LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) held the 34th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, with rapper Cardi B taking home the award for Songwriter of the Year for the first time.
The songwriter of the year award, which recognizes the songwriter who has written or co-written the greatest number of most-performed songs of the year, went to Cardi B for her hits which include “Bartier Cardi” (ft. 21 Savage), “Ring (ft. Kehlani),” ”I Like It” and more.
Legendary ASCAP member and founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy Jr., and current Motown President Ethiopia Habtemariam were both resented with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award on behalf of their label. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams and songwriter Valerie Simpson presented the award to Gordy, while Williams and Quality Control CEOs Coach K and Pee co-presented to Habtemariam.
Currently home to urban hitmakers including Migos, City Girls and Lil Yachty, and the foundation for musical icons like Diana Ross & The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye, Motown marked its 60th anniversary this year.
Also on hand, was trap music pioneer, actor and activist Tip “T.I.” Harris, who this year was named as the first-ever recipient of the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award. Presented by noted political commentator, analyst and advocate Angela Rye, the voice of culture award is intended to honor an ASCAP member who has a significant influence on music and culture.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) and Warner Chappell Music each received ASCAP Publisher of the Year Awards. Warner Chappell’s top songs included “Apeshit” (The Carters), “Finesse (Remix)” (Bruno Mars & Cardi B), “Motorsport” (Migos, Nicki Minaj & Cardi B) and “Nice for What” (Drake). UMPG took home the award for hits such as “Ring” (Cardi B ft. Kehlani), “I Get the Bag” (Gucci Mane ft. Migos), “Best Part” (Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.) and “God’s Plan” (Drake).
The Top R&B Song was “Boo’d Up” written by Joelle James; Top Rap Song went to “Nice for What,” written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Gary Grice, Orville “Buggs Can Can” Hall, Marvin Hamlisch, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Shane “Murda Beatz” Lindstrom, Phillip Triggerman Price and Noah “40” Shebib; and the Top Gospel Song was “Won’t He Do It,” written by Loren Hill.
The night included performances by Valerie Simpson, BJ the Chicago Kid and Ne-Yo.
The complete list of winners is available here.
