On August 29th, the energy at Main Stage was electric as we hosted the very first Main Stage Hip-Hop Showdown, a night dedicated to celebrating Hamilton’s hip-hop talent and culture. The event brought together rappers, producers, and supporters from across the city for an unforgettable evening of music, competition, and community.
The Showdown featured two rounds: one for rappers and one for producers. Each performer had 10 minutes to showcase their best work, and the crowd matched every beat with unstoppable energy. The judges: Dejehan “Luckystickz” Hamilton, BLK Orchid, and Main Stage’s own Justin Dobbin had the tough task of choosing the winners, with so much talent hitting the stage. BLK Orchid also gave us a stunning surprise performance.
After an intense night of performances, we’re excited to congratulate our winners:
- Best Rapper: RAXX
- Best Producer: Amarelle Ruth Hall
Both winners earned themselves a trophy, serious bragging rights, and the respect of Hamilton’s hip-hop community. We also want to give a big thanks to all the other talented competitors who made the night special:
- Asrap
- Mazii
- Providence the Poet
- JayMuschik
- Blazearo
- DANGZ
- Steel City Ridahs
- Clark-E
Beyond the competition, what made the night truly special was the sense of unity. Artists supported each other, new connections were made, and the crowd showed up strong to celebrate the culture we’re proud to represent here in Hamilton.
We want to thank every performer, judge, and audience member who came out and made this first-ever event such a huge success. This is just the beginning. The Main Stage Hip-Hop Showdown will be back, and we can’t wait to keep building with you.