To kick off the 13th annual hip-hop music festival and conference, ChooseATL and A3C will host their official Welcome to ATL Reception, at The Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, GA on October 4th, 2017. This reception will honor two extraordinary individuals who have made social and cultural impacts in the community.
Kevin “Coach K” Lee, music management trailblazer and co-owner of Quality Control, the record label (Lil Yachty, The Migos and more), will receive the Cultural Icon Award for his tremendous influence in hip-hop that has transcended the genre.
Alongside of Coach K, Angela Rye will be the recipient of the Social Impact Award. Angela is a successful lawyer, social justice advocate and CEO of IMPACT Strategies Firm. She has used her voice as a commentator for top news outlets such as CNN, to push the dialogue of positive change in the political process, especially for those voices left unheard.
“The Welcome to ATL Reception is the perfect way to begin an amazing week. We’re able to show our appreciation for some amazing people that we really respect and admire. We feel it’s an important event for Atlanta and hip-hop.” Mike Walbert, Co-Founder of A3C states.
Additionally, A3C will recognize the 5 Action Pitch Competition finalists and the 5 music tech entrepreneurs selected for A3C’s Startup Spotlight. A3C’s Action Pitch Competition invests in new, innovative ideas that use art, music and hip-hop culture for social justice.
A3C’s inaugural Startups Spotlight highlights music tech innovators that help music makers create, market, share and monetize music.
Lastly, A3C will pay tribute to Grip Plyaz, a legend in the Atlanta hip-hop community. Grip Plyaz passed away earlier this year, and his lost has been felt across the city. Before being diagnosed with cancer, Grip was one of two artists to perform at every A3C.
Photos from 2016 Welcome to ATL Reception