1/6 – emerging Hip Hop artist Aaron Stephanus – has been announced as the recipient of the Hilltop Hoods Initiative. With the support of the Hilltop Hoods and APRA, 1/6 has won a healthy career kick-start of $10,000 to go towards the release and promotion of his first solo album.

Emcee Suffa of The Hilltop Hoods said: “Thanks to APRA and our superstar judges Hau, Raph, Nish and Ran-Dee. Congratulations to 1/6, he’s a very deserving recipient.”

As part of the prize package, 1/6 will also receive valuable legal advice courtesy of David Vodika and Media Arts lawyers and will perform live at this year’s biggest songwriters’ conference – Song Summit, 19-21 June, at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“We are very pleased to have partnered with Hilltop Hoods on this initiative,” said Sally Howland, APRA|AMCOS Director of Member Services. “It is grants such as this that give emerging artists a real opportunity to advance their careers.”

Born in Australia but raised in Namibia, 1/6 is an African-Australian who is emerging as one of Aussie hip hops freshest talents. Schooled in Africa until 18, he recently returned to Australia to experience a new life. Now based in Melbourne, 1/6 boasts regular appearances with respected groups Illzilla, Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, The Mega Horns, Polo Club, Black Jesus and his crew Pang Productions.
To hear more from 1/6, head here.

About The Hilltop Hoods Initiative
Previously only opened to South Australian artists this partnership enabled the Hilltop Hoods Initiative to extend its reach nationally. It provides one emerging Australian Hip Hop artist a career starting opportunity – $10,000 to release and promote an album, plus legal advice and an outstanding live performance opportunity at Song Summit 2010, 19-21 June. Proudly presented by Aussie Hip Hop giants, Hilltop Hoods and APRA, the initiative is open to emerging Hip Hop artists or groups who have not released an album professionally/commercially.

Hand-picked by The Hilltop Hoods, the 2010 judging panel featured some of Australia’s most influential Hip Hop figures:
Hau (ACT) – Artist (Koolism), triple j Presenter (The Hip Hop Show)
Nish (SA) – Graffiti Artist, Community Worker
Ran-Dee (NSW) – Manager (Def Wish Cast), Radio Presenter (Alchemy Radio)
Raph (VIC) – Artist, Clothing Label Owner (Blank Clothing), Author (Behind The Beat)