For the first time in Iowa City, Gabe’s will host an event to benefit local hip-hop artists and Iowa City as a whole in the First Hip-Hop for the Holidays Donation Drive.

The event will begin at 9 p.m. Friday at Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St. Admission is $5.

Audience members can expect to hear the musical stylings of AWTHNTKTS, Imperfekt, MC Rentz, and more at the show.

Fans will not only get the chance to see their favorite Iowa City hip-hop artists, but they can also help someone in need this holiday season.

Attendees are encouraged to bring clothes, canned food, or kids’ toys, which will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Iowa City is becoming home to a rich hip-hop environment, and many up and coming artists will be present at this event.

Leading that charge is AWTHNTKTS, which has quickly burst on the forefront of Iowa City’s  hip-hop scene. The group has opened for some big name underground rappers, including Freddie Gibbs and Mac Lethal. The group is in the process of releasing its first album, Concrete Pillows.

— by Mckenna Paulus