Hoping to combat the notion that hip-hop competition breeds violence, several local performers are banding together for a Best of Daygo City compilation album. “We’re shooting for 99 percent exclusives, stuff that’s never been out before,” says Chris at On Fyre Entertainment. “This will not be a mixtape. A fully-pressed and professionally packaged CD will be distributed through retailers, iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.”

So what’s the performer incentive to donate fresh tracks? “We’re not charging these artists $50 to $2,000, like mixtape DJs do. We also provide free promotional material, and the ability to purchase CDs in bulk, so they can resell on their own.”

Chris estimates pressing and promotion costs at around $2,000, which he’ll cover with partners Kayo and Young Mass. “The money will be raised through tax refunds, sales of Mass and Kayo albums in the streets, pimpin’, recycling, blood, sweat, and tears…just playing about that pimpin’ thing.”

 (Kayo)

So who gets Daygo’s Best proceeds? “The money will be invested into promoting musicians from ....San Diego...., and to the production of the next compilation album.”

Confirmed contributors include Vokab Kompany, O.C.T./Outta-Control, James T. Powers (Clay Pigeons), Play B, Kitty, Shock G, Kayo, Young Mass, Parker and the Numberman (Pac 10), female rapper Vision, and Bucky Adams (who at this writing claims “40,904 CDs sold in the streets of SD”).

 (Young Mass)

“I represent all of ....San Diego...., but I’m from Southeast,” says Kitty. “Everyone is out for self, because the biz is so tough to crack. So people feel that, if they help someone out, they’ll be outshined.”

Pacific Beach-based Vokab Kompany say they don’t mind donating a track. “We don’t really see it as a problem, nobody owes us anything,” according to an email from Burkey Baybe and Rob Hurt. “Complaining just attracts a temporary ear. ..Opportunity.. is there to be created…maybe when this is all said and done, we can be looked at as the ones to thank.”

“There aren’t too many people in ....San Diego.... I wouldn’t work with,” says Powers (who last month held most-downloaded slot on the Reader website).  “Though there are some people I’ve reached out to on numerous occasions who won’t give me the time of day. DJ Fingaz, get at me, haha!”