Now in its 8th year, Atlanta’s annual A3C Hip Hop Festival will be held October 11-13, 2012.

Not only has the event become the largest Hip Hop festival in the southeastern United States, drawing over 15,000 people in 2011, but it is the premier gathering place for MCs, DJs and producers that create Hip Hop music as well as participants and fans of the culture.

In addition to headliner Twista, King Louie, GLC and Mikkey Halsted will represent the Midwest in the Taste of Chicago showcase presented by Xtreme Promo and Fake Shore Drive. Taste of Chicago also features YP, Mush Millions, Fresh, Squart and others.

Continuing to showcase regional Hip Hop sounds, A3C’s Texas showcase presented by Pushamania includes Paul Wall, Killa Kyleon, A.Dd+, The Niceguys, League of Extraordinary Gz, Doughbeezy, Kydd and Worldwide.

Long time A3C Partner, Fadia Kader returns to the festival with Perfect Attendance presented by LiveMixtapes all three nights at Little Five Point’s Five Spot. Saturday night, hosted by Dirty Glove Bastards, features Devin The Dude, Don Trip, Starlito, Young Scooter, SL Jones, Cory Mo, OG Ron C and DJ Burn One. Thursday Night will be hosted by Good Music All Day and Friday will be hosted by The Smoking Section with artists still to be announced for both evenings.

 A3C alumnus 9th Wonder also returns with his independent label Jamla Records and performances from artists Big Remo, Actual Proof, Rapsody and others.

 Creative Revolution Union (CRUx) and EarMilk join forces to present Right Brain headlined by Ab-Soul. Sponsored by Rocksmith Clothing, the Right Brain showcase also features Ducko McFli, FKi, Zip, Kenney and Mach Five.

A3C is still accepting artists’ submissions through ReverbNation and Sonicbids until August 31. A3C staff listen to every submission and are looking for talented artists from across the country who can bring something unique to the festival. All artists that submit, regardless of selection, receive a 3-day festival pass through Sonicbids or a code to purchase discounted tickets through ReverbNation.

Tech N9ne, Freeway, Gunplay, CunninLynguists and Hopsin are just a few of other artists confirmed to perform at the 2012 event in addition to a special appearance by Ghet-O-Vision/Shady recording artist Yelawolf.

 For a complete list of 2012 performing artists visit www.a3cfestival.com/artists.

In addition to more than 200 live performances and showcases, the A3C Hip Hop Festival features turntable, emcee, producer and breakdance competitions as well as educational and community programming including panel discussions and workshops. Specific showcase, panel, artists and event updates will continue to be announced through the A3C website through the start of the festival on October 11, 2012.