Hip Hop FinFest Vol. 5

Theme: Collective Care is Self Care

In-Person Concert on November 6th, 2026

Abrons Art Center, New York, NY

Winners announced Live!

Grand prize is $1,000!

RSVP for the IN-PERSON CONCERT on Nov 6th!

RSVP for the LIVESTREAM on Nov 6th!

Hip Hop FinFest is:

🎵 A youth song competition where the top 3 finalists get cash prizes (1st - $1,000, 2nd - $500, and 3rd - $250) and a SONY Studio in a Backpack valued at over $1300

🎤 A community concert where the top finalist gets an all expenses paid trip to NYC and perform their song to an enthusiastic crowd

📝 A chance to have Hip Hop legends give you feedback on your music and songwriting skills

🎨 A groundbreaking arts & finance program for schools and organizations

👥 An opportunity for educators to connect with their students on a deeper level

💸 A program that puts youth front and center as the voices of tomorrow on one of the most crucial topics in our lives: MONEY

RSVP for the IN-PERSON CONCERT on Nov 6th!

RSVP for the LIVESTREAM on Nov 6th!

Meet the Judges!

Medusa, the Gangsta Goddess

Engraved in the walls of Hip‑Hop’s living history stands the story of Super Soul Sista #1 — Medusa, long celebrated as “the Angela Davis of Hip Hop.”

Within Hip Hop’s corridors of respect, she stands as the undisputed Queen of West Coast Underground, embodying the soul, depth, and defiance that define authentic LA culture.

Corey James Gray is an international MC, songwriter, DJ, producer, and U.S. State Department Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador who has performed in more than 28 countries. Corey James is also the producer, host, and co-founder of Freestyle Mondays, New York City’s longest-running live band Hip Hop event, founded in 2001.

Cleo Couture student alumni judge

Cleo Couture is a producer and songwriter born and raised in CA, with a style described as ethereal across the ranges of genres she lives in. Now based in NY, Cleo collaborates with creatives in bringing their musical ideas to life.

Get inspired by past winners!

Click on the winner’s photo to view their winning song:

Vol 4. FinFest winner DyLay (RL ByLay),
Queens NY

Vol. 3 FinFest winner !KORE,
Bronx, NY

Vol. 2 FinFest winner Breadwinna CJ, Houston, TX

Vol. 1 FinFest winner Cleo de Jay,
Los Angeles, CA

SONY Studio in a Backpack equipment for all finalists (it’s pretty sweet):

SONY Studio in a Backpack includes:

🎶 ZV-1 Camera

🎶 Wireless Bluetooth® Shooting Grip and Tripod

🎶 WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones with Microphone

🎶 Rechargeable Battery Pack

🎶 Tough M 64GB Memory Card

🎶 Portable Bluetooth® Wireless Speaker

🎶 Shotgun Microphone

PLUS: Get entered to win

All students who complete a song submission who are not a finalist get entered in a raffle to win a SONY ZV-1 Camera, valued at $800!

Grand Prize: $1000

PLUS:

📸 SONY Studio in a Backpack with over $1,300 of equipment

✈️ All expenses paid trip to NYC for you and a guardian, including flight, hotel, and meals

🎤Perform your winning song at the live Hip Hop FinFest Concert

🎶 Receive video feedback from our Hip Hop legend judges

2nd Place Prize: $500

PLUS:

📸 SONY Studio in a Backpack with over $1,300 of equipment

🎶 Receive video feedback from our Hip Hop legend judges

3rd Place Prize: $250

PLUS:

📸 SONY Studio in a Backpack with over $1,300 of equipment

🎶 Receive video feedback from our Hip Hop legend judges

RSVP for the IN-PERSON CONCERT on Nov 6th!

RSVP for the LIVESTREAM on Nov 6th!

Contest Rules

Please reach out to smallchange@pocketschange.com if you have any questions about the contest rules below:

Must be between 12-19 years old to submit (2026 high school graduates are eligible)
Must be a resident of the United States, Canada, or Caribbean
Must submit video performance - NO audio-only submissions will be accepted.
Song must respond to one of the guiding questions provided, bonus points if the song includes content from one of the lessons
Must choose a beat provided by the competition or show proof the beat you chose is 100% original and not copywritten.
Your song must include a minimum of 2 verses and one chorus or hook.
Individual submissions only - you can put the song and music video together as a group, but it must feature a main artist who will represent the group
Absolutely no cursing or profanity allowed

Past Winners

4th Annual Hip Hop FinFest Winning Video By RL Bylay

3rd Annual Hip Hop FinFest Winning Video By K0RE

2nd Annual Hip Hop FinFest Winning Video By Breadwinna’ CJ

1st Annual Hip Hop FinFest Winning Video By JC Meraki

Sponsors!

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Program & Performance Partners

Sponsors & Grantors

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2025’s theme was “When Money Makes Change,” asking students how they show up as financial advocates for themselves, their families, and their communities.