About this Event
CAROLINA COOKUP GENE BROWN BEATDOWN
NORTH CAROLINA EDITION VOL. 2
NC STATE OF MIND: A HIP-HOP DISCUSSION
Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 3 PM
Starlight on 22nd | Charlotte, NC
FREE ADMISSION
The Carolina Cookout is bringing together some of the region's most talented producers and some of hip-hop's most knowledgeable industry voices for an afternoon dedicated to music, culture, education, and community.
We're kicking things off with an important conversation about the state of hip-hop in North Carolina and beyond, followed by the Gene Brown Beatdown, featuring a showcase of some of the Carolinas' most talented beatmakers.
And that's not all. Gene Brown is bringing something special for the crate diggers!
NC STATE OF MIND: A HIP-HOP DISCUSSION
Industry Town Hall & Conversation
We're bringing together four individuals with decades of experience across different areas of the music industry for an open conversation about where hip-hop is, where it's going, and what we can do to continue building our scene.
FEATURING:
SKI BEATZ
Legendary North Carolina-born hip-hop producer whose production credits include Jay-Z, Camp Lo, Mos Def, Curren$y, and many more. From producing classics on Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt to crafting the sound of Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night, Ski's contributions to hip-hop speak for themselves.
MR. INCOGNITO
Veteran radio personality and Program Director at Charlotte's Power 98 (WPEG), one of the largest urban radio stations in the Carolinas. With decades of experience in radio, programming, music discovery, and breaking records, he brings an invaluable perspective on the relationship between artists, radio, and the music business.
KASH NORVILLE
President of Jamla Records, the independent label founded by Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder. Kash brings an invaluable perspective on artist development, independent music, and navigating the business behind the music.
GENE BROWN
The record dealer to the stars, sample curator, producer, and mastermind behind the Gene Brown Beatdown. Gene has supplied records and samples to some of hip-hop's most celebrated producers, including Questlove, Q-Tip, Just Blaze, and 9th Wonder. An all-around Swiss Army knife of hip-hop history, connections, and knowledge.
MODERATED BY JAH FREEDOM
Producer and founder of BeatFreaq. With a background in music production and sync licensing, Jah has placements across television, film, and video games, including the Super Bowl, Saturday Night Live, NBA2k, Viacom, and more. He brings the perspective of an independent producer and music entrepreneur navigating the creative and business sides of the industry.
This isn't a lecture. It's an open town hall.
We'll discuss navigating the music industry, music creation, monetization, artist development, building sustainable careers, and the opportunities and challenges facing independent artists and producers.
We'll also open the floor to YOUR questions.
What are we doing well in the Carolinas? What needs to change? How can we work together to build a stronger, more connected music community?
Come ready to listen, learn, ask questions, and connect.
GENE BROWN BEATDOWN
North Carolina Producer Showcase
Following the discussion, we're turning the spotlight over to the beatmakers.
The Gene Brown Beatdown returns to North Carolina for Volume 2, showcasing an incredible lineup of producers representing different cities and corners of the Carolina hip-hop scene.
FEATURED PRODUCER MATCHUPS:
- Gavin Maestro (G'boro) vs. E Jones (RAL)
- B Squared (Burl) vs. Thadd Ross (CLT)
- Karl Marxs (RAL) vs. Kai Chopski (RAL)
Get ready for some serious production, creativity, and friendly competition. This is about celebrating the talent, individuality, and diversity of the producers who continue to move our regional hip-hop culture forward.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE: ILLPO
OPENING SET:
- Yamin Semali (RAL)
- Stephen Life (CLT)
HOSTED BY BLUZ
SOUNDS BY CJ PLAYS
THE $5 VINYL BLOWOUT
Curated by Gene Brown
Attention producers, DJs, sample heads, and vinyl collectors!
Gene Brown is bringing a special $5 vinyl blowout sale exclusively for the Carolina Cookout.
And these aren't just your ordinary bargain-bin records.
This collection is specifically curated with producers, sample enthusiasts, DJs, and music collectors in mind. Come dig through crates of records selected for the sounds, samples, breaks, and musical gems that inspire creativity.
Whether you're building your record collection, looking for your next sample, or simply love discovering great music, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.
$5 RECORDS ALL DAY!
EVENT INFORMATION
DATE: Sunday, November 15, 2026
DOORS OPEN: 3:00 PM
RECORD SHOPPING: Begins at 3:00 PM
ADMISSION: FREE
LOCATION:
Starlight on 22nd
422 E. 22nd Street
Charlotte, NC 28206
PRESENTED BY: Carolina Cookup, Frequency 360, and Gene Brown.
Come for the conversation. Stay for the beats. Dig through the crates. Connect with the culture.
Carolina hip-hop is bigger than any one city. Let's keep building together!
Event venue & nearby stays
Starlight on 22nd, 422 East 22nd Street, Charlotte, United States
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