Hip-hop Hooray

Four years ago, a relatively unknown local rapper named Machine Gun Kelly participated in the 2009 Ohio Hip Hop Awards Summer Showcase Tour. Now, the guy's a major star. That could happen to any one of the acts nominated in this year's awards. The awards are just one component of a weekend-long event that includes a music conference and a concert showcase featuring some 40 different acts. The whole thing kicks off tonight with a party at House of Blues and then various venues throughout town host events until the red carpet awards ceremony that takes place at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Ohio Theatre. A VIP ticket will get you into everything but tickets for individual events can be purchased as well. Go to ohiohiphopawards.com for more info. (Niesel)