It’s back and better than ever! Presented this year by Black Diamond Productions, The New Mexico Hip-Hop Awards makes its much-anticipated return to the City Different, in recognition of the diverse Hip-Hop community in the state of New Mexico. The award ceremony takes place at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, Saturday, January 21, 2023, starting at 5 p.m.
Get ready for a bumpin’ night of food, drinks and live music from some of the best musicians working today. Just be aware that the awards ceremony is a black-tie, red-carpet type of event, to showcase New Mexico’s talent in a positive and professional way. The organizers are also quick to point out that this will not only be a great night of entertainment, but a huge opportunity for networking within the industry, with a guest list that includes artists, musicians, photographers, videographers, radio producers, and more.
It will also be a great way for those not very familiar with this particular genre of music to be introduced in an upbeat and high-energy presentation of talent. Over 600 submissions from artists and community members around the state have already ensured that the awards ceremony will be representative of all the amazing talent in New Mexico. Add to that an unbiased panel of judges and committee members, ready to present awards to the best of the best, and the stage is set for an evening of music and magic.
Among the many awards being presented, some recognize all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, including the Cornerstone Award, given to an artist, promoter, or Hip-Hop community member who is helping grow the New Mexico Hip-Hop scene. Similarly, The Wake Self Award is given to an artist or Hip-Hop community member for outstanding acts of humanitarianism within the past year
Others have tongue planted firmly in cheek, such as the Land of Entrapment Award which, despite its negative connotations, is actually a good thing. Awarded to the Hip-Hop/Rap song representing New Mexico or any of its cities, the winner must have clear thematic references to New Mexico or New Mexican culture, and must have been published within the last year.
Other awards to be presented include: 
- Best New Artist
- Video of the Year
- Best Hip-Hop Feature
- Producer of the Year
- Best Group
- DJ of the Year
- Battle Rapper of the Year
- Male Artist of the Year
- Female Artist of the Year
- Hip-Hop Song of the Year
- Hip-Hop Album of the Year
- The Hustle Award
- The Wordsmith Award
- R&B Song of the Year
- The Fuego Award
Tickets are now on sale at a very reasonable $10 for adults, $5 for children under 15. The Lensic Performing Arts Center includes a full cash bar. For more information on The New Mexico Hip-Hop Awards, or to get tickets, visit the website.
This article was posted by David Salcido
