Hip-Hop Breakfast 107

About the Author

Jessica Estevez Armed with a passion for music and an unwavering determination to realize her dreams, Jessica Estevez is truly a renaissance woman. Maneuvering seamlessly from one project to the next, this proud Latina (of Dominican decent) is the Founder of www.iheartdilla.com, a site that is devoted to giving a voice to independent artists. Born in Queens, New York and raised in Ocala, Florida, Jessica’s love for T.V. production began in high school where she hosted the student run programs live show. After high school, Jessica was introduced to the music of J Dilla, music that she describes as “the soundtrack to her adult life”. Jessica majored in Marketing at Berkeley College where she realized that this was not necessarily the path she was meant to take to further her career. After working in corporate offices, it wasn’t until 2009 that Jessica began to attend various underground hip hop events and was motivated to start her own blog. This would become the now very successful www.iheartdilla.com. Carrying the inspiration of J Dilla’s music, Jessica decided to name her blog iHEARTDilla as a tribute not only to the musician, but the impact his artistry has and continues to make on the world. In 2010, Jessica celebrated the one year anniversary of www.iheartdilla.com with the debut of the “Pay Dues Not Payola” slogan t-shirt (http://shop.iheartdilla.com/). Also, began working at Beatminerz Radio as a host for the "Independent’s Day Show" with prominent Deejay's. Jessica has continued to grow personally and professionally, and so has her brand. www.iheartdilla.com now consists of contributing writers whose locations (have ranged from New York, Tokyo, California, Ohio, Atlanta, UK, Miami, Maryland, D.C., and New Jersey) are as diverse as their writing talent and taste in music giving iHD a rare level of diversity. She continues to push herself forward. From being nominated for a 2010 Black Webblog award for “Best Music Blog,” to having artists such as Pete Rock guest DJ on her Independent’s Day radio show. During 2011, she spoke at the Do For Self: The Original Hip-Hop Mantra for the Independent Artist panel at A3C Hip Hop Festival held in Atlanta, Georgia which was also the first public announcement for iHD's Android phone free hip hop application. Jessica was approached by Director Hemamset Angaza about filming a documentary about the iHD movement featuring Pete Rock, Smif N Wessun, Homeboy Sandman, Skyzoo & more. The "iHD: Carry On Tradition" documentary was later released in December 2012 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNeOS0_JHKE). In 2012, Jessica has taken on the task of Artist Management and is now representing an independent Queens, New York hip hop artist, Top $ Raz (http://topdollagotit.com/). Moving forward in 2013, Jessica will be relaunching her "Independent's Day Show" on Beatminerz Radio with Brooklyn's own DJ Jon Blak every Monday at 8pm EST. Jessica Estevez continues to produce showcases throughout the year(s) for independent artists to provide a platform and an opportunity to spread their music as well as being featured in interviews with various publications, she has become a force to be reckoned with. To book Jessica Estevez to host your upcoming event please contact bookings@iheartdilla.com.