Award show platforms are traditionally reserved for the upper echelons of the music business. More often than not, thousands of independent musicians, songwriters and composers go unacknowledged during the awards season along with their musical releases. The Imminent Breakthrough Awards has set out to reimagine the concept of eligibility and what it means to award artistry. “Art can be celebrated at all levels,” said Awards creator Devin White. “It’s bigger than winning trophies. It’s really about network. There’s a broad community of musicians, songwriters, media and executives that make huge strides in the independent space. The focus is calling attention to those efforts.” The awards platform is an expansion of a multi-city concert tour of the same title that kicked off last year in partnership with Hip Hop Weekly Magazine. Currently headed in a new creative direction and under new ownership with Clarence Bradley and Theodore ‘Stretch’ Travis, Hip Hop Weekly magazine adds influence and integrity to Imminent Breakthrough’s brand direction and concept. “There’s not a better company we could partner with for this awards show or brand,” said White. “Hip Hop Weekly has been completely supportive and involved from every level in us designing a platform that really puts artists first.
That type of care and input from any company always starts with the leadership at the top of it.” At the top of the Hip Hop Weekly brand sits years of industry experience and insightful wisdom. “Stretch” Travis reaches far beyond just his positioning as COO for the iconic brand with influence throughout the music industry at large and co-ownership of Onpoint investments. His broad understanding of executive operations has secured a recent rejuvenation in the hip-hop brand’s appeal and industry influence. “Imminent Breakthrough is just one example of Hip Hop Weekly’s dedication and commitment to supporting the culture,” said White. “We have to put energy towards brands that have always made our music and elevation the focus”. The first annual Imminent Breakthrough Awards is live in Atlanta, Georgia this November.
