Certified Hip Hop Awards 2025 Recap
Tre-Ski performs his song “Organixally Xklusiv” as one of the openers for the 2025 Certified Hip Hop Awards in Petersburg, VA on Saturday.
PETERSBURG, VA — Earlier this month, the Certified Hip Hop Awards took place at the Appomattox Center in Petersburg, VA, featuring recording artists from the 804, 757, and 434 area codes. The awards show, now in its third year, seeks to celebrate independent artists. Hosted by JD Haze and Unique of Hustle Hard Music Group, the night kicked off with music, food, drinks, and a red carpet moment hosted by celebrity journalist Jazzy B.
If you’re not familiar with the event, winners are determined through a public voting process for the popular vote. This year featured four major categories, split between the 757 and 804: Best Male R&B, Best Female R&B, Best Male Rapper, and Best Female Rapper — plus an overall Best Producer category.
The evening opened with an introduction from JD Haze and Unique, followed by soulful vibes from Richmond songstress ShaelaSoul, who performed her single “Glad I’m Me.”
Ghetto Ghost, a two-time winner of the 757 Best Male Rapper category, also took the stage to hype the crowd with “Ya Favorite Migo” and newly released single “Hello Haters.” Other performances included Taesean Blanding, Bigg MF Jazz, Tre-Ski, and Doe the Paper Boy.
DJ Derty Money. (Eric Jackson/ TRS)
The 2025 Hip Hop Icon Awards honored four influential figures in the scene: DJ Dr. Smooth, DJ King Tutt of 106.5 FM, Radio B., DJ Loyd T, and DJ Derty Money. Each recipient was recognized for their lasting impact on Virginia’s independent Hip Hop culture.
DJ King Tutt reflected on his journey when accepting the honor:
“I’ve been blessed to be around some great DJs,” he said. “One of the best things that probably could’ve happened in my life, other than music saving my life, is this. I had a rough childhood, and I spent my time listening to the radio, calling my favorite DJ to play my song. Now I’m on the radio, taking their songs.”
Radio B., out of Richmond, VA, received his award from J.D. Haze and delivered a challenge to the artists while accepting the 2025 Hip Hop Icon Award. (Eric Jackson/ TRS)
The show wrapped up with Radio B. receiving one of the final 2025 Hip Hop Icon Awards of the evening. In his speech, he challenged the artists in attendance:
“The most important thing as a Hip Hop artist is to be authentic and unique.”
So Who Won?
804 Best Male R&B
· WINNER: Taesean Blanding
· Rellxxx
· Mervin Mayo
· TSoul
· 3 The Goat
· Dizzy Wunda
· Shizzy Loc
· Garnett Bolden
804 Best R&B Female
· WINNER: Friday Love
· monea
· Anna Hlin & The Spirit
· Kiara J
· Lashana Lattrice
· Rue
804 Best Male Rapper
· WINNER: Stunna World
· Bliz
· Beezy Velli
· Beezy HustleHard
· Ed Da Realist
· FNF Chop
804 Best Female Rapper
· WINNER: Remona Red
· Che’Budta
· Big Jazz
· Dispurse
· Unique Michelle
· CoCo Splash
· Mia Money
· Dyfferant
Best Music Producer
WINNER: Clef Majorz
757 Best Male Rapper
· WINNER: Ghetto Ghost
· Gifted Hands
· GMG King
· Tyler Donavan
· Richie Rich
· Amir Driver
· Kelo
· Spaceman Kizzy
757 Best Female Rapper
· WINNER: Starr Brim
· Dime Dollas
· Starr Brim
· Erica Payne
· Pretty Savage
· Juicy Da Thugstress
· Tookie Da Topic
· Teezy So Dope
· Octavia the Great
757 Best Male R&B
· WINNER: Zae Bennett
· Mo Woods
· Khalifa Bryant
· Pretty Boy the Artist
· Clay Powell
· Niccolas J
· Rob J
757 Best Female R&B
· WINNER: Miss Keys
· Devecia Mack
· Alrantra
· JoJo Corona
· Shuntell Diverse
· Alexa Rae
· Jasmine Alysha
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