Matt Proxy wins PlaqueBoyMax’s Rising Star competition, takes home $25,000 prize in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — Emerging artist Matt Proxy won PlaqueBoyMax’s inaugural Rising Star competition, taking home $25,000 and access to Red Bull Music Studio in Los Angeles.

The three-day music competition concluded Sunday, Nov. 8, with a live finale at The Belasco in downtown Los Angeles.

Grammy-nominated producer and streamer PlaqueBoyMax, whose real name is Maxwell Dent, hosted the event. Fans followed the competition through livestreams on Twitch and YouTube.

According to organizers, six emerging artists competed in music challenges before performing at the finale.

Matt Proxy Delivers Emotional Performance at Rising Star Finale

Matt Proxy competed against Tana, Hawsa, Earfzilla, BooHavinn and Raud for the grand prize.

Each artist performed original music before a live audience as PlaqueBoyMax prepared to announce the winner.

During his performance, Matt Proxy asked audience members to sit down as he delivered an emotional tribute to his late sister.

Meanwhile, Tana performed song “KimK,” while Hawsa made his U.S. performance debut with “Jêddah.”

PlaqueBoyMax later surprised the audience with a performance of his song “Yacht.”

The evening ended with Matt Proxy receiving a $25,000 check and access to Red Bull Music Studio.

Wiz Khalifa, Lil Yachty and Coi Leray Join Celebrity Judges

The competition brought together several prominent hip-hop artists and entertainers to evaluate emerging talent.

Wiz Khalifa, Lil Yachty, Coi Leray and streamer Cuffem appeared during the opening day.

On the second day, Funny Marco, Rubi Rose, Pudgy and 42 CEO joined the judging panel.

Ski Mask the Slump God, Stunna Girl and Silky participated during the final day.

Photo Credit: Maxamillion Polo

However, celebrity judges weren’t the only people influencing the competition.

Fans watching online also helped rank contestants throughout the weekend through the competition’s official website.

Rising Star Challenges Emerging Artists to Showcase Their Talent

With support from Red Bull, Rising Star brought six artists together for three days of creative challenges.

Contestants participated in a simulated record label meeting and collaborated on original songs.

During the Cypher Challenge, artists had just 90 minutes to create and perform a track.

They also completed a timed fashion challenge at Wasteland and experimented with musical genres outside their usual styles.

Throughout the competition, participants prepared original music for the live finale.

The format combined traditional talent competitions with livestreaming, allowing viewers to follow the artists’ creative process.

PlaqueBoyMax Continues Spotlighting Underground Artists

PlaqueBoyMax

Born Maxwell Dent and raised in West Orange, New Jersey, PlaqueBoyMax has built a career combining music production and livestreaming.

He joined FaZe Clan in 2024, expanding his presence in hip-hop and digital entertainment.

His popular livestream series “In the Booth” features artists creating and recording music in real time.

Previous guests include Quavo, Sexyy Red, Central Cee, Will Smith, DDG and Cash Cobain.

He has also spotlighted emerging performers through “Song Wars” and other livestream projects.

In 2026, PlaqueBoyMax earned a Grammy nomination for best dance/electronic recording for “Victory Lap,” his collaboration with Fred again.. and Skepta.

With Rising Star, he hopes to create more opportunities for underground artists to reach wider audiences.

For Matt Proxy, the victory provides financial support and professional studio access as he continues developing his music career.