T.I., Cardi B, and more musicians honored at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards
Tip “T.I.” Harris received the inaugural Voice of the Culture Award on Thursday evening.
ASCAP celebrated its incredible roster of hitmakers at the 34th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday evening. Last night’s event recognized The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ special honorees and the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed ASCAP songs of the past year on the R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.
Cardi B took home the trophy for Songwriter of the Year for the first time in her career. The honor recognizes the songwriter who has written or co-written the greatest number of most-performed songs of the year. She has dominated the charts since her 2017 debut with hits like “Bodak Yellow”, “Bartier Cardi” (ft. 21 Savage), “Ring (ft. Kehlani),” ”I Like It” and more.
Tip “T.I.” Harris received the first-ever ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award after he was introduced by Angela Rye. The award celebrates an ASCAP member who has had a major influence on music and culture.
“I have always said that our culture is our greatest asset…I am a proud product of it and a fearless protector of it,” he said during his acceptance speech. In addition to his musical accomplishments, T.I. has taken an active role in philanthropic and community transformation efforts through his non-profit, Harris Community Works (HCW).
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 20: Ne-Yo performs on stage at the 2019 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on June 20, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ASCAP)
Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy Jr., and Motown President Ethiopia Habtemariam took the stage to accept the ASCAPRhythm & Soul Heritage Award on behalf of the historic label.
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Currently home to urban hitmakers including Migos, City Girls, Lil Yachty, and the home of icons like Diana Ross & The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Motown is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary.
Check out the complete list of winners here.
