Applications for the Hilltop Hoods initiative are now open. The grant, which includes $10,000, will help to make the road of an aspiring Aussie hip hop star just a little less hard.

As well as going home with the 10 large, the winner will also get a $500 merchandise startup kit, and some free legal advice as a part of the prize. To some, it might seem a little odd to couple prize money with a trip to a lawyer, but not if you’ve seen Straight Outta Compton.

The prize will be awarded by a panel of judges made up of Aussie hip hop experts and leaders, like Hau, Nish, Ran-Dee, Raph and Tom Thum.

Applications are open here for any Australian hip hop artist in the early stages of their career. If you’ve got a demo tape, some gumption, and aren’t signed to a commercial record label, you’re in with a shot. Applications are open now, and close March 22.

Past winners include Chelsea Jane, and hometown hero Jimblah:

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