Sonicbids artist Svn. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
For performers, getting the chance to take the stage in front of thousands of people, gaining exposure, and making invaluable connections is a lifelong dream. For hip-hop artists, that dream likely also includes a chance to showcase their skills at the A3C Hip Hop Festival & Conference in Atlanta, GA.
Since 2004, the festival has showcased over 1,500 artists, ranging from living legends to on-the-rise newcomers over five days. Past performers include J. Cole, Action Bronson, Ghostface Killah, DJ Premier, B.o.B, 2 Chainz, and over 130 Sonicbids artists. This year, the event will take place from October 5 through October 9, and A3C is booking at least 50 Sonicbids artists to take the stage.
Through the #ThisIsMyYear social media campaign, two artists every week have been voted onto the stage, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce themselves to a throng of thousands at the biggest hip-hop event in the world.
Want your shot to join the veritable who's who of hip-hop elite? Take advantage of free submissions offered by A3C and Sonicbids before the price is raised to $50 on August 1, 2016.
Here are just seven of this year's winners of the #ThisIsMyYear campaign. Check out some of the social media tactics they used to help them gain votes and rise to the top!
Currently living in: Atlanta, GA
Sound: Intricate lyricism, storytelling, and flows accompanied by the bounce his adopted city of Atlanta is known for
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "Facebook promotion through both my artist profile and my personal network. I utilized word of mouth and GroupMe support, similar to the tactics I used to move 100 copies of my debut album, FreeFall."
Currently living in: Memphis, TN
Sound: Project Pat meets KRS-One; spitting an urban country consciousness with a confidence that could only emerge from coming of age as a Muslim millennial in North Memphis
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "For me, the most effective thing is to always engage people in real life and then have them do the work on social media. So I did a lot of traveling and showing around that time to get folks to support my movement."
Currently living in: Washington, DC/Manassas, VA
Sound: Smooth soulful hip-hop with R&B vibes
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "Our most effective tactic was to enlist the assistance from my Facebook fan page. We assigned a team of social network members and loyal supporters to consistently plug the voting links, utilizing all the resources at their disposal, including text messages, emails, Twitter, and Instagram."
Currently living in: Nashville, TN
Sound: Music that includes party and relationship topics with a modern rap/R&B twist
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "The most effective tactic for social media support has been through word of mouth via family and friends. It's easier to physically ask for support than to send out a Facebook or Instagram post asking someone to click and read about something. These days, that one click can be asking a lot out of someone."
Currently living in: New Orleans, LA
Sound: Authentic hip-hop/rap sounds fueled by storytelling
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "The most effective tactic to gain social media support for me was contacting each person directly.... I have real relationships with these people, and I know not only do they enjoy my music, they want to see me succeed. They believe in me just as much as I believe in myself... so when it came down to reaching out, people were not hesitant to vote."
Currently living in: Wake Forest, NC
Sound: A versatile rapper who pulls inspiration from older artists such as A Tribe Called Quest all the way up to the new rappers of today
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "I just shared the contest on all my social media platforms. Thankfully, I have amazing support and I was able to get second place. Much love to everyone that voted for me."
Currently living in: Houston, TX
Sound: When UGK meets Outkast
What was the most effective tactic you used to get enough social media support to win this contest? "It was a word-of-mouth type of success. My friends, family, and fans were great at helping spreading the word, and the city of Houston came together for a united purpose."
Don't forget to take advantage of free A3C submissions through August 1, 2016!