The Recording Industry Association of America is most notably known in the music industry as the coveted organization that certifies records and albums from Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum until it reaches Diamond.
This September, the organization will go beyond its box and will recognize hip-hop icons among many other industry leaders at the inaugural event of the "RIAA Honors: Pioneers of Hip-Hop" in Washington, D.C.
Hip-hop pioneers like MC Lyte and Grandmaster Flash will be two of the four awardees of the night, all instrumental in the success of the genre in the United States.
'RIAA Honors Pioneers of Hip-Hop' Details, Venue
The Recording Industry Association of America will be launching its inaugural hip-hop event this coming September in Washington, DC.
Seeking to commemorate the legacy of hip-hop music icons and industry leaders who have made a lasting impact in the genre, the RIAA is partnering with other related organizations and government agencies for the event.
According to Billboard Pro, RIAA has partnered with the National Museum of African Music and the National Recording Registry to create content for the upcoming event. A podcast will also be launched to cover the program, "The State of Black Music," including video interviews on the honorees' stories.
Taking place on September 14, the "RIAA Honors: Pioneers of Hip-Hop" event will be held at the RIAA's new headquarters on F Street NW at the East End of Washington, D.C.
"At this year's RIAA Honors, we are thrilled to celebrate pioneers who have defied obstacles, defined a genre and accelerated the growth of hip-hop to audiences across generations and geography," RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier said in a statement.
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'RIAA Honors Pioneers of Hip-Hop' Honorees
Dubbed as the first DJ to use a turntable as an instrument, music icon Grandmaster Flash will be one of the honorees on the "RIAA Honors: Pioneers of Hip-Hop."
Along with him, female rap icon MC Lyte will also be recognized. Notably, Lyte was the first female rapper to get a Gold certification from RIAA for a single and the first-ever solo female MC to be nominated for a GRAMMY.
Universal Music Group Executive VP of Business & Legal Affairs Jeff Harleston will also be present as the night's label honoree for his foundation work for the Universal/Motown Fund endowment program.
Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries will be recognized for paving the way in congress in pushing for the Music Modernization Act and the Copyright Alternative in Small Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act, which instituted the Copyright Claims Board.
Missy Elliott, Dr. Dre. Yo-Yo, and DJ Kool will present the honorees' awards, while Rapsody, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Mix Master Mike will be performing. (via Billboard)
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