Putting on the Ritz for the Grammy’s

C.L. Blackburn Staff Writer

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards are around the corner and Chicago will be in the house representing. Chicago home boys producer and DJ Terry Hunter, spoken word artist J. Jay and Global R &B artist Matt B will be present with all our eyes on them. DJ Terry is competing for the second time around for the Best Remixed Recording for Beyonce’s “Break My Soul (Terry Hunter Remix).” J. Ivy was nominated for his latest released album, “The poet Who Sat By the Door.” Matt B is up for his song, “Gimme Love,” in the Best Global Music Performance category.

The evening at the Grammy’s brings a night of spectacular set designs, majestic costumes, outstanding musical performances, and the most interestingly dressed audience. Seriously, the Met Gala has nothing on the Grammy’s attendees when you capture the most creative musical geniuses and talented performing artists in the room expressing their freedom through very carefully chosen attire. Unlike the Met which provides attendees with a theme. The Grammys is the forum where the greatest accolades for the music industry’s biggest stars grace the world audience with a plethora of unique and magnificent, sometimes totally unexpected red carpet looks. Grammy’s preparation begins for the nominees the moment the nominations are announced. Immediately calls are made to publicists, fashion designers and stylists, hair stylists, make-up, nail technicians, esthetician, and a check on the scale to weigh in to assure that they bring their best look on the very propitious night.

Terry Hunter was in the studio with CNW, so I asked him a few questions and he shared the following:

This is my second Grammy nomination and walking or a red-carpet event, but this year it’s very different. There’s a lot more preparation and planning involved for all the pre-Grammy parties and events. It’s not just me but my wife and sons as well who will accompany me. Everything I wear while in LA must reflect who I am --my personal aesthetic. I’m laid back and most days I’m in hoodies, sweatpants, and athletic shoes when I’m working in the studio. I do like to dress up. . . My oldest son is an aspiring fashion designer, so he has plenty to say about what I’m wearing. Truthfully, the fashion thing takes me out of my element but I’m having fun with it all and enjoying every moment. I’m grateful to have a wonderful team of people who are helping me put it all together. Tell us what that entails . . .. from head to toe:

• Haircut: I’m when it comes to my barber. I’m making sure my cut is fresh before I hit the red carpet.

• Beard: That’s another job for my barber. I tend to keep a close shave. I want folks to see my face!

• Shoes: I’m wearing a variety of different looks throughout the week. From dress shoes to custom Nike’s.

• Fittings: Over the past weeks leading up to the big night we’ve had multiple fittings with different designers. It’s been a very busy schedule because I’m working on a few different music projects, traveling, and playing multiple gigs. It’s a detailed process with designers, tailors, and my staff. It’s not every day that I have people fuss over me about my look.

• Photo shoots: I’m regularly on different party promotion flyers, and use professional photos for my music projects and interviews so I’m comfortable with being in front of the camera. Each shoot is different, but I’m always relaxed and carefree. I make it fun. I like photographers who get creative and capture my personality through the lens.

• Business side: Being nominated for such an incredible award is great for my business and my record label. This nomination is a win for all of us, a win for the label, and a win for the brand. It’s never been all about me. So, my staff will be joining me for LA Grammy weekend.

• Sharing this experience with my family means the world to me. They are the reason for everything I do. They are the ones who support me the most. Having my family with me in LA is going to be amazing.

And so it is .. . . See him . . . see all of Chicago’s nominees at the 65th Grammy’s