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Nomination Criteria

5th Annual NIMA Awards Category Criteria
(*** indicates General Category)
CATEGORY CRITERIA
Best R&B Solo Artist Male
Best R&B Solo Artist Female
Hip Hop Solo Artist Male
Hip Hop Solo Artist Female
Contemporary Gospel Artist
Urban Gospel Artist
Best Hip-Hop/R&B Group
Best Pop Rock Band
Best Hard Rock/Metal Band
Overall Vocal ability
Songwriting/Production
Media Presence (Internet/Print/Radio/Social Networking)
* Reverb Nation Charts
* Facebook Presence
* Digital Download Services
Twitter Followers
Street Buzz (People’s Choice, based on fan voting)
Best Live Spoken Word Artist
Best Live R&B Performer
Best Live Hip-Hop Performer
Best Live Rock Performer(s)
Best Funk/Soul Band
Delivery
Lyrical/Musical Content
Stage Presence
Work Ethic 12-18 mos.
Street Buzz (People’s Choice, based on fan voting)
People’s Choice Award
Nominee with highest overall nominations by the fans/voting public – winner announced at the NIMA Awards.
Best Video
Minimum Criteria:
Video released in the last 12-18 months
Other Criteria that may be considered:
Film Production/Direction
Video Concept
Editing
Internet Presence (You Tube, Facebook, World Star Hip Hop, etc.)
Street Buzz (People’s Choice, based on fan voting)
Rawlow B Award “Grinder of the Year” *
Someone who represents innovation in the indie urban game, an industry figure who is ahead of his/her time, promoting Mid-TN urban music to the Nashville community and surrounding regions.
*Street Buzz included (People’s Choice, based on fan voting)
Album of the Year***
Minimum Criteria:
Released in the last 12-18 months
LP (10 or more tracks)
Original Material (20% of album can be covers for R&B, Pop, Rock Only)
Other Criteria that may be considered:
Album Concept
Overall Songwriting/Production
Street Buzz (People’s Choice)
Song of the Year***
Minimum Criteria:
Released in the last 12-18 months
Original Production and Lyrics
Any genre eligible
Other Criteria that may be considered:
Media Presence (Internet/Print/Radio/Social Networking)
*Reverb Nation Charts
*Digital Download Services
*Local/Regional Radio Airplay, Broadcast and Online
Songwriting/Production
Street Buzz (peoples choice, based on fan voting)
Artist of the Year***
Minimum Criteria:
Album out in the last 12-18 months
Other Criteria that may be considered:
Media Presence
Work Ethic 12-18 mos.
Level of Artistry
Street Buzz (People’s Choice)
NIMA Business Excellence Award
A business, event or entity that conducts sustainable music business that is ethical and fair and embodies the mission of the NIMA Association.
Best Producer
Minimum Criteria:
Minimum of Three (3) mixed/mastered released singles in the last 12-18 months
Other Criteria that may be considered:
Artistic Quality
Unique Sound
Regional/Mainstream Placement
Street Buzz (People’s Choice)
Most Supportive DJ
2011 Recipient: DJ Sir Swift