Jack the Rapper Conference
Jack the Rapper Conference
Jack the Rapper Conference
Jack the Rapper Conference
BAM Awards
BAM Awards
BAM Awards
BAM Awards
BAM Awards
Jack the Rapper Conference Jack the Rapper Conference Jack the Rapper Conference Jack the Rapper Conference BAM Awards BAM Awards BAM Awards BAM Awards BAM Awards
Jack the Rapper “remix” Conference
Presented by Unite Atlanta & the Black American Music Association • Powered by bamX
May 29 – June 2, 2026 • RayPAC and select Atlanta venues
The Legacy. The Movement. The Blueprint.
In the 1920s, a young boy named Jack Gibson shook hands with Marcus Garvey. That moment foreshadowed a life that would shape Black American music for generations.
Over the course of his extraordinary career, Jack Gibson became known across the industry as “Jack the Rapper” — a connector, promoter, publisher, cultural architect, and visionary.
A Pioneer in Black Media
In the 1940s, Gibson co-founded WERD, the first Black-owned radio station in the United States. As a disc jockey and emcee, he built lasting relationships with icons including:
Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Pearl Bailey, Nancy Wilson, Ray Charles
By the 1960s and ’70s, he was working alongside Motown, Stax, and Revelot — helping introduce a new generation of legends:
Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers
A Witness to History
During the Civil Rights Movement, Gibson didn’t just observe history — he reported it.
He interviewed Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and reported from Detroit in the aftermath of Dr. King’s assassination.
His work bridged culture, journalism, activism, and entertainment at a pivotal moment in American history.
The Family Affair: Where the Industry Gathered
As publisher of the influential Black trade magazine Mello Yello, Gibson helped transform opportunities for African Americans in radio and the recording industry.
But his most enduring achievement was the legendary Family Affair — an annual Black music convention that became the ultimate industry gathering and launchpad for new talent.
The biggest names in music made it a priority to show up:
Prince, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, James Brown, Whitney Houston, Eddie Murphy, Hammer, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, LL Cool J, Babyface, Heavy D, Tupac, Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Bobby Brown, And many more.
It wasn’t just an event.
It was where deals were made. Careers were born. Culture moved forward.
The Conference Experience
THIS CONFERENCE BUILDS ON THAT LEGACY.
Expect powerful conversations, industry storytelling, generational insight, and electrifying artist showcases rooted in the foundation Jack the Rapper created.
From media to music to movement-building — this is where history and future collide.
bamX Premier Panels Series
Panel #1: Creating the Hits
Panel #2: Owning the Hits
Panel #3: Urban vs. African American vs. Black
Panel #4: Radio vs. Social Media
Panel #5: Sync Panel
Presentation: Ray Daniels Live — The GAUDs Show Podcast
Panel #6: Brands Shaping Atlanta
The Underground Mixer Showcases & Talent Search — Center Stage Loft, 8pm–midnight
Friday, May 29
Panel: The Live Show with Artist Development
Tailgater • Cookout • Barbecue • Family Experience, 12 noon–7pm
Special performances and presentations TBA
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Unite Atlanta • UniverSoul Circus Community Giveback
saturday, May 30
day of worship — tba
Health Matters Summit: #1 Mind (Mental Health) • #2 Body (The Shape You’re In) • #3 Spirit (Financial)
Panel: Mental Health • Panel: Financial Health
SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Unite Atlanta UniverSoul Circus Act & Community Giveback
sunday, May 31
Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame Induction — 2:30pm–4:00pm
BMEWOF Honors Dinner & VIP Honoree Recognition — 5:00pm–8:00pm
Monday, june 1
A Presidential Leadership Conversation on Music, Arts, Culture, Education & Mentorship
bamXBAM! Era of Soul Awards — with Special Guest & Performances
Tuesday, june 2
Jack Gibson didn’t just document Black music history — he made it. The Remix Conference continues that tradition.