By Roman Wolfe
Producer Timbaland took home songwriter of the year last night at the 21st Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards last night (June 23) in Los Angeles California.
The awards, which also paid tribute to legendary group New Edition, took place during an elegant ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hilton. MC Lyte and Johnta Austin hosted the event, where over 600 songwriters and publishers were on hand.
Although he was on his honeymoon in Aruba, Timbaland took home top Songwriter of the Year for the third time.
The rapper/producer wrote or co-produced four hit songs, including "Ice Box" by Omarion, "Make Me Better" by Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo, "My Love" by Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. and "Until the End of Time" by Justin Timberlake featuring Beyoncé.
Timbaland's winning streak was topped only by EMI Music Publishing, which took home publisher of the year for an incredible, 14th consecutive year.
The win, which was based on 17 hit songs, also the 16th time in the 21-year history of the awards show that EMI has received this honor.
For Big Jon Platt, EMI’s President, West Coast Creative and Head of Urban in the United States, the ingredients to maintain success are quite simple.
"Our roster of songwriters creates the most soulful and influential music in the world, and it's their talent and passion that has kept us on top for fourteen years,” Platt told AllHipHop.com. “And with all the great music that our songwriters are creating at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if they helped us stayed at the top for many years to come."
The highlight of the evening came, as New Edition was honored during with ASCAP's prestigious Golden Note award, in celebration of the pioneering group's 25th anniversary.
All members were present including Bobby Brown, who delivered a classic acceptance speech to the delight of attendees.
Other big winners included Mims, who won Ringtone of the Year for his hit "This is Why I'm Hot," "Make Me Better," which also won Rap Song of the Year.
Other celebrities and winners included Ludacris, Akon, Keri Hilson, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Lil Boosie, Princess from Crime Mob, Shawty Lo, Eddie Murphy, Polow Da Don, Sylvia Rhone, Rhymefest, Rick Ross, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker, Chaka Zulu and others.
