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2007 Washington D.C. Auto Show: The Urban Restyln’ Salon
Do you remember words and phrases like “fresh” and “hot-ta-def?” When hip-hop culture consisted of backspins, cassette tapes, break dancing, sneakers with phat laces and Emcee’s and their catchy one-liners that would rock the crowd all night. And we can’t forget the nostalgic rap videos with those rarely seen expensive rides.
Well, picture that energy all rolled up and packed in an Auto Salon – now Urban - with “fresh” cars, trucks and bikes, gear, music, and thousands in prize giveaways; “Hot-ta-def” music performances presented by entertainment partner Buick and beautiful models handing out the latest editions of Automotive Rhythms, The Magazine and various AR branded paraphernalia. The raffle prize giveaways included XM Satellite Radio units, MP3 players, B&W home speakers, Bose headphones including the new QC3s, Shell V-Power gas cards, A Verizon Wireless “Chocolate” phone, a set of Goodyear Tires, model cars from Jada Toys, and gear from Harley-Davidson, LRG, Akademiks and Downtown Locker Room. And we can’t forget the exclusive kicks showcased by TheSneakerSuite.com and the custom snakeskin Nike Dunk Hi’s designed by “Q” of Grand High specifically for AR’s brainchild Kimatni Rawlins. And what’s a pair of shoes without the fitted caps from New Era?
 So imagine 23,000 square feet surrounded by pillars of the finest chrome spins known to man. Along with some of the most gorgeous female eye candy and fashion, complimented with all-day head bobbing entertainment. Throw all these ingredients in a huge mixing bowl at the Washington Convention Center, blend it together like batter and what do you have? Automotive Rhythms’ unique and unmatched exhibition dubbed the Urban Restyln’ Salon.
Automotive Rhythms pulled out all the stops for this original and innovative event, compiling an automotive lifestyle playground for kids of all ages. The Buick stage was set with live performances from Tony Rock, Raheem DeVaughn, AR’s artist/producer GemStarrBoots, and rappers Wale and ILLanoise. Local radio stations WKYS 93.9 and WPGC 95.5 both provided live broadcasts from the Buick Soundstage. Washington Wizard baller Antwan Jamison blessed Urban Restyln’ Salon (URS) show visitors with a two hour autograph session highlighted with performances by the Washington Wizards dance team. All of which was hosted by comedian Red Grant of BET Comic View and Def Comedy Jam.
 Launched in 2006, the URS has quickly become the main attraction for the Washington Auto Show. The URS was pioneered by Automotive Rhythms’ founder, publisher and President Kimatni (K-Raw) Rawlins, who stated “The response to our auto salon has been phenomenal. The families and individuals that have experienced our interactive displays walk away with a true sense of what Urban Restyln’ is all about. How often do you see a HUMMER H2 with 30” rims or a Maybach 62 sittin’ on 22” chrome side by side with thirty to forty other rare beauties like a custom Buick Lucerne, a Benz CL with full RENNtech gear, classics, stretch Chryslers with lambo-styled doors, Jaguar XKRs, and Volvo concepts?”
URS sponsor Verizon Wireless brought the network by providing hands-free Bluetooth demonstrations, via AR’s “Urban Elite” car of the year winner the Infiniti G35, which is loaded with endless technology including Bluetooth and a hard drive for downloading music. AR’s “Urban Elite” SUV of the year winner the Cadillac Escalade ESV, had plenty of “STRUT” with a customized grille package for the big American beast.
 Harley-Davidson was even in the house, for a first time ever auto show appearance, presenting their “Build a Bike” campaign. Harley literally built a Hog right before the eyes of auto show visitors! It’s the first time they have done such in an urban setting.
Automotive Rhythms also hosted the “Flip My Whip” contest where this year’s lucky winner received a complimentary remake for their 1993 Ford F-150 truck by Big Boys Toys and Revision Auto, both based in Maryland. JL Audio provided the tunes while Rennen and Hankook made sure the wheel package was tight. We even “flipped” new D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty’s 2007 Ford Expedition with JL Audio, Rennen, and a custom T-Rex grille and provided him with a custom Harley V-Rod. Thanks to Apple Ford and Death Row Choppers the second year “Flip the Mayor’s Whip” campaign was highly successful.
 Automotive Rhythms aims to educate hip urban consumers with pertinent information regarding automobiles, technology, fashion, music and lifestyle. Next years’ Urban Restyln’ Salon will only get better thanks to the many continued sponsors such as Buick, Infiniti, Harley-Davidson, Scion, Verizon Wireless, Shell V-Power, Volvo, Jaguar, Big Boys Toys, Apple Ford, Downtown Locker Room, Roof Top Entertainment, MP3, MHT, Zenetti, Revision Auto, JL Audio, A&M Specialists, T&A Window Tinting and AutomotiveRhythms.com. So make sure you come see what’s driving us!
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