Winnipeg’s Exchange Event Centre hosted the second annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show Aug. 26 and 27. The awards and surrounding conference highlighted artists in the Indigenous urban entertainment world and celebrated the culture and community around Indigenous-made hip hop and R&B.
The ceremony featured performances by artists like El Paso’s Artson, Winnipeg local Kenny Murkz and J25 out of Gary, Ind.
The awards, which were voted on by the public, went to a variety of artists from around the world.
Edmonton-based horror-core and “psycho-drug-rap” trio Psych Ward Kidz won collaboration of the year for their track “8 Bars of Deranged.” In the artist categories, Nehiyaw and Métis artist EarthChild won producer of the year, Manitoba’s own Stun took home the award for breakthrough artist of the year and Las Vegas-based artist She-Rōze was chosen as songwriter of the year.
Two female artists won big in the song and album of the year categories, with Toronto-based Cree “femcee” The Ra11n getting the nod for best hip hop single and Treaty 6 territory’s Pooky G bringing home the hardware for hip hop album of the year.
Check out the complete list of winners below.
Hip Hop Single of the Year: The Ra11n, “IYKYK”
Collaboration of the Year: Psych Ward Kidz, “8 Bars of Deranged” feat. Doom Squad, Monster Loco and Poltergeist OD
Producer of the Year: EarthChild, Indian Time
Hip Hop Album of the Year: Pooky G, So Far So Hood
Songwriter of the Year: She-Rōze, We Rise
R&B Single of the Year: Melody McArthur, “Wilding” feat. Jahkota
Clothing Line of the Year: Nipîy Iskwew
Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Sten Joffi, “Thank You”
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: MzShellz, “Level Up”
Breakthrough Artists of the Year: Stun, “Gimme Love”
DJ of the Year: DJ O Show
Music Video of the Year: Savelle Tha Native, “Shoot My Shot”
Best International Hip Hop Single of the Year: Barkaa, “King Brown”
Best International Hip Hop Album of the Year: Baker Boy, Gela
Inspirational Social Change Award: TKO
