J Soulja and DJ Napalm have put together the premier Hip Hop and R&B showcase in Austin, TX, The Smokout ATX. In 2019 they started The Smokeout tournament, which gives artist a chance to win a spot in The Smokeout ATX SXSW show. This year they are bringing it back bigger and better than ever.
For those who have been attending The Smokeout showcases since its inception you already know how important and influential this show has become for artist looking to break into the industry and get eyes and ears on their content in the Austin area. If this is your first time hearing about the show, better late than never.
The tournament is basically the march madness for music: 32 artist, 5 rounds, 2 prizes! The winning artist or group not only gets a slot in The Smokeout ATX SXSW show, they also become and official SXSW artist and all the perks and opportunities that title comes with.
The rules are straight forward artist must have 5 records to perform one each round. The artist will be judged on stage performance, crowd control, best music or song for the round. You can not perform the same some twice, even if you thinks it is a hit. You're allowed to perform as a group or duo but each artist must have a verse on the chosen song for all five rounds. The artist can not be auto enhanced, unless they make it to the final round of competition. This means: no auto tune, no bands or instruments, no hype man or woman, no personal dj.
Last years winner was J. Mill, whom performed and lost in the 2020 version of the tournament. This year J. Mill is one of the judges helping choose the winner that will not only get the prizes mentioned before but they will also receive the championship belt. The belt is a new addition to the The Smokeout ATX tournament tradition. The winner will be able to keep the title belt until they have to battle again at the next Smokeout show, against the Pre-roll winners.
The Pre Roll is the open mic showcase that is used as an incubator for the The Smokeout ATX show. The best of the best from the Pre-roll show, held every Tuesday at Flamingo Cantina, grace The Smokeout stage. The Smokeout is held at the top of every quarter in a year.
The judges for the tournament consist of various artist and alumni of The Smokeout stage Kade Fresco, Lynn, J. Mill, and LHF Lil Ke. The tournament start January 17th, 2023 and will until the final rounds January 31st. The event will be held at the Flamingo Cantina.
Checkout what The Smokeout ATX is all about below and come back here for more updates on the tournament and other Smokeout events.
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