awards and Ozone magazine founder Julia Beverly. Isis lashed out at JB for what she described as her insufficient understanding of the culture she claims to represent as well as her exploitation of black people’s ignorance for gains.
Says Isis:
When was the last time you heard of Ozone Magazine doing something for the community? Let me know, and we complain about the owner who I don’t expect to have any kind of relation or any understanding what’s so ever about us as a people. Nor should she have to. We make it very easy for her to do the things she does because we will bitch and complain and then turn around and keep spending money with her.
Why do you silly ass industry people keep running back to support the event as if that is all there is? Mean while she is sitting in her hotel room counting up the loot she done made off your dumb asses for a half ass show.
You can’t read his criticism of Ozone and not wonder if these aren’t merely harsh words from a competitor. That said, she makes a legitimate point about poor planning and organization at the event. I witnessed it first-hand and would rather not get into my own share of disappointments. Let’s just say I have no interest in attending the next one.
Here’s Isis again:
Well here’s more ratings to our ignorance. How do you mess up a Pimp C Tribute? If I’m coming to your city to do an awards show I’m going to make sure that we have the right security, make sure things are organized and well thought out and make sure the major artist of that city is well represented. I can cay this because this is the third one. When are you going to get it together people and wake up?
At any rate, everyone needs to realize that perfection is a marathon not a sprint. Ozone has only done this 3 times before, so it’s unrealistic to expect a flawless event. What’s needed is a careful analysis of the show’s shortcomings to keep from repeating the same mistakes next time.
Read Isis Wisdom’s complete commentary on Ozone at wordonthestreetsmag.com.
Video of Mike Jones after his altercation with Trae:
