The 9th annual Athens Hip-Hop Awards (AHHA), organized by United Group of Artists, will take place on Saturday, June 17, to celebrate Athens’ hip-hop culture and black excellence. While we strive to focus on community supporters and business owners, this year’s event includes an additional message. Event producers Nova Jasmine Johnson and Mocha Jasmine Johnson said in the awards press release that their goal was to “spread the message ‘Stop Violence'” and highlight the importance of Juneteenth. said to be emphasizing.
Last summer, the Athens Clark County government officially declared Juneteenth a local holiday to commemorate the liberation of enslaved African Americans. AHHA has traditionally been held in the spring, but the Johnson family wanted to do something special to celebrate Juneteen Weekend not just for African Americans, but for the larger community. rice field.
“We feel that Juneteenth is one of the best times for the city to come together and celebrate the dreams and achievements of the descendants of slaves,” said Nowa. “It will be our first time hosting a ceremony in the summer, so we are excited to see how the creative community expresses themselves through fashion.”
The ceremony itself is a “red carpet event” and attendees are expected to dress to impress. This year it will be held at the 40 Watt Club, where admission starts at $20 he said, but VIP options are limited. During the announcement of this category’s winners, there will be a special guest performance including music, dancers and a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
This year’s Best Male Hip Hop Artist nominees are Catchone Baldie, Crestgang Whoo, Kxng Blanco, Gwap Deniro, Motorhead2x and Squallé. Nominees for Best Female Hip Hop Artist are Molly Too Hot, Mac Two Tone, Nina Bandett, Ms Pretty Link and LB. Rounding out the night with the announcement of the winners of the Hip-Hop category, which is also mentioned in the name of the event, there is a lot of community and genre recognition that extends beyond Hip-Hop.
“As members of the community, we need to recognize not only hip-hop enthusiasts, but also black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, creators, and other African-American musical genres such as soul, R&B, and gospel. We want people to see the big picture, whether it wins an award or not,” said Nowa.
Non-music categories include the best barbers, barbershops, beauty salons, black-owned businesses, black-owned restaurants, hair stylists and makeup artists. In all categories, nominations represent special exposure and attention for that individual’s work, whether or not it wins. For local business owners and professionals, being nominated means increased brand awareness and the potential to attract new customer interest.
Ella Barnett owns Graceful Tresses Organic Products and has been nominated in the Black Owned Business category. This two-year-old business is a hair and skin care company with an organic product line.
“This nomination means a lot to me. It’s humbling and gratifying to be recognized for something I’ve worked so hard to develop,” Barnett said. “In addition to growing my own business, I want Graceful Tresses to inspire young girls who dream of one day becoming business owners and others interested in hair care. wants its customers to feel valued and leave a legacy of self-care and love for their daughter, Grace.”
The nomination process begins with a public vote sent to the community. Anyone interested in being shortlisted is encouraged to let their family, friends, fans and followers know. While this process is not controlled, nominees will be judged to ensure the final list is composed of people residing or doing business in Athens, and artists and creators who have completed projects or singles in the previous year. Must be released.
“The aim is for creators to have a real indicator of their ‘true’ fan base, support system and community presence. As an artist and businessman, I know how easy it is to assume you’re more known in a bubble than you really are,” Noi said.
You can vote at athenshiphop.com until June 15th.
WHO: Athens Hip Hop Awards
where: 40 watt club
when: Saturday, June 17, 7-10:30 p.m.
ikura: $15-$250
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