New Global Hip Hop Awards Show aims to ''Put Respect Back '' on Hip Hop Culture

New Global Hip Hop Awards Show aims to ''Put Respect Back On The
Name'' Hip Hop

Comedian Godfrey Asked Why Black Creators Don't Build Their Own Award
Shows - The World Hip Hop Awards Says, "We Built It."

Atlanta, GA - March 17, 2026 - Following a viral cultural call-to-action from comedian and cultural commentator Godfrey urging Black creators to stop seeking validation from traditional award institutions and begin building their own platforms, the World Hip Hop Awards (WHHA) is stepping forward to highlight a global awards platform that has already been in development and unsupported for nearly a decade.
In a widely shared message across social media and podcasts, Godfrey challenged audiences to rethink their relationship with legacy institutions such as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, questioning why Black creators continue to seek validation from platforms that often overlook their cultural contributions.

Link: www.instagram.com/p/DVaGmmWEYay/?hl=en

The sentiment echoes the mission behind the World Hip Hop Awards, a global cultural platform created to recognize excellence in Hip Hop artists, innovators, and cultural leaders from around the world. Founded by Hip Hop industry veteran Tandy Weems, the WHHA aims to elevate Hip Hop to a global stage while honoring the culture's original principles of community, creativity, and knowledge.

"The conversation Godfrey started is exactly why the World Hip Hop Awards was created," said Weems. "Hip Hop is not just a music genre, it's the most influential culture on the planet, yet it has not been seen nor celebrated on a global stage that belongs to the culture itself."

Daring to become one of the most prestigious honors in Hip Hop and humanitarianism, the World Hip Hop Awards will recognize both signed and independent MCs equally, alongside DJs, Break Dancers, Graffiti and Visual Artists, and innovators representing the 5th Element of Hip Hop - Knowledge. Artists and contributors from around the world will be nominated and voted on by Hip Hop fans globally, bringing together cultures, languages, and communities onto one historic stage.

The inaugural WHHA broadcast is currently targeting a global live production in 2027 in Dubai UAE with dream-team hosts acclaimed Dave Chappelle and Hip Hop icon Queen Latifah. When asked why the inaugural event is targeting Dubai despite Hip Hop being born in the United States, Tandy explained the global vision behind the decision.

"Six years ago, we were offered full funding to bring the World Hip Hop Awards to China," she said. "We declined because our vision was always to launch the first event at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, they stayed in contact with us for years hoping we get funded, but we are in our 9th year and I am ashamed to say out loud that we have yet to get any support in the US for an Hip Hop event that honors the true essence of the culture that embodies community, family and moral and artistic excellence''.

She continues' 'Dubai later entered the conversation because of its infrastructure and its ability to host a truly elegant global cultural event. But more importantly, there is a genuine desire there for non-controversial entertainment and that is the WHHA, no politics no ideology pushing - just the honoring and celebration of culture, creativity, innovation and humanitarianism - THAT'S HIP HOP!

Hip Hop has grown from block parties in the Bronx into a multi-billion-dollar cultural force influencing music, fashion, sports, film, digital media, and technology around the world. Tandy adds

"The WHHA is an opportunity to reset Hip Hop and Black culture, to put some respect back on our name! Culture doesn't need permission," Tandy added. "What we need is unity again. We built it together and together we can re-build, re-educate, and re-claim it! Tandy continues I'm TRUE to this not new to this- she laughs, I served on the management team for Main Source, Mike Tyson and The Game , on the PR team for Zulu Nation, and Mobb Deep, I can name names all day! Mark Pitts who is currently CEO of RCA Records and I managed Notorious BIG and Faith Evans from my living room in Flushing Queens! However, I can see Hip Hop and black culture has lost its way... We all can! Why? because WE have lost our way meaning WE have lost the purpose and the control of the power Hip Hop has, now its WEAPONIZED against the communities of its creators ... its time to bring the music and ourselves back to the culture and put some RESPECT back on the names HIP HOP and BLACK CULTURE! "

The World Hip Hop Awards is issuing a 'Call To Action' to artists, brands, podcasters, media platforms, and cultural institutions worldwide to support the WHHA and help shape the future of the new renaissance in Hip Hop and Black culture. Contact : info@worldhiphopawards.com
For Interview Inquiries Contact: Make It Happen PR - Mia Ferguson - wdeb245@gmail.com
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MAKE IT HAPPEN PR
1735 Peachtree St NE
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For Interview Inquiries Contact: Make It Happen PR - Mia Fergason - info@worldhiphopawards.com

About The World Hip Hop Awards (WHHA)
Poised to be recognized as "Hip Hop's Grammys" for its elevated presentation, global scope, and sophisticated branding, the World Hip Hop Awards (WHHA) is a groundbreaking first-of-its-kind platform-created to honor and celebrate Hip Hop as a worldwide culture. The WHHA is the first global Hip Hop awards show to unite the full spectrum of the culture on one stage. For the first time ever, signed and independent MCs, alongside DJs, Break-dancers, Graffiti Artists, and innovators representing Hip Hop's powerful 5th Element-Knowledge-will be recognized and celebrated together.

What makes the WHHA truly revolutionary is its global voting system, where Hip Hop fans from every corner of the world nominate and elevate the artists, creators, and organizations they believe best represent the culture. These nominees will take the stage in a historic showcase of talent, authenticity, and cultural impact. The WHHA is currently targeting an iconic hosting lineup featuring legendary Hip Hop figure Queen Latifah alongside acclaimed comedian and cultural voice Dave Chappelle-a pairing that reflects both the legacy and evolution of Hip Hop. Envisioned as a traveling global experience, the inaugural WHHA event is targeted to stream LIVE worldwide, with planned host venues including the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (2026) and the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE (2027).

The World Hip Hop Awards is actively seeking artists, brand partners, and live streaming collaborators to join in building this historic global platform. Contact: info@worldhiphopawards.com

Fans can nominate who they would like to see grace the WHHA iconic stage on he website - : www.worldhiphopawards.com

About Tandy Weems
Tandy Weems is a highly respected industry professional, visionary, and thought leader with over 30 years of experience in the Hip Hop entertainment business. A true Brooklyn Hip Hop OG, Tandy's career reflects the evolution and history of Hip Hop itself. She has worked alongside and contributed to the success of some of the most iconic names in the culture, including The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, Redman, Dru Hill, Soul for Real, and many others. Known for her strategic insight and trusted leadership, Tandy has served as a right-hand executive to influential industry figures such as Mark Pitts CEO of Epic Records & ByStorm Ent, Angelo Ellerbee CEO of Doublexxposer PR, and James "Jimmy Henchman'' Rosemond CEO Czar Ent and others . Her work has spanned artist development, executive management, and high-level deal structuring. Her many pioneering achievements and unique combination of creative vision, business acumen, and legal expertise has made her an invaluable force behind the scenes-helping shape careers, companies, and culture. LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/tandy-weems-551a65106/

For Interview Inquiries Contact: Make It Happen PR - Mia Fergason - wdeb245@gmail.com

This release was published on openPR.