The 27th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards were recently held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Jermaine Dupri was honored with the Founders Award, and Ne-Yo accepted the Golden Note Award from ASCAP VP of Rhythm & Soul/Urban Music, Nicole George-Middleton. Following in the footsteps of former recipients Quincy Jones and Steve Wonder, Dupri was so elated. The Founder’s award is only given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.
Mike Will Made It also won big alongside his publishing firm Warner/Chappell Music. The in demand producer was crowned songwriter of the year, while Warner/Chappell won publisher of the year at the 27th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards.
Kendrick Lamar garnered five awards, including “Poetic Justice” and “Swimming Pools (Drank),” and Jay Z four, including “Holy Grail,” co-written with No ID, Justin Timberlake, The-Dream and Timbaland.
Special performers included Mario, Jennifer Hudson, Bow Wow and Usher.
AllHipHop was on the red carpet to catch all of the action. Find out what singers had to say about Jermaine Dupri and Ne-yo’s successful careers below.