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Introducing the Acclaim 2020 All-Stars

A new platform dedicated to highlighting and elevating the year’s highest achievers in local hip-hop.

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The recent international successes of artists including Tkay Maidza, The Kid Laroi, ONEFOUR and Sampa The Great point to a local hip hop community that has proven its ability to consistently produce world-class artists. Like the UK, Australia is on the precipice of its ‘powder keg’ moment that will see our scene explode locally as well as exporting globally in the years ahead. This October Acclaim is launching a global platform in partnership with JD Sports Australia, dedicated to highlighting and elevating the year’s highest hip hop achievers: The Acclaim 2020 All-Stars.

With Australian hip hop artists dominating streaming platforms locally and multiple examples of self-made, hip hop success stories debuting in recent times, official recognition for the best local talent is well overdue. The Acclaim 2020 All-Stars will offer the opportunity for our best to be spotlighted and awarded the resources to nurture their growth.

Over a two month period, Acclaim will shortlist talent based on a combination of streaming data, industry and public votes. Shortlisted talent will be profiled across a series of interactive, digital content features. A 2020 Finals Team digital cover will be created featuring the finalists across all nomination categories.

In its first year, three awards categories have been established:

  • Rookie of the Year (best new talent) presented by PUMA
  • The People’s Champ (people’s choice)
  • MVP (song of the year)

In addition to the above awards, Acclaim, in partnership with Beats by Dre, will select one emerging artist or group from outside of the finals list to receive a Wild Card. The Wild Card recipient will feature in the All-Stars Finals Team. A diverse panel of credible hip hop industry experts and proponents has been assembled in order to determine nominees for the Rookie of the Year award. The People’s Champ and the MVP awards will be determined by votes from the general public with the winners of each category being unveiled weekly from late November via the debut of a series of digital cover features.

Prizes awarded to each category winner have been designed to help further their careers. Prizes include recording equipment and software, footwear and apparel, industry-specific legal services, advertising and PR support, international industry support and mentorship. The total prize pool exceeds $60,000 in value. In addition to the career-advancing support and advice from some of the industry’s best, a custom made trophy will be presented to each category winner in recognition of their achievement.

Voting opens October 1st via allstars.acclaimmag.com

The Acclaim All-Stars would not be possible without the support of the following brand partners: JD Sports; PUMA; Beats by Dr. Dre; HipHopCharts.com.au, Sounds Australia, RODE Microphones, Sound Of The Future, Call & Response, Media Arts Lawyers, Super Special and Archetype Media.

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