In the vast landscape of music, YouTube stands out as a hub for some of the most influential content, especially within the realms of rap and hip hop. Last August, the platform paid homage to the genre’s rich history with the launch of FIFTY DEEP, a cultural initiative commemorating Hip Hop’s evolution over the past half-century.
YouTube FIFTY DEEP
YouTube takes another stride in preserving and propelling this legacy with the introduction of the FIFTY DEEP Music Class of 2024. This groundbreaking program, a multi-generational grants initiative, aims to uplift and empower Black artists, songwriters, and producers within the Hip Hop community.
Spanning across continents from the United States to Brazil, the UK, Nigeria, South Africa, and beyond, the FIFTY DEEP Music Class represents a diverse global cohort of trailblazers shaping the future of music. YouTube pledges unwavering support to this new generation of Hip Hop talents, offering grants for content creation, alongside invaluable resources and promotional opportunities facilitated through YouTube and Google platforms.
Beyond financial support, participants can expect tailored assistance ranging from channel optimization to strategic guidance in content creation and development. The program also promises immersive experiences such as songwriting sessions, A&R support, and exclusive access to upcoming products and features, all aimed at nurturing artistic growth and expanding their reach to audiences worldwide.
As Hip Hop continues to evolve, YouTube remains committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within the genre, ensuring its enduring influence for generations to come.
Dunnie Lawal
Dunnie proudly stands as the lone Nigerian artist to grace the prestigious YouTube Fifty Deep Music Class of 2024, a testament to her exceptional talent and undeniable impact on the global music scene.
A pioneering producer and singer from Lagos, Nigeria, Dunnie is recognized as the first female Afrobeats producer in Nigeria, making significant contributions to the country’s music landscape. Dunnie’s work extends beyond music; she mentors aspiring female artists through initiatives like the Nahla Initiative, a 10-day boot camp supported by YouTube Music.
Class OF 2024 in alphabetical order.
41 (Kyle Richh, Jenn Carter, TaTa) – Brooklyn, NY
AntsLive – London, England
B Wise – Sydney, Australia
Bashy – London, England
BigXthaplug – Dallas, TX
Ceebeaats – London, England
Chief Keef – Chicago, IL
Citizen Kay – Canberra, Australia
Cristale – London, England
De La Soul – Long Island, NY
Dunnie – Lagos, Nigeria
Ebony – Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Hunxho – Atlanta, GA
INK – Columbus, GA
Lay Bankz – Philadelphia, PA
Lost – Montreal, Canada
Maiya The Don – Brooklyn, NY
Nasty C – Durban, South Africa
P2J – London, England
ScarLip – Bronx, NY
Skilla Baby – Detroit, MI
Theron Thomas – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tiara Thomas – Los Angeles, CA
Tommy Parker – San Bernardino, CA
Turbo – Atlanta, GA
Vírus Carinhoso – Salvador, Bahia – Brazil
Yan Cloud – Salvador, Bahia – Brazil
Yuli – Los Angeles, CA