Music Industry, Hollywood and Influencers Converge in Miami for 2017 Revolt Music Conference (PHOTOS)

The fourth annual REVOLT Music Conference went down in Miami recently, featuring a host of panels and events that brought together influencers, music executives, songwriters, producers, bloggers and music artists for a series of discussions, live performances and award ceremonies.

Held at the historic Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, the Revolt Music Conference is an innovative industry networking event that serves as a platform to address a variety of topics and business aspirations.

To kick off the conference, Revolt Chairman Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted a vibrant welcome ceremony that featured performances from French Montana, 21 Savage and King Combs.

The conference featured a keynote address from Kevin Liles, co-founder/CEO of 300 Entertainment, who discussed, among many topics, what excites him today about hip-hop’s influence on mainstream culture. Liles, who was introduced on stage by Revolt Vice Chairman Andre Harrell, also discussed hip-hop’s early days during his address.

Several interactive Q&A sessions were held, including discussions with marketing guru Bozoma Saint John, Chief Brand Officer at Uber, and Shakim Compere, Co-Founder of Flavor Unit Entertainment. Allen Hughes, who recently directed the HBO documentary “The Defiant Ones,” participated in a special Q&A on filmmaking in Hollywood.

In a display of the variety of panels offered during by Revolt, this year’s conference also addressed the publicity aspect of the music business with the “I’ll Make You Famous” panel.

Moderated by journalist/TV personality Alicia Quarles the panel featured such high-power publicists as Yvette Noel-Schure, Executive VP of Media at Schure Media Group; Natalie Moar, Senior VP/Head of Communications for Combs Enterprises; Cindi Berger, Chairwoman/CEO of PMK-BNC; Phylicia Fant, Senior VP of PR at Warner Bros.; Courtney Lowery, VP of Publicity at Epic Records and Vanessa Anderson, owner of AM PR Group.

In addition to discussions about the music and entertainment business, the Revolt conference got political with the “Hip-Hop Vs. Trump” panel, which covered a litany of topics, including ways to harness the power of hip-hop to effectively challenge and foster change in the Trump era in addition to racism in America; NFL national anthem protests and the African-American unemployment rate.

The panel was moderated by Jeff Johnson, the CEO of JIJ Communications, and was comprised of a diverse roster of individuals who have impeccable insight into hip-hop in additional to political consciousness.

Among the panelists included artist/activists Mysonne, Joey Bada$$ and T.I.; Rev. Shane R. Harris, President, National Action Network San Diego; Datwon Thomas, Editor in Chief, Vibe; Rob Kenner, Executive Editor, Mass Appeal; Vanessa Satten, Editor in Chief, XXL; Karen Civil, Author, Media Maven, Brand Curator; and Shaheem Reid, Host/ Writer/ Producer, REVOLT TV.

The panel discussion, which also attended by Diddy, was explosive, informed and passionate dialogue.

This year’s Revolt Conference also honored Queen Latifah with the “Icon Award” for her accomplishments in music, film and TV. The star-studded gala also featured a performance from Lauryn Hill, who serenaded Queen Latifah by singing several classic Latifah songs including, “Ladies First,” which she performed with Latifah, “U.N.I.T.Y.” and Latifah’s first single, “Wrath of My Madness.”

Hosted by Quincy and Ryan Destiny from FOX’s “Star”, the awards gala featured performances from SZA and Daniel Ceasar.

Queen Latifah was also celebrated at the event by friends Jada Pinkett-Smith, Monica, Q-Tip, MC Lyte, Fab 5 Freddy, director Lee Daniels, and Diddy, who described how she embodies the REVOLT TV’s principles. “Queen Latifah is Revolt,” Diddy said. “She spoke her mind in music and wasn’t afraid to stand up for justice. She’s fearless.

Attendees at this year’s Revolt Music Conference also found time to unwind at such events as the Fresh Fest Poolside Music Festival, which featured live performances from T.I & Hustle Gang Presents, Justine Skye, Mack Wilds, Kap G, B. Smyth and others.

Human Nature photos from the RMC Weekend in Miami are below.