One of the only music awards that that covers the entire state of Ohio, the Ohio Hip-hop Awards has been a big success since launching ten years ago. For this year’s installment, it’s expanded. Organizers have teamed up with Tri-C to put on a bigger and better event.
It launches at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16 with a panel discussion at Tri-C Metro’s Main Stage. Dr. Valerie Brown and Dr. Simona Epuran will lead a discussion with artists, industry professionals and educators. At 9 that night, DJ Chicago & DJ Jack Da Rippa headline Mic Check, a showcase hosted by Nina Nicole. Tickets to the event cost $10.
On Thursday, Sept. 17, a Homecoming Concert featuring Twista, Ray Jr, Big Mucci and Preme Dibiasi takes place at noon at the Tri-C Metro Campus Courtyard. Before the concert there will be an open mic cypher. Immediately after the concert, an MC and producer battle will take place at 3 p.m. at the Tri-C Metro Campus Auditorium.
A series of afternoon workshops takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at various classrooms on the Tri-C Metro campus. Classes include publishing, producing, engineering, DJing, copyrights/trademarks, team building, media/broadcasting, marketing and songwriting. From 6 to 11 that night, an industry mixer takes place at the creative spaces of the Bulkley House Mansion.
The Learn 2 Earn Music Conference tis scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Tri-C Metro campus theater, and an industry showcase takes place from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. that night at the Agora Ballroom.
The actual awards are slated for 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Masonic Auditorium. A red carpet event that commences at 4 p.m. precedes the event. Acts slated to perform include Dame B, Crazy 8 The Great, J Jig Cicero, Madame Firm, Uptown Rome, Yen Fam and Vice Souletric.
For more information on the festivities, go to ohiohiphopawards.com.
