Last night, BMI Atlanta held it’s 13th annual BMI Unsigned Urban Showcase at the Havana Club with rapper Drake performing with a live band. Industry types and celebrities flew in from around the country to pack the former car dealership.

Local talent Nicoya (above) won Unsigned Artist of the Year Award. And Travis Porter and Big Boi also took home awards. I have no beef with BMI staff, just with Catherine Brewton, the woman who runs the Atlanta office. In my opinion, she’s not nice. In fact, Ms. Brewton looks down her nose at people when she feels you’re not worthy of her time.

Obviously no one ever told her “a smile goes a long way” or to be kind to everyone on your way to the top because you will meet those same people on your way back down.

Even though Ms. Brewton and I have never had words, I tend to remember people like her — not by name — but by her stank attitude.

True leaders get to the top not by being ruthless or disrespectful to others, but by treating everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their status in life. Back in the day when I was just a lowly photographer, I was hired to take pictures at the palatial mansion of Ted Turner and Jane Fonda.

At the party, Mr. Turner approached me several times and engaged me in conversation as if he had known me for years. He even playfully pretended to jump off his balcony so I could get a good shot of him. That’s how you make a lasting impression on others so people remember your name.

Treat everyone with respect and people will feel ashamed to talk bad about you.


Drake and Baby performed with a live band



Sexy Bu (Co-CEO of Konvict Muzik and VP of Def Jam)



Handsome singer/songwriter Sean Garrett looking pensive



Singer Lloyd (“Bedrock”) and his mom who looks a lot like Stacey Lattisaw


MORE pics after the break!

Music producers Jermaine Dupri, left, and Bryan Michael Cox in the club’s packed VIP section


Grand Hustle’s boy band Travis Porter received an award



Rapper Yung Joc



Actor Emmanuel Lewis


As you can see, Atlanta has an assorted array of Decatur Flavors to suit your tastes


Cafe Aulait Decatur Flavors



Chocolaty Decatur Flavors


Photos: Gerald Olivari/Blackvibes.com