Friday, June 28, 2013

26th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Recap

Last night (June 27), The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publisher (ASCAP) hosted its 26th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. With special invite only, hundreds of recording artists, songwriters, and producers were in attendance such as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Dr. Dre, 2 Chainz, Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese Gibson, Kandi Burus, Ne-Yo, Melanie Fiona and many more. The evening also featured performances by R&B singer Elle Varner, rapper Problem and gospel singer and songwriters Jason Nelson and Isacc Carree.

Special tributes were paid to Usher, who received the ASCAP Golden Note Award and Kendrick Lamar who received the ASCAP Vanguard Award.  Aside from the two special honorees, songwriters and producers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2012 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts were honored for their great contribution to the music industry.

Top awards were given to:

Songwriters of the Year: Ty “2 Chainz” Epps, Noah “40” Shebib
Publisher of the Year: Sony/AVT Tunes LLC
Top Gospel Song: “Let the Church Say Amen” by Andre Crouch
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song: “Love On Top” written by Beyonce Knowles, Terius “The Dream” Nash and Shea Taylor
Top Rap Song: “The Motto” written by Noah “40” Shebib


Singer-songwriter Usher was honored last night with the ASCAP Golden Note Award. This award was presented to him by the original Bad Boy Sean “Diddy” Combs. Past recipients of this award include Quincy Jones, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Jermaine Dupri, Mary Mary, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.


The rising rapper, Kendrick Lamar was honored with the ASCAP Vanguard Award presented by Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre added that Kendrick Lamar’s career proudly represents the future of rap.“I’m proud to know him. I’m proud to work with him and he is an important part of the new generation of hip-hop, and it’s definitely continuing the legacy of Compton.” Previous recipients of this award are Beastie Boys, Taio Cruz, Diplo, Janelle Monae and Santigold.

Special congrats to both Usher and Kendrick Lamar for being recognized for their great contributions to the music industry.

One award recipient that may come as a shocker to most hip-hop fans but Song Writer of the Year awards were presented to G.O.O.D. Music member 2 Chainz and Canadian producer Noah “40” Shebib, who each wrote four of the most performed songs of 2012. 2 Chainz was honored for “Bandz a Make Her Dance” (by Juicy J feat. Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz), “Beez In the Trap” (by Nicki Minaj feat. 2 Chainz), “Mercy” (by Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz) and “No Lie” (by 2 Chainz feat. Drake).  Producer 40 was honored for “Crew Love” (by Drake feat. The Weekend), “Make Me Proud” (by Drake feat. Nicki Minaj), “The Motto”, which won Rap Song of the Year as well (by Drake feat. Lil Wayne), and “Take Care” (by Drake feat. Rihanna).  Did you guys notice that this producer is from Canada and all four of his top songs were by rapper Drake who is a native of Toronto. Canadians are making their mark in the music industry; big ups to them!


Aside from last night’s top awards; other artists, writers and producers were awarded for their contributions such as R&B singer Miguel, Jeremih, Ne-Yo, Tyrese Gibson, writer and producers Orlando “Jahlil Beats” Tucker, Mike Will, and many more. Congrats to you all!  

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