2025 BALTIMORE LEGENDS
Stryker’s Posse: Baltimore’s premiere reggae institution, giants of the genre for over 30 years, opening for global icons, and Baltimore’s bridge to the world’s reggae movement
Rod Lee: Foundational pioneer producer and DJ. This Baltimore legend shaped the sound, culture, and the national and international identity of Baltimore Club
DJ. Kenny K: The legendary mix master and soundtrack to Baltimore’s nightlife for decades
Supa DJ Big L: A master operator of the decks and backbone of several eras of The Baltimore Scene who kept the city dancing for decades
Navasha Daya: Iconic songstress and changemaker that carried our city’s music across the world for over two-and-a-half decades
Lil Black: Legendary host whose voice, influence, and authenticity shaped the city’s sound and spirit for generations
TSU Terry: A cultural treasure and global dance ambassador that put the city’s dance legacy on the world map and set the standard for Baltimore Club
Wheelie Wayne: The epitome of bike life and symbol of Baltimore’s creativity and unstoppable spirit
Getum Verb: Master word technician and flawless craftsman and legend of freestyle
K-Mack: With more than 30-plus years contributing to the hip hop scene, this Baltimore pioneer carried the underground on his back with his longevity, relevance, authenticity, and talent
Post Humously: Remembering Lor Scoota, whose artistic footprint still shapes generations. This artist used his influence to try to save lives with his slogan “Spread peace and not violence”
2025 K-Swift Award Recipients (2nd Cohort) – Celebrated for bringing Baltimore Club music forward
Dancing Brandon
Skinny Girl
AyyMello
SDOT
Rip Knoxx
Queen Nita
Queen Styles
2025 Crown Awards
Derrick OOH Jones Service Award Recipient for Extraordinary Service in Baltimore: Big Fred Watkins — Lil Laughs antibullying & confidence enrichment youth program
Cherished Elders of the Year Recipients: Ertha Harris & Maurissa Stone
Activist of the Year: Uncle T
Actor of the Year: Gary Haun
Actress of the Year: Ramona Rideout
Artivist of the Year: Jon Brick
Art Educator of the Year: DJ 5 Starr
Baltimore Excellence Award: Brandon Scott
Band of the Year: Turnstile
Barber of the Year: Cuttz By Silk
Battle Rapper of the Year: Tay Roc
Bike Life Award: Do The Bike Thing
Bookstore of the Year: Red Emma’s
Best Brunch Spot: Blk Swan
Business of the Year: The Black Genius Art Show
Chef of the Year: Chefrock
Clothing Boutique of the Year: Cashland Apparel
Best Clothing Line: From Baltimore With Love
Comedian of the Year: Smirf
Content Creator of the Year: Girl He Funny
Creative of the Year: RunItUp Jordan
Crown Them Now Award:
For Being A Cornerstone of Baltimore Hip Hop: dj harvey dent
Dancer of the Year: Jaylen Brown
DJ of the Year: Tromac
Duo of the Year: Tromac & DJ-SUN
Entrepreneur of the Year: YG Teck
Establishment of the Year: Creative Alliance
Event of the Year: Artscape 2025
Event Curator of the Year: JaySwann
Event Host of the Year: April Watts
Fashion Designer of the Year: Yelé Stitches
Foundation Award: Wombatt
Genius Award: Bippleyipsnip
Graphic Designer of the Year: Ali Truman
Group of the Year: Fearless Dance Empire
Hairstylist of the Year: Tish the Blowout Queen
Hip Hop Artist of the Year — Female: Si-Notes
Hip Hop Artist of the Year — Male: YG Teck
House Music Award: DJ Biskit
Impact Award: Sheree Rogers’ Pop-Up Food Pantry
Innovator Award: Bippleyipsnip
Makeup Artist of the Year: Ashley Callaway
Manager of the Year: Xtravagant Dad
Media Award: Baltimore Beat
Musician of the Year: Timothy Fletcher
Best New Artist: Tonni Red
Open Mic of the Year: Words, Wings & Wine
Party of the Year: The Dolla Sto’
Organization of the Year: Beats Not Bullets
Performer of the Year: JABBAGOTDAJUICE
Photographer of the Year: Myles Michelin
Podcast of the Year: “Truth To Power Talk with Dr. Ma’at”
Poet of the Year: K-Love The Poet
Promoter of the Year: Ivan “Biddy’s TVs” Baker
Producer of the Year: Tromac
Best Radio Show Personality: Porkchop
Best Radio Show: “The Quicksilva Morning Show”
Renaissance Man of the Year: Mullyman
Renaissance Woman of the Year: Marcy TheFlywire
Restaurant of the Year: Blk Swan
Retail Store of the Year: The Black Genius Art Show
Song of the Year: “Roll Call” — TSU Terry
Special Acknowledgment Award: The Function
Special Contribution Award: Spitcam University
Special Acknowledgment Award: Midnight Club Collective
Special Acknowledgment Award: Shawna Divine
Special Appreciation Award: Kotic Couture
Studio of the Year: Hitman Studios
Supporter of the Year: Charm City Live Music
Talent to Watch: Y1
Tattoo Artist of the Year: Ace Boog
Under the Radar Award: DJ Yae
Best Underground Release: “2.22FM” — DJ Dolla
The Wellness Award: India Harper Yoga
Writer/Author of the Year: Al Shipley
Vendor of the Year: Black Baltimore Vegan
Venue of the Year: Safari Club
Videographer of the Year: Michael Davenport
Visual Artist of the Year: Mark A. West Jr.
Vocalist of the Year: Gabby Samone
Youth Artist of the Year: Lor Xay Xay
