"Welcome to Dreamland," a new reality show competition, is a dream already realized for at least three of the people involved in it.
Atlanta's longtime underground entertainment force, Jevon "Vawn" Sims, never thought that after years of rapping, singing and making key introductions for others that he'd be able to convince a TV power (Turner Entertainment consultant Ryan Glover) to green-light a show. Now here he is, not only the host of "Welcome to Dreamland" — making its debut January 16th — but he and his partner Jeff Wood are its co-executive producers.
Local burgeoning producer Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson has always wanted to show another studio whiz back in his hometown of Memphis that he's all grown up now.
Then there's that other studio whiz — with whom he is to compete to develop an artist in two weeks— Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander. Alexander has been bubbling over to be part of a medium that will maybe, finally, adequately broadcast his dynamic personality in more than one dimension.
Here's a quick look at the trio, and what qualifies them to give eight women contestants a chance at musical stardom:
Jevon "Vawn" Sims
• His credentials: "I found [R&B singer] Blu Cantrell. I found [singer-producer] The Dream. ... My little brother Demetrius introduced me to [The Dream] and I took him over to Red Zone [Studios] and made them give him a chance!"
• His next dream: "Acting is my next thing. Movies. By summertime I'm going to be in the movie business."
• His contact information (for other aspiring talent): www.myspace.com/vawnsworld.
Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson
• His credentials: He's up for an album of the year Grammy for his work with rapper Lil Wayne, and has produced hits for hip-hop acts Rick Ross ("Here I Am") and Rocko ("Umma Do Me"). "I know I'm the best. I know what I can do."
• His next dream: "Actually winning a Grammy. Doing something on par with Quincy Jones — you know, producing an act that sells 10, 20 million. Being part of major history. And not just producing, but working with orchestras. Composing — which is something I also know I can do."
• His contact information: drum-squad.com.
Phalon "Jazze Pha"
Alexander
• His credentials: "First of all, I've already done this. I found and developed a superstar (Atlanta's Grammy-winning R&B singer Ciara)."
• His next dream: "To aggressively move into and corner the market as far as music, fashion, TV and film — just the whole spectrum of entertainment. And to be totally self-contained. ... My next project is Jazze Pha Presents. It's not just a record label — record labels seem kind of shallow to me at this point — it's a brand that encompasses all that we touch. Like [when he yells his signature] 'Ladies and gentlemen!' on records."
• His contact information : His new Web site is still in development.
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