The International Music and Entertainment Association (IMEA) award for hip-hop/rap song of the year was awarded to Ironton High School senior Brandon Peters, who goes by the name B-L33 as an artist. Peters, who has been recording music for about five years, bested three other artists for the honor.

The award ceremony took place in Marietta, Georgia, in October, where Peters received the award for his song “Hometown,” which featured Alabama native, Matthew Huff, who last year won IMEA awards for country artist/entertainer of the year, country song of the year and country album of the year. Peters wrote the lyrics to the song while Nathan Travis Puleard wrote the music.

“It was really surprising that I won because everyone else I was up against had bigger fan bases,” Peters said. “When they called my name, I was excited. It was a huge confidence boost and made me want to continue making music.”

Peters said he met Huff at last year’s award ceremony and later contacted him to do a song together.

IMEA is a non-profit organization that promotes and serves individuals and organizations within the performing arts and entertainment industries while honoring and recognizing the best of international independent music, theatre and live entertainment.

“IMEA helps independent artists of multiple genres become recognized for their hard work and achievements,” Peters said.

A member of IMEA for a year, Peters said in order to be nominated for IMEA awards, one must be a member of the organization, or be nominated by someone who is a member. Winners are decided by a combination of fan and industry voting.