One Shot launching hip-hop search BET

Hip-Hop Reality TV Series "One Shot" to Launch on BET

22 Records country recording artist, Mike Smith, has announced his alliance with BET (Black Entertainment Television) to introduce the nation’s first hip-hop reality entertainment television series—One Shot. The one-of-a-kind competition will showcase contestants who will perform before a panel of celebrity judges for the ultimate shot at becoming hip-hop’s next big star.

As executive producer, record label owner and main judge on the show, Smith has tapped MTV and Sirius XM personality, Sway, to join him in the endeavor. Sway will host the panel of hip-hop veterans (including TI, DJ Khaled, RZA, Tech N9NE and Smith) in a nationwide quest to discover the next explosive emcee as a stage commander, must-see performer and hot new hit maker in the format.

The early live auditions were held in four major cities (Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami) with more than 30,000 hopefuls registering to compete. Six candidates from each city have been narrowed down to compete as America’s “Best On-The-Mic” talent before the panel of judges, encompassing Smith, Kxng Crooked, King Tech and the celebrity judge from each city (RZA/Charlotte, TI and DJ Drama/Atlanta, Tech N9NE and Twista/Chicago and DJ Khaled in Miami). Finalists from each city will compete for a chance to win a grand prize of $100,000 and a recording contract. The winner will be selected based on artistic skill.

One Shot stands apart from The Voice and American Idol in that it is the first nationally-televised competition specific to hip-hop. We’re looking for the emcee to take charge of the music composition as a lyricist and engaging performer,” said show producer Smith. “I’m sure folks are wondering what a country music singer is doing sitting alongside Kxng Crooked, King Tech, TI, DJ Khaled and RZA. I’ve written with a lot of these guys for a number of years. What I bring to the panel is songwriting knowledge and how to string lyrics and music composition together so that the rapper can easily jump in. We’re looking for a performer that has the natural talent to do just that and connect with mainstream America.”

The One Shot Rounds
In search of the next great emcee, One Shot producers and judges spent three days in each city.

Day One: Rappers performed in preliminary auditions before the Horseshoe Gang (the pre-judges in the first round).

Day Two: The top 50 selected for the second round performed in front of Mike Smith, Kxng Crooked and King Tech. The final six selected went into the studio to work with an artist mentor and write a song.

Day Three: The final six performed his/her new song before a live audience, Sway and the judges seated (Smith, Crooked and Tech). The winner will move on to perform as national finalist.

One Shot was among the BET/Centric new programming slate announced earlier May 2016 at the broadcasters’ Upfront presentation in New York; the series is scheduled to launch on BET in August 2016. Executive producers Julie Insogna Jarrett and Seth Jarrett of Jarett Creative will provide production services.

For more information, visit myoneshot.tv.