Acclaim Magazine
Acclaim ran between 2006 and 2026 and holds the distinction of being Australia's longest running hip hop media business. Originally a print publication, Acclaim became fully digital and included Events and Video within its ecosystem. Whilst Acclaim underwent multiple evolutions over the years, ultimately it returned to a focus on uncovering emerging hip hop talent from Australia and around the world.
Acclaim Magazine
For the first decade of business, Acclaim was primarily a high-end printed publication. Sadly, as traditional distribution outlets in Australia disappeared and the digital age came into full effect, the printed magazine was permanently shelved. Thirty-eight print editions were produced in total. Issue one featured 50 Cent on the cover, issue 38 featured Vince Staples.
Acclaim All-Stars
Launched during Covid in 2020, the Acclaim All-Stars initiative was created as an annual platform to spotlight the best emerging hip hop and R&B talent from around Australia. All-Stars talent are nominated by an industry panel and then a final team is established via votes from the public. Content outputs include a series of cypher and solo performance videos, interviews and a digital cover shoot featuring all finalists. Past sponsors include JD Sports, UP (bank), Chivas Regal, Adobe, adidas Originals.
All-Stars
CARBON FESTIVAL 2013
Carbon Festival
Carbon was an annual festival of culture and creativity, produced by Acclaim Magazine between 2010 and 2014. Each year, Carbon featured two days of keynote presentations and panel discussions by some of the world’s most iconic creators including: Bobby Hundreds, Futura, Barry McGee, Chaz Bojorquez, Eddie Huang (pictured), Shawn Stussy, Martha Cooper, Henry Chalfant, Ricky Powell, Janette Beckman and many more. Surrounding the panels and keynotes were gallery shows, live art installations and music events.
Rap Royale
Red Bull Rap Royale was a Red Bull-sponsored YouTube gameshow and quiz series created in partnership with Acclaim Magazine that featured Australian and New Zealand hip-hop artists. Hosted by 24 Karat Kev, the series showcased rappers testing their knowledge, with episodes including matchups like Jaecy & DSP vs. Melodownz & Lilbubblegum.
RAP ROYALE
Acclaim Digital Covers
Acclaim's digital covers replaced the printed magazine and were reserved for only the biggest talent features. Coincidentally, our final digital cover featuring notorious Sydney Drill group ONEFOUR marked our thirty-eighth digital cover, the same number as our final print magazine.
40 Years of Aus Hip Hop
Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop Live at the 2023 ARIA Awards filmed on #GooglePixel8Pro
