Hip-hop heads, music geeks, bounce fanatics and twerkers unite this Saturday, October 26 at the freshly re-opened Civic Theatre when the Fourth Annual NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards take over the space. Part awards show, part concert, the NOLA UHHA has rapidly become one of the city’s key authorities on who matters in New Orleans hip-hop.

Four years ago, local entrepreneur and hip-hop producer, Lawrence “Law” Parker and his Supreme Street company decided it was time New Orleans’ unsung heroes and heroines in Crescent City bounce and hip-hop get recognized in the same fashion that only platinum pop artists, or even New Orleans jazz and “traditional” musicians, are typically honored. And so the NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards were born in 2010.

Bounce pioneer, DJ Jimi set to receive NOLA Hip Hop Lifetime Achievement Award.

A comprehensive roster of the city’s most active MCs, producers, DJs and even videographers now appear each year at a different theater downtown for one intense night of New Orleans hip-hop heaven. Artists from the legendary No Limit / Cash Money crew Mannie Fresh and DJ Wop to the late Magnolia Shorty, bounce divas Big Freedia and Keedy Black, and more have graced the awards show stage.

One of the ongoing program’s  noteworthy aspects is the nomination committee’s dedication to ensuring that not just the city’s most well-known names are presented, but the burgeoning underground scene of independent artists as well. Organizers say that the annual awards show serves not only to give long overdue props to older pioneers of the genre, but also to encourage the next generation of young artists to keep honing their craft. Additionally, the voting process is one of inclusion, where anyone with internet access can cast their choices for their favorite nominate artists, making for a truly fan and community-driven roster. Although open voting closed yesterday, you can still learn about current and past nominees on the NUHHA website here.

As with most awards shows, the Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the most highly anticipated. This year, three legends will be honored: Sthaddeus “Polo Silk” Terrell, Bust Down and DJ Jimi. Perhaps there is no better year than 2013 for DJ Jimi’s role as one of the forerunners of bounce music to be recognized, given the popularization of “twerking,” courtesy of NOLA’s own queen diva, Big Freedia, and of course, that little VMA controversy with Miley Cyrus.

A tribute to the late No Limit rapper, Mr. Magic will be presented Friday.

Q93 FM’s DJ RO will present a special tribute to the Ninth Ward’s No Limit Records rapper, Mr. Magic, who unfortunately passed away in March of this year. After joining Master P and C-Murder’s hip-hop empire in 1998, Magic’s debut that year, “Sky’s the Limit,” reached #15 on the Billboard 200, and his second No Limit release, 1999’s “Thuggin’,” which had major success, peaked at #30.

Awards for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Male and Female Performances, the Soulja Slim Award and more will be presented this Friday at the 2013 NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards. The Rap Pack, Sissy Nobby, 10th Ward Buck, Mr. Marcelo, Jay Jones and more are among this year’s awards show live performance highlights. And as always, we can be sure to expect some surprises (there always are). DJ Hektik will man the wheels of steel and MC Shiny Green plays host with the most for the fourth year in a row.

The event takes place this Saturday, October 26 at the Civic Theatre (510 O’Keefe Ave). Red carpet step-and-repeat with nominees, presenters and performers begins at 5 p.m., with showtime beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 general admission or $50 – $75 VIP, and available online through TicketMaster or the Civic Theatre box office at the door.

OFFBEAT TICKET GIVE-AWAY CONTEST

OffBeat Magazine is giving away [2] tickets to the 4th Annual NOLA Underground Hip Hop Awards! Simply complete the online form below and submit to enter. Winners are chosen at random and notified via Email by Saturday, October 26 at 12pm. Good Luck!