By: Lennard James
The world of entertainment is in the midst of a cultural shift, and hip hop is once again leading the way. With the exit of both the BET Awards and the Soul Train Awards from the annual awards show calendar, a new force has emerged to carry the torch. Enter the 2025 People’s Hip Hop Awards & Experience Show, set to ignite Memphis, Tennessee, on Sunday, August 17, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 N. Main Street. This event is more than a replacement—it’s a movement dedicated to securing the legacy of hip hop and celebrating its influence with authenticity and power.
The visionary behind this new chapter is Michael Dockery, a seasoned cultural curator and founder of this groundbreaking awards show. Dockery understands what’s at stake. With mainstream outlets stepping back from their flagship music award ceremonies, he is moving the needle to ensure that hip hop—arguably the most influential cultural force of the last 50 years—remains front and center in the spotlight it deserves. His mission is not simply to fill a void, but to elevate the conversation, recognize the artistry, and honor the culture’s architects and future leaders.
This year’s People’s Hip Hop Awards & Experience promises to be a night unlike anything the city of Memphis has seen before. The lineup reads like a who’s who of the genre: headliner Big Boogie will bring his signature sound and unmatched energy to the stage, alongside the East Side Boyz, La Chat and Crunchy Blac of 3-6 Mafia, Haystak, Silkk the Shocker and Mia X, Trillville, Young Buck, and Princess of Crime Mob. More than 50 celebrity guests will round out the night, ensuring that the event not only celebrates the music but showcases the full range of talent that keeps hip hop alive.
Guiding the evening will be hosts Omar Gooding and Lil Rounds, a dynamic pairing who bring charisma, experience, and deep connections to music and entertainment. Their presence underscores the show’s commitment to blending star power with genuine cultural relevance.
But the “Experience” in the event’s title is no mere marketing phrase—it’s the blueprint. The celebration will spill beyond the main stage with interactive fan activations, exclusive merchandise drops, networking opportunities for artists and industry professionals, and a chance for attendees to directly engage with the culture they love. From meet-and-greets to afterparties, the night will be infused with Memphis flavor and the raw energy of hip hop’s creative core.
The People’s Hip Hop Awards isn’t just about handing out trophies, it’s about preserving a legacy. With the absence of the BET Awards and the Soul Train Awards, many fans feared there would be no major platform to honor the depth, diversity, and richness of Black music culture in a way that felt authentic. Dockery’s vision is to build something that not only fills that gap but surpasses it, rooted in community input and a genuine love for the art form.
The award categories will reflect this commitment, honoring not just chart-toppers but lyricists, producers, innovators, and pioneers. The show will highlight those whose contributions often go unrecognized by mainstream outlets, from underground trailblazers to cultural influences shaping the future of the genre. And because it’s “the people” making the choices, winners will carry the weight of fan endorsement—a recognition that’s hard-earned and deeply meaningful.
Memphis is the perfect host city for this rebirth of music awards. As the home of legendary blues, soul, and rap influences, the city’s musical DNA runs deep. Hosting the event here ties hip hop’s present to its roots in African American musical innovation, ensuring that the celebration isn’t just about the hits of today but the lineage that made them possible.
Michael Dockery is clear about his vision for the future: “This isn’t a one-off event—it’s the start of a new tradition. We’re building an institution that will stand the test of time, honoring our culture on our terms. The BET Awards had its run. The Soul Train Awards had its run. Now it’s time for the People’s Hip Hop Awards to define the next era.”
Tickets for the August 17 event are already in high demand, and with a lineup this stacked, they’re expected to sell out well in advance. For fans, industry insiders, and anyone who believes in the power of hip hop, this is more than a night of performances—it’s a statement of ownership, pride, and unity.
When the lights come up in the Cannon Center this August, it won’t just be an awards show. It will be a moment in history where the culture took control of its own narrative, honored its creators, and looked boldly toward the future. The people have spoken—and on August 17, Memphis will answer.
🎟️ Tickets and VIP access available now at Ticketmaster.com 📍 Cannon Center for the Performing Arts | Memphis, TN 📅 August 16–18, 2025
