You Won't Believe Who Took Home the Crown at This Year's Epic Beat Battle—The Shocking Twist Will Leave You Speechless!

Booming bass and sharp drums reverberated through the Chris Young Cafe last week on Friday, March 20, as the Urban Entertainment Society (UES) hosted its annual Beat Battle. This event has become a hallmark for students eager to explore the creative side of the entertainment industry.

The Urban Entertainment Society serves as an inclusive platform for students involved in various forms of entertainment, not just music. “We can promote your music, give you access to the professional studios on campus, and if you need actors for a music video, we can do that too,” explained UES President Naaman Burgess. He emphasized that the organization unites a diverse group of individuals to support and uplift one another in their artistic endeavors.

The Beat Battle has a rich history at UES, and this year's competition showcased the talents of eight student producers who participated in a bracket-style format for a cash prize of $150. The event was made even more special with the presence of Shannon Sanders, a three-time Grammy-winning producer and songwriter, who was invited to serve as a judge and provide valuable feedback to contestants. However, Sanders opted not to judge, choosing instead to let the audience determine the fate of the performers.

“I do not like to judge because one time I had judged something, and this girl ended up losing and was upset about it, and that made me feel bad,” Sanders stated. “So I’m going to let the audience decide who should move on.”

The dynamic atmosphere created by the competing producers added to the excitement of the evening. Among the participants, sophomore psychology major JP Furtado emerged victorious. Furtado shared, “I started making beats when I was in middle school and started taking it seriously about two years ago.” Her journey reflects the hard work and dedication many young artists pour into their crafts.

The process of creating music is often complex, and Furtado described her approach: “The process of making beats is not always simple, and ideas can come in many forms. Usually, my ideas come from a hum. I flesh that out and put it down before I forget. Sometimes I will start with the chorus and build around that.” This method illustrates the creative struggle that many musicians face, where fleeting ideas must be captured before they vanish.

Furtado’s influences extend beyond typical contemporary artists; she draws significant inspiration from her Cape Verdean heritage. “My parents are Cape Verdean, so I grew up around a lot of cultural music. So I take a lot of inspiration from that,” she said. Her unique background enriches her sound, allowing her to blend traditional elements with contemporary beats.

While Furtado has yet to release her own music, she expressed plans to do so later this year, suggesting that her win at the Beat Battle may be a stepping stone in her artistic journey. This highlights the growing trend among students to not only engage in music production but to actively participate in a community that celebrates and nurtures their talents.

The UES Beat Battle serves as more than just a competition; it reflects a broader cultural movement at educational institutions where students are encouraged to express themselves creatively and collaborate with peers. As events like this continue to gain traction, they provide invaluable opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work, receive feedback, and build connections in an increasingly competitive industry.

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