The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 27th annual ‘Rhythm & Soul Music Awards’ on Thursday, June 26th, 2014 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
The invitation-only event honored music producer and mogul Jermaine Dupri, singer-songwriter and producer Ne-Yo, and hit music maker Mike WiLL along with honoring the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2013 R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.
During the ceremony, Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, songwriter and producer Jermaine Dupri was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, along with surprise guests Usher and Bow Wow, and ASCAP VP of Rhythm & Soul/Urban Music Nicole George-Middleton. The award is among the most prestigious honors that ASCAP gives, and is awarded to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius that will enrich generations to come. Past recipients include Ashford & Simpson, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Dr. Dre, Berry Gordy Jr. & Motown Industries, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Patti Smith,Rod Stewart and Stevie Wonder.
Prolific songwriter-producer Ne-Yo was awarded the ASCAP Golden Note Award by Nicole George-Middleton. This award is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous honorees include Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay Z, Quincy Jones, Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Usher, Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder.
The Songwriter of the Year Award went to hit maker Mike WiLL, who has amassed great success through the numerous top 10 hits he’s written including “Bandz a Make Her Dance” for Juicy J, “Pour It Up” for Rihanna, “Bugatti” for Ace Hood and “Body Party” for Ciara, to name a few.
Other winners include Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and Clifford “T.I.” Harris, who received the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song award for the hit “Blurred Lines;” Dion “NO ID” Wilson, Justin Timberlake, Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Terius “The-Dream” Nash and Timbaland were awarded the Top Rap Song of the Year for “Holy Grail;” and Anthony Brown was honored with the Top Gospel Song Award for “Testimony.” ThePublisher of the Year Award went to Warner/Chappell Music Inc.
The evening featured performances by Lecrae, Anthony Brown, Jekalyn Carr, Jennifer Hudson, Mario, Mike WiLL protégés Rae Sremmurd, a DJ battle between DJ Nabs and DJ SNS, and house band The Komposers. The Jermaine Dupri segment was also highlighted by surprise performances by Usher and Bow Wow. Other evening highlights included a fun-filled DJ Battle with DJ Nabs and DJ SNS as well as an interactive photo booth with BEATS Music.
Photo Cred: Michael Underwood/PictureGroup
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