Hilltop Hoods Give $10,000 To Rapper I AM D

Brisbane based rapper I AM D has won this year's Hilltop Hoods Initiative and will receive $10,000 towards the release of his debut solo album.

Backed by the Hilltop Hoods and APRA AMCOS, I AMD D – aka Tom Daley – joins the likes of Jimblah, Chelsea Jane and RUNFORYOURLIFE as previous winners.

“We were blown away by the amount of entrants this year,” said Hilltops' MC Suffa. “Congratulations to I AM D, the second Queenslander to take home the Initiative. Thanks to our partner APRA AMCOS and to our judges Hau, Raph, Nish, Ran-Dee and Tom Thum for their time and professionalism.”

APRA AMCOS Head of Member Services, Dean Ormston said they were “proud to partner with the guys from the Hilltop Hoods on this fantastic competition for hip hop and soul artists and writers. When you're in the early stages of releasing music, an opportunity like this is a crucial step in your career.”

As well as the recording cash Daley receives legal advice from media Arts Lawyers and packs from Shure Microphones and Zoo York Clothing.

Previous winners of the Hilltop Hoods Initiative

2013: Chelsea Jane
2012: RUNFORYOURLIFE
2011: Koolta
2010: 1/6
2007: Jimblah
2006: Subsketch and Particular People (joint winners)
2005: General Knowledge