Hundreds of rappers, musicians, DJs, record store owners and other area music industry professionals will converge on The Forum this Sunday for the third annual Central Pennsylvania Hip-Hop Awards.The event is designed to celebrate and bring together hip-hop artists living in the midstate, according to organizer Dwayne Muhammad, CEO of Pittsburgh’s 360 Entertainment.

“This is one of the biggest music industry events on the East Coast,” he said. “This is central Pa’s Grammy Awards.”

More than 100 musicians, producers and businessmen from Harrisburg, York, Lancaster and Reading are nominated in over 30 categories such “Mover and Shaker of the Year,” “Best Male Artist,” “Best Hip-Hop Clothing Line,” “Best Club DJ” and “Hair Salon of the Year.”

As of Thursday, Muhammad said there had been more than 15,000 votes cast online at the awards’ Web site. Voting ends Saturday at noon.

“There’s more excitement this year than ever,” he said, adding that he expects more than 1,000 people to attend.

Performers at this year’s event include rappers Da Ritt and Phene, Sykkline Entertainment, gospel rapper Vision, R&B singers and poets.