The inaugural Impact Music & Culture Award will be presented to Chuck D, the legendary leader and founder of rap group Public Enemy, social activist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner at The 2023 NAMM Show, being held April 13-15, in Anaheim, California.
The Impact Music & Culture Award was conceived by musician, producer and songwriter Brian Hardgroove as an opportunity to recognize individuals who move culture through the power of music. The award will be presented at NAMM for the very first time. Chuck D will be on hand to accept the award, presented at the TEC Experience on Thursday, April 13, from 6-7:30 p.m.
The recognition comes as part of The NAMM Show's Hip-Hop 50 celebration, a curated slate of sessions and events throughout the conference that pays tribute to a genre of music that has greatly influenced culture, music, and music-making products.
"As an outgrowth of hip-hop culture, rap music has revolutionized popular music with an impact not seen since the emergence of rock and roll. One of hip-hop's most influential artists is Public Enemy's Chuck D," shared Hardgroove, Public Enemy's bassist and bandleader and founder of Resonant Alien. "I had the opportunity to watch Chuck up close and witness first-hand the impact he's had on music fans worldwide. It will be an honor for me to present Chuck with the first Impact Music & Culture Award as part of this year's TEC Experience at NAMM."