Scion has announced Mookie Jones from Houston, Texas as the winner of “The Prospect,” a contest to help unsigned emcees get their voices heard and their talent recognized.

Jones’ entry was one of more than 1,500 submissions for the contest, which asked artists to submit their fiercest song to www.scionprospect.com, with the hopes of developing an original song with a track by super producer Hi-Tek. The prize also includes a video shoot produced by Scion.

“Scion creates competitions like the Prospect to provide up-and-coming artists career building experiences,” said Jeri Yoshizu, Scion sales promotions manager. “We hope that the creation of a track with Hi-Tek and the making of a music video will provide some new opportunities for this promising young talent.”

A formidable judging panel including executive editor of The Source, Ryan Ford; Def Jam’s Vice President of A&R, Lenny S; and Hi-Tek reviewed all eligible entries and first narrowed the bunch to ten finalists. Each finalist was then given a track by Hi-Tek and asked to construct a concept and original lyrics. Jones’ song took the lead and beat out the other nine impressive efforts. The artist, music video, and song will be promoted and launched online and in the press through an innovative marketing program designed to increase the artist’s exposure.

Similar to the “Next Up” Emcee Talent Search in 2004, Scion hopes this contest will lend support and leverage to steer Jones’ career path upward and onward. Brooklyn hip-hop duo Junk Science, winner of the “Next Up” competition has just signed a record deal with Definitive Jux and Embedded Music to release their sophomore album, Gran’Dad’s Nerve Tonic.

“Winning Scion’s emcee competition was a positive stepping stone for our group”, said Baje One, lead rapper for Junk Science. “Working on the ‘Roads’ video helped us to see what the next level could look like for us.” Jones will shoot the video for his original song this September, and will be included in select Scion events.

“Being involved was an incredible experience, and to actually win is priceless,” said Jones. “Thank you Scion, Inform Ventures, and all the Emcees who participated in the competition. Holla at a Star!”

Mookie Jones (Houston, TX)
Mookie Jones was inspired to rap when he was in the presence of legendary rapper Big Daddy Kane in a recording studio. Years later, at age 15, Mookie entered his first major rap competition. He won first place in The 2003 National “Roc tha Mic” competition sponsored by Roc-A-Fella records. Performing on the same stage that hip-hop rap star “50 Cent” had just rocked only minutes before, Mookie mounted the stage knowing that another hip-hop rap star, “Jay-Z,” was to come up right after him. The following year (2004), Mookie won first place in the Source Battle in Houston, Texas. The PRINCE is what he calls himself. Mookie co-starred in the indie film “Water Raising” as Dog, and in Mike Jones’ new upcoming movie “American Dream.”