It’s not everyday that a representative from BET visits these shores to scope out our rising young talent. But such an opportunity came this weekend, when Terrance Clayton, an executive casting manager for BET’s hit shows like ‘106 & Park’ and ‘Rip The Runway’ came to Bermuda.Jodi Lewis, the PR Manager for J Roc Communications, said Mr Clayton decided to forgo the beach and jetskis in order to get behind 16-year-old rapper Jeremiah Steede, aka Lil Quan.“He was in town to show his support for Lil Quan,” she said. “He was impressed with him while he was in New York and came down to meet with him and was interested in seeing him perform.“He also wants to be able to help other Bermudians possibly be able to expand on their craft and get out of Bermuda and get some more exposure.”Lil Quan is set to appear on ‘106 & Park’ next Wednesday, when he will compete with another young rapper for a shot at performing at a Diggy Simmons concert.The winner will be decided by online voting and Ms Lewis is urging the community to get on board to show their support.She said: “At this point in time Bermuda unfortunately is known for not really supporting their artists or athletes and this is an opportunity to support, not just Lil Quan, but the Island.“This performance will be on one of the top networks with over 90 million viewers. Tourism numbers have been down on the Island and this will also promote Bermuda.”Ms Lewis said it would be challenging getting residents to vote and watch the show, considering it takes place on the night before the Cup Match holiday.J Roc Communications will therefore be holding a viewing party to encourage people to come out and support Lil Quan.From day one, she said the artist was excited and proud to represent the Island. She said she was also “very impressed” with the CedarBridge Academy student’s talent and motivation to succeed.“One thing about him is no one really knows the kinds of things he has been through in his life,” she said.“He just started rapping a year ago and while some kids have done it from when they were young and mastered it over time, he is new to all of this.“He puts a lot of time and effort because of what he was going through into perfecting himself, so it’s a genuine and pure talent. It’s nothing he has had to learn.”She said he was actually encouraged to start rapping by a friend who knew what he was going through and believed he could benefit by getting his thoughts and feelings out through rap.“I think that is a pretty incredible story considering that it has been just a year,” Ms Lewis said.Thanks to generous support from local donors, Lil Quan has raised the money he needs to travel to New York to take part in the televised competition.He will also be staying in the US for two weeks and is expected to start recording some songs with a few “pretty big” producers in the Atlanta area.Voting for the competition on ‘106 & Park’ takes place next Wednesday from 6pm until 7pm, Eastern Standard Time. To place your vote, download the free ‘106 & Park’ app, choose Lil Quan’s name and you can cast your ballot as many times as you like.For more information on the viewing party, e-mail Jodi@jdlewisgroup.com.