Title
Adding DJ Diamond Kuts to the street signs on the 7100 block of Georgian Road in honor of her trailblazing work to represent women in the hip hop industry, advance local artists, and serve the people of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, DJ Diamond Kuts, whose real name is Tina Dunham, was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the West Oak Lane section of the City, and discovered her musical talent as a young teen; and
WHEREAS, Her father, Tony “Grand Tone” Dunham - one half of the old-school hip hop duo Korner Boyz - bought her first set of turntables when she was 16. After her father’s sudden passing, the nationally-recognized artist Cosmic Kev, a family friend and neighbor, took her under his wing to teach her how to scratch, mix, and blend. She felt empowered to create her own stage moniker and came up with the name Diamond Kuts because the cuts in her sets have the precision of a gemstone; and
WHEREAS, DJ Diamond Kuts was inspired by female DJs Beverly Bond, Cocoa Chanelle, and Jazzy Joyce, and she worked tirelessly and strategically to establish her professional career in Philadelphia, earning her spot as the DJ at the Sneaker Villa near Broad Street and Girard Avenue, and as a recurring DJ at the Chrome Night Club in Northern Liberties; and
WHEREAS, Within a just a few years, DJ Diamond Kuts had taken over the turntables on Power 99′s The Rise & Grind Morning Show, where she still spins weekday mornings from 6 to 9 a.m. as hosts Mikey Dredd, Roxy Romeo, and Mutha Knows chop it up. DJ Diamond Kuts was the only female DJ on the radio in Philadelphia, and she was the first woman to work as a live radio DJ, scratching, mixing, and blending records in real time on air; and
WHEREAS, Her presence on radio launched her national and international career as she served as the DJ for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the White House. After providing music for his visits to the Philadelphia region from 2008 through 2016, she became affectionately known around town as former President Barack Obama’s DJ; and
WHEREAS, Amid her numerous national gigs, DJ Diamond Kuts joined rapper Lil Mama’s tour with Chris Brown in 2008, and the exposure garnered invites to deejay on BET’s 106 and Park, Rap City and The Deal. She met then up-and-coming rapper Nicki Minaj and admired her musical talent, later debuting her songs on air and touring with Minaj for five years; and
WHEREAS, Her professional achievements also include appearances on BET, MTV, and Good Morning America. DJ Diamond Kuts is also a noted producer, having recorded hits for Disney Records and discovered rapper Lil Uzi Vert, a Philadelphia native whose music has also earned international success; and
WHEREAS, DJ Diamond Kuts also understands the importance of serving her community, as well as blazing a trail for women in hip hop and other homegrown artists. She established the Young Diamonds of America, a non-profit organization that supports other young women in the music industry and serves all Philadelphians. She kicked off the organization’s inaugural Best Vibe Ever Fest at Finley Recreation Center in 2021, hosting a free event for over 350 people and distributing over 250 bookbags; and
WHEREAS, DJ Diamond Kuts strives to maintain her deep connection to her family and friends; she is a loving wife and mother of a four year-old son. With her family by her side as she continues to blaze the trail for future artists, she never fails to acknowledge their contributions to her success; and
WHEREAS, DJ Diamond Kuts’ legacy as a DJ, artist, and scholar of hip hop history is a product of her determination, talent, and love for musical artistry and the city of Philadelphia. DJ Diamond Kuts continues to spread her message of positivity and power through her many admirable platforms, shaping the culture as we know it; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby adds Diamond Kuts to the street signs 7100 block of Georgian Road in honor of her trailblazing work to represent women in the hip pop industry, advance local artists, and serve the people of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to DJ Diamond Kuts as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s respect, gratitude, and recognition.
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