LOS ANGELES, CA — January 31, 2026 — UnitedMasters hosted its third annual Celebration of Independence GRAMMY Party at the historic Hollywood Palladium, kicking off Grammy Week with a night focused on independent music. The event gathered artists, music executives, and fans for an evening that blended performances, culture, and innovation.
The lineup highlighted three major acts who set the tone for the evening. Multi-platinum hip-hop and country breakout star BigXthaPlug brought high energy along with his 600 label artists, including Ro$ama, Murdagang PB, KevanGotBandz, and KaineMusic. Caribbean dancehall sensation Armanii followed, celebrating the recent release of his debut album, The Impact. The night concluded with legendary Grammy-nominated rap duo Clipse, joined by special guest Pharrell Williams, delivering one of the most anticipated performances of the week.
Awards and milestones honor bigxthaplug
BigXthaPlug received recognition for several career milestones during the event. He was awarded RIAA double platinum plaques for “Take Care” and “All The Way,” featuring Bailey Zimmerman. Additional awards celebrated his album, I Hope You’re Happy, which reached number one on the Apple Music US Hip-Hop Albums chart and surpassed 1 billion total streams. The artist was also recognized for reaching 1 million YouTube subscribers and 500 million Spotify streams for “Mmhmm,” marking a major night of accomplishments.
The event was hosted in collaboration with McDonald’s, Visa, and Hennessy, emphasizing the connection between independent artists and leading brands in music and culture. UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute, alongside Co-Executive Vice Presidents of Music David Melhado and Michael Weiss, were present, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting independent talent.
A celebration of artistic freedom and innovation
The Celebration of Independence continues UnitedMasters’ tradition of elevating independent voices during the music industry’s most influential week. The event provided a platform for artists to showcase their creativity while maintaining ownership of their music and connecting with global brands. Attendees were able to experience live performances, network with industry leaders, and celebrate artistic freedom, cementing the party as a Grammy Week highlight.
Over the years, the event has welcomed cultural icons including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nas, DJ Khaled, Future, and Jermaine Dupri. The 2026 edition maintained that tradition, offering fans and artists a chance to celebrate the power of independent music in Los Angeles.
The third annual party demonstrated UnitedMasters’ dedication to creating opportunities for independent musicians to gain visibility, grow their brands, and make an impact within the industry. From major award recognitions to high-profile performances, the Celebration of Independence reaffirmed its status as an essential stop during Grammy Week, blending music, culture, and business in a single unforgettable evening.
UnitedMasters continues to champion the future of independent music, fostering innovation and artistic expression while celebrating the milestones of artists like BigXthaPlug, Armanii, and Clipse. The event’s success underscores the importance of providing independent voices with platforms to thrive in the music industry.
Source: UnitedMasters press release
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