RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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“Never in a million years did I think I would be partners with BMI. It just shows you that the things you dream about could really happen.”
That’s how newly crowned BMI Icon Nas began his remarks after joining presenter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds onstage at BMI’s annual R&B/Hip-Hop Awards (Aug. 26). The presentation followed a rollicking performance by R&B/disco diva Evelyn “Champagne” King, who had the entire ballroom audience inside Beverly Hills’ Fairmont Century Plaza dancing and singing along — including a smiling Nas.
King performed two of her Billboard Hot 100 hits from the ’80s: “I’m In Love” and “Love Come Down.” The latter song was sampled on the 1997 track “Calm Down” by Capone-N-Noreaga featuring Nas. The evening’s lineup also featured spirited performances from openers Belly Gang Kushington and YKNiece followed by Real Boston Richey, Miles Caton, Tone Stith and Tiana Major9. Large Professor closed the ceremony with a DJ mix of Nas’ biggest hits.
In presenting the award to Nas, Babyface — a prior icon honoree — noted, “He’s not an ordinary rapper. He’s a poet and a philosopher.” After thanking both Babyface and King for being important inspirations, Nas said, in part, “Every one of the artists who were appreciated tonight, I appreciate you more. I’m going to stream you more because your genius inspires me, and your genius inspires the whole globe.”
Prior to the icon presentation, BMI’s CEO Mike O’Neill, executive vp & chief revenue & creative officer Mike Steinberg and vp, creative/Atlanta Catherine Brewton welcomed the evening’s additional award winners to the stage. Kicking off that drumroll was the rights organization’s recognition of the top producers and songwriters of the previous year’s 35 most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs in the U.S. — which included 63 first-time winners.
From there, BMI revealed the winners of its other prestigious awards. Kendrick Lamar was named R&B/hip-hop songwriter of the year for co-writing six of 2025’s most-performed songs including “30 for 30,” “Squabble Up” and “Luther.” The latter, which spent 23 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs tally, was also recognized as BMI’s R&B/hip-hop song of the year.
Producer O Lil Angel was named R&B/hip-hop producer of the year. The honor stems from his collaborations with Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR (“Spider-Man Superman,” “Somebody Loves Me”) plus production credits on the Drake albums Habibti , Made of Honour and Iceman as well as the hits “What Did I Miss,” “Which One” and “Janice STFU.” Named as top producers were D’Mile, Michael “Finatik” Mulé and Isaac “Zac” De Boni of FNZ and Jahaan Sweet. During a special moment, the late songwriter/producer Tay Keith was remembered. His sister and uncle were on hand to accept Keith’s 2025 BMI R&B/hip-hop songwriter of the year award, which was announced at last year’s ceremony.
Sony Music Publishing rounded out the winners’ circle with its award for R&B/hip-hop publisher of the year. The company represents 27 of last year’s most-performed songs. Among them: “Luther,” “ Timeless,” “Like Him,” “Yukon” and “25.”
Ahead of the awards, the inaugural BMI Foundation Babyface Award was given to songwriter and producer Rijah Banerjee. This competitive grant and mentorship program focuses on emerging songwriters and composers of R&B, hip-hop, soul and other music of the African diaspora. For the complete list of winners for the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, visit the organization’s site .
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