5.24.2021
Rolling Loud Crowns Dupree G.O.D. as the Winner of “Got Bars?,” Their Twitch-Streamed Rap Competition
The Brooklyn Native Wins a Record Deal from EMPIRE, a Slot at a Future Rolling Loud Festival, Support From Monster Energy, Plus More
(L to R) Mark Buol, EMPIRE A&R, Nima Etminan, EMPIRE COO, Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud Co-Founder, Dupree G.O.D., Mack Sullivan, Rolling Loud, and Bobby Fisher, EMPIRE A&R
Photo credit: Smith Durogene
The Announcement:
A respected tastemaker, Rolling Loud prides finding talented artists early in their careers and exposing them to a wider audience. This week, Rolling Loud concluded “Got Bars?,” a regular rap competition reality series that aired on their Twitch channel, whittling a field of dozens over a period of eight months down to a single winner–Dupree G.O.D.
A Brooklyn native and a natural emcee, Dupree G.O.D. idolizes Nas and takes inspiration from Pro Era, listing Illmatic as his favorite album and Powers Pleasant as his favorite producer. As the “Got Bars?” champion, Dupree G.O.D. wins an enviable collection of prizes, chief among them a record deal with EMPIRE (EMPIRE’s COO Nima Etminan and A&Rs Bobby Fisher and Mark Buol judged the finale along with Rolling Loud Co-Founder Tariq Cherif). The “Got Bars?” prize package also includes a paid slot at a future Rolling Loud Festival, along with radio support from Miami radio station 99 Jamz, and brand support from Monster Energy.
“Rolling Loud has always been committed to supporting up-and-coming artists, it’s part of our DNA. They’re vital to keeping the culture alive and well, which is why we started ‘Got Bars?.’ We searched far and wide for rappers that have what it takes to make it in today’s musical landscape, and we believe our judges found a gem in Dupree G.O.D. He’s a wildly entertaining MC with star potential who stands a real chance to make it in this game. We’re really excited to see where he goes from here!” – Tariq Cherif, co-founder of Rolling Loud
“I came into this competition with something to prove, not only to myself but to everyone around. This win is a precious moment and opportunity that I will not take for granted. Thank you Rolling Loud, Monster, and EMPIRE records.” – Dupree G.O.D.
“The Rolling Loud talent showcase proves that Rolling Loud not only has its pulse on Live Shows but equally has its roots planted deep, discovering the next potential star. The engagement it has with a live streaming audience gives you direct insight into what the fans want to see & hear. We look forward to working with Dupree G.O.D. in amplifying his art and look forward to seeing him perform on that Rolling Loud stage,” Bobby Fisher, A&R at EMPIRE
Follow Dupree G.O.D. on socials: instagram | twitter
Watch the finale of “Got Bars?”: https://youtu.be/jOSGyWQv-dU
The rap competition “Got Bars?” is part of Rolling Loud’s weekly programming on Twitch, which also features shows like “The Rotation,” “RL Gaming,” “The Leak,” plus more. Rolling Loud has staged three “Loud Stream” virtual festivals, drawing millions of unique viewers with performances by Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, and More.
Rolling Loud also partnered with Twitch as part of their pandemic pivot to the becoming a heavy-hitter in the world of Livestreaming, drawing millions of unique viewers and landing multiple events in Pollstar’s Year-End Livestream Chart. Rolling Loud has hosted three multi-day “Loud Stream” festivals on Twitch, with headliners like Trippie Redd, Swae Lee, Gunna, Ski Mask The Slump God, Fetty Wap, and Lil Skies.
Catch Rolling Loud back outside this summer at the sold-out Rolling Loud Miami 2021 festival, headlined by Travis Scott, Post Malone & A$AP Rocky, occurring July 23rd-25th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL.
Get more info at RollingLoud.com
Buy Rolling Loud Merch: shoprollingloud.com
Critical Praise:
In four and a half years — beginning small in Miami, and now promoting Coachella-sized events around the country — Rolling Loud has established itself as a playground for the young…This time last year, many of the rappers now drawing crowds of several thousand were barely known.” – The New York Times
“Rolling Loud is the be-all of hip-hop festivals.” – Billboard
“The Rolling Loud New York experiment was a success—one which will likely earn it a return trip to the city in future years. Far from a traditional NYC rap experience, it was a two-day event that catered to the genre’s youngest fans, with an eye squarely focused on the future.” – Complex
“In only its fifth year with four major destinations and more in the pipeline overseas, athletes, celebrities and others are forking over as much as $20,000 for VIP packages. Of course, imitators are cropping up.” – Pollstar
“…within five years Rolling Loud has grown into one of the biggest hip-hop brands in the world. Locally, it has surpassed rival events Ultra and III Points in stature and rivals prestige festivals like Coachella.” – Miami New Times
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The Background:
Founded as a one-day festival in 2015 by Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud has evolved into a global behemoth, with annual festivals in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and the Bay Area. Postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rolling Loud Miami is scheduled for February 2021, and Rolling Loud Portugal, the brand’s first European festival and first-ever 5-day event, recently announced the lineup for next Summer. The company’s new Twitch partnership, which includes three virtual festivals in Fall 2020, allows Rolling Loud to maintain its vital cultural role during an impossibly difficult time for festivals and live music.
Links:
website | facebook | twitter |
Follow Dupree G.O.D. on socials: instagram | twitter
For full information, head to
https://www.rollingloud.com
Check out Rolling Loud on Twitch: twitch.tv/rollingloud