HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — North Carolina recording artist Dubb Bankroll added a significant achievement to his growing résumé on September 13, capturing the First Annual Fred the Godson Hip Hop Award during the Ablaze Microphone Masters Showcase at Valentino’s in Hicksville, New York.
The showcase brought together emerging hip-hop artists competing for an award created in recognition of the late Bronx rapper Fred the Godson, whose lyricism and dedication to hip-hop earned him considerable respect within the culture.
For Dubb Bankroll, a Richmond County, North Carolina native, the victory represents another step in a career that has increasingly extended beyond his home state.
From Richmond County to a New York Stage
Dubb Bankroll entered the showcase as an independent artist who has been steadily building his catalog and audience through music rooted in Southern hip-hop, melodic rap, street narratives and personal experiences.
His performance at Valentino’s ultimately earned him the event’s top distinction: the inaugural Fred the Godson Hip Hop Award.
Winning the first edition of the award carries particular significance because Dubb Bankroll’s name will now be permanently associated with the beginning of what organizers intend to establish as an annual hip-hop honor.
The September 13 showcase was presented by Ablaze Entertainment as part of its Microphone Masters platform. The event was hosted by Terrell Blair, featured DJ Eaz, and was recorded by Ty Wizz TV.
Building Momentum for Dubb Bankroll
The New York victory comes as Dubb Bankroll continues working to expand his profile heading through 2026.
According to the artist’s press materials, he was born and raised in Richmond County and has developed a following through consistent releases, live appearances and an independent approach to building his career.
His team says his music has accumulated millions of streams across digital platforms, with material connected to the Zack Goins project accounting for more than 10 million streams.
His press materials also state that Dubb Bankroll previously received a record-deal offer from Master P’s No Limit Records, an opportunity he ultimately did not pursue. He instead followed another path that included an affiliation with YPC, described in his materials as being connected to the late Richmond County NFL player Melvin Ingram.
Those career decisions have become part of Dubb Bankroll’s larger story: pursuing national opportunities while continuing to build his identity on his own terms.
A Growing Catalog
Dubb Bankroll’s catalog includes projects such as Born Legendary (Deluxe), Street Therapy, Area 51, Malik Days and The Genius.
His sound crosses several areas of contemporary hip-hop, including Southern rap, trap and melodic rap, while emphasizing storytelling and themes of ambition, perseverance and everyday life.
The artist has also positioned himself for additional concerts, collaborations, interviews and media appearances as his audience grows.
A Meaningful Win Away From Home
For an artist coming out of Richmond County, winning a hip-hop showcase in the New York market provides another opportunity to introduce his music to listeners outside the Carolinas.
It also places Dubb Bankroll alongside the name of an artist remembered for technical ability, authenticity and dedication to his craft.
The Fred the Godson award victory gives Dubb Bankroll a tangible accomplishment to carry into the next stage of his career—and makes him the first artist to win the honor.
As Dubb Bankroll’s own press-kit message puts it, the focus heading through 2026 is bigger than simply releasing records.
He is attempting to build a legacy.