The ninth annual Athens Hip Hop Awards (AHHA), presented by United Group of Artists, will take place this Saturday, June 17 in celebration of hip-hop culture and Black excellence in Athens. It strives to highlight community supporters and business owners, but this year’s event comes with an additional message. Event producers Knowa and Mokah Jasmine Johnson state in the awards’ press release that their goal is to “promote a message of ‘Stop the Violence’” and highlight the importance of Juneteenth.
Last summer, the Athens-Clarke County government formally declared Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, a local holiday. Although the AHHA has traditionally been held in the spring, the Johnsons wanted to do something special to celebrate Juneteenth weekend for not only African Americans, but the larger community.
“We feel that Juneteenth is one of the best times for the city to unite and acknowledge the dreams and achievements of the descendants of the enslaved,” said Knowa. “It’s the first time we’ve held the ceremony in the summer, so we look forward to seeing how the creative community express themselves through fashion.”
The ceremony itself is a “red carpet event” where attendees are encouraged to dress to impress. Held this year at the 40 Watt Club, admission at the door starts at $20 with limited VIP selections available. In between the announcement of the category winners will be special guest performances, including music and dancers, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop and more.
This year’s Best Male Hip Hop Artist nominees are Catchone Baldie, Crestgang Whoo, Kxng Blanco, Gwap Deniro, Motorhead2x and Squallé. The Best Female Hip Hop Artist nominees are Molly Tu Hott, Mack2Tone, Nina Bandette, Mizz Pretty Link and LB. While the hip-hop category winners’ announcement caps off the night and appears in the event’s name, there’s a lot of community and genre recognition that expands beyond hip hop.
“As members of the community, we saw the need to recognize not only the hip-hop enthusiasts but also Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and other music genres by African Americans like soul, R&B and gospel. Whether you receive an award or not, we want people to see the bigger picture,” said Knowa.
The non-music categories include best barber, barbershop, beauty salon, Black-owned business, Black-owned restaurant, hair stylist and make-up artist. In all of the categories, a nomination means extra exposure and attention to what that individual is doing, whether they win or not. For local business owners and professionals, being nominated means more brand awareness and the potential to spark the interest of new customers.
Ella Barnett owns Graceful Tresses Organic Products and is nominated in the Black-owned business category. The two-year-old business is a hair and skin care company with an organic product line.
“The nomination means a great deal to me as it is humbling yet a joy to be recognized for something that I’ve worked really hard to develop,” said Barnett. “Besides growing my business, I want Graceful Tresses to be an inspiration to that young girl with a dream of one day being a business owner or for someone interested in hair care. Overall, I want customers to feel that they are cared for and to leave a legacy of self care/love for my daughter, Grace.”
The nomination process begins with an open ballot promoted to the community. Individuals interested in making the final nominees are advised to inform family, friends, fans and followers. The process is not controlled, but the nominees are screened to ensure the final list is made up of people who either live or do business in Athens, and artists and creatives must have released a project or single in the prior year.
“The purpose is for creatives to have a genuine indicator of their ‘true’ fanbase, support system and community presence. As an artist and businessman, I know how easy it is to grind in a bubble and think you’re more known than you really are,” said Knowa.
Votes can be cast at athenshiphop.com until June 15.
WHO: Athens Hip Hop Awards
WHERE: 40 Watt Club
WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 7–10:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $15–250
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