Songwriters and producers are the architechs of music. BMI recently honored the top artists, songwriters, and producers of the past year at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
Held at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, the event was hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI vice president, Catherine Brewton, and the lifestyle specialist, Kenny Burns.
The night kicked off with Atlanta’s own Big Boi from OutKast performing a medley of two of their biggest hits, “B.O.B.” and “GhettoMusick.” Jacquees serenaded the audience with his Billboard R&B charting single, “B.E.D.” while Rick Ross kept the energy flowing with a medley of his biggest hits including “Hustlin,’” “Trap, Trap, Trap” and “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast).”
via Paras Griffin for BMI
Universal Music Publishing Group claimed Publisher of the Year and hitmakers Future, DJ Khaled and Rihanna tied for Songwriter of the Year.
The second half of the evening featured an array of outstanding tribute performances honoring Patti LaBelle. Ms. LaBelle hit the stage where she gave an impromptu performance of “Over the Rainbow” and thanked those who paid tribute to her throughout the evening.
As a BMI Icon, Ms. LaBelle joined an elite group of songwriters who have received BMI’s Icon Award for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Previous recipients include Nile Rodgers, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Al Green and Snoop Dogg, among others.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Ayo & Teo perform at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Ayo; Teo
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Rapper Big Boi performs at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Big Boi
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Rapper Future speaks at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Future
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Singer Jacquees attends the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Jacquees
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Actress/Singer Keke Palmer attends the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Keke Palmer; Mike O’Neill
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Singer Ledisi performs at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Ledisi
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Rapper Ludacris attends the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Ludacris
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Producer and Rapper Mannie Fresh attends the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Mannie Fresh
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: BMI Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations Wardell Malloy, BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI Icon Recipient Patti Labelle, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton attend the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Wardell Malloy; Mike O’Neill; Patti Labelle; Catherine Brewton
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: BMI Icon Recipient Patti Labelle performs at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Patti Labelle
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: BMI Icon Recipient Patti Labelle performs at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Patti Labelle
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: BMI Icon Recipient Patti Labelle at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Patti Labelle
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 31: Rapper Future and Rapper Rick Ross greet each other at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Woodruff Arts Center on August 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI) *** Local Caption *** Rick Ross; Future
A.R. Shaw is an author and journalist who documents culture, politics, and entertainment. He has covered The Obama White House, the summer Olympics in London, and currently serves as Lifestyle Editor for Rolling Out magazine. Follow his journey on Twitter @arshaw and Instagram @arshaw23.
