Vibrant red squares splashed across social media timelines with the iconic numbers "312".
For newcomers, being noticed must have surely surprised them, while well-known notables took the nod of acknowledgment from the crib as a touching tribute to their creative grind. It’s been a little over a week (March 12) since 12,000 votes were tallied choosing the inaugural recipients of the first annual 312 Music Awards. The wildly successful and standing-room-only event was produced by The Chicago Cultural Arts Organization, a local nonprofit, devoted to promoting arts and culture in Chicago with the goal of inspiring positive change in communities through classes, exhibitions, and performances. The public’s response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, shared Timothy “2Wooffishall” Wallace, one of the five TCCAO board members.
“The love has been great. People loved the energy in the room and it was what was needed. What people did ask for was to have more space next year,” - said Wallace.
Held at the Atrium (1645 N. Cicero) on Chicago’s westside Timothy and Henry “Looch the Spokesman” another TCCAO board member, estimated nearly 900 guests came out to celebrate and be seen. The evening was hosted by the hilarious Mike Samp and featured live performances by Taco, We Just Friends, MONI DA G and others.
“Chicago has real talent,” said Samp; “I always have fun hosting anything and the awards brought everyone under one roof with no BS.”
The drama-free evening showed the other side of Black Chicago culture. Community. Love. Respect. A whole lot of swag.
Chi Blizz undoubtedly was this year's G.O.A.T. sweeping three categories. Video director of the year went to Will Gates, often touted as Chicago’s Spielberg.
Easy O’Hare copped Album of the year and rightfully so. His wicked flow can be seen touring with Griselda Records, “s/o to the 312 Music Awards and the nominations and EVERYONE who voted for us Mama this for you I love you,” he posted on his IG. Fans can see him live Thursday, March 23rd at the Promontory performing with Rome Streetz and Stove God Cooks. A full list of awardees can be found on @312musicaawards IG.
“Experiences like this add value to the culture because it inspires souls to aim higher and achieve more,” shared Antar Tidwell, a music executive of CTC Crazy Media Group. Tidwell hopes to see double the support in 2024. Chicago culture, particularly Black culture, clearly is in the throes of its own renaissance. The inaugural awards show has Harlem Renaissance vibes. Black creatives were acknowledged by the Harmon Foundation in efforts to bring awareness of the contributions of African Americans to the fine arts.
In the wise words of Nas….“no idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun
It's never what you do, but how it's done.”
“We didn’t know anything about the awards at first. We found out we were nominated for the podcast of the year because someone tagged us in a post,” shared Amon Phillips, executive director of The Corner Convo Podcast. “It does feel good to know people support the work we put in,” Phillips said.
While they didn’t take home the win it’s not surprising why they got nominated. From hosting Hyde Park Summer Fest to opening for Rory and Mal they are on their way to blazing a trail for conversations that move the culture.
A number of podcasts, artists and creatives welcomed new followers and fans because of the exposure from the awards show. Let Looch the Spokesman tell it…that’s exactly the point. “We (TCCAO) plan on expanding the awards categories because we want to highlight all the contributors and pay respect to the industries and professionals that make up the Chicago art scene,” - Henry “Looch the Spokesman,” said.
TCCAO is producing the Young Fly and Famous Concert on April 2nd in Griffith, IN. “We are doing a lot for Chicago’s youth by showing them things with music and fashion and production classes but our main thing is teaching them about the business aspect before we get into the beat-making and performing,” shared Henry.
Open nominations for next year's 312 Music Awards kick off at Chicago Appreciation Day on June 24th, 2pm-6pm. Hosted at historic Chicago’s Finest Marina (557 E 134th Pl) this riverfront reunion is free and open to all ages.
Film, television and theater will have their turn in the local limelight at this fall’s Regal Movie Awards. Performers, writers, producers, casting companies and more make up the 26 categories including a special achievement award. Open nominations will be announced soon on The Chicago Cultural Arts Organization IG @chicagoculturalarts.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.