The A3C Hip-Hop Festival serves as a sacred ground for new artists, DJs and producers to network and build a buzz. Since beginning in 2005, artists such as J. Cole, Wale and Yelawolf performed at the festival before experiencing stardom on major record labels. Held at the Masquerade in Atlanta, this year’s event featured notable acts such as Big Daddy Kane, Dead Prez, Freeway and M.O.P.

But there were several up and coming artists who proved to have certified star power. –amir shaw

Big K.R.I.T. 

The Mississippi native kept the crowd at AC3 on their toes for his entire 45-minute performance. Most fans knew every word from songs he rapped from his mixtapes K.R.I.T. Wuz Here and Return Of 4eva. After producing T.I.’s new single “Flexin,” Big K.R.I.T. is on the cusp of becoming the next hip-hop super star from the Dirty South.

Jean Grae 

By proving that female hip-hop artists can embrace lyricism without selling sex, Jean Grae superbly brings much-needed estrogen to hip-hop. Highlights from her show included performances from her DJ Drama-hosted mixtape Cookies & Comas. She is scheduled to release her album Cake or Death.

Freddie Gibbs 

Young Jeezy’s first-round pick for his CTE label, Freddie Gibbs mixes street anthems with social critiques. Gibbs’ collaboration with Freeway on ”Anything to Survive” was one of the most memorable moments of the festival. Pill – Maybach Music Group signee Pill also received great feedback from fans at AC3. He joined rapper Jon Connor on stage to perform his hit “Pacman.” With Rick Ross in his corner, Pill should have a bright 2012.

Cory Gunz

After his last subpar performance in Atlanta during a Kendrick Lamar show back in August, Cory Gunz had a lot to prove during his stint at AC3. This time around, he brought more energy to the stage and often rapped a cappella so that fans could hear every punchline and word in his verses. If Gunz can continue to establish a solid fan base, he will be the next to ride the Young Money wave to hip-hop prosperity.