NEW YORK, NY (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables, paid special tribute to Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys, and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2008 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.
One of the evening's highlights was a special tribute to music legend Smokey Robinson, who was honored with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in recognition of "his achievements as a songwriter and artist who has written an enduring chapter in American musical history and whose songs have inspired generations." Following a video presentation illustrating Robinson's outstanding career, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams co-presented the award. The tribute culminated with stellar performances by R&B superstar Ne-Yo, R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter Kelly Price, new J Records artist CJ, and Australia’s most popular vocal group Human Nature, who sang a selection of Robinson's biggest hits. Past recipients of ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award include Earth, Wind & Fire; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Bill Withers.
Another highlight was the presentation of ASCAP's Golden Note Award to Alicia Keys, which is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Gabby Wilson, an 11-year old musical prodigy, performed in honor of Keys, and Paul Williams presented the prestigious award to the 12-time Grammy Award winner. Past recipients of ASCAP's Golden Note Award include Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.
Keys picked up three more awards during the evening, including Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song for "Like You’ll Never See Me Again," co-written with Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, in addition to awards for "No One," co-written with “Krucial” and DJ Dirty Harry, and "Teenage Love Affair," co-written with Matt Kahane.
In addition to the musical tributes to Robinson and Keys, the evening featured performances by Gospel sensation James Fortune (Black Smoke Music/Worldwide) who performed his Top Gospel Song, "I Trust You," hip-hop group GS Boyz (Battery/Jive/Swagg Team) who had the audience doing their best dance moves to their debut single, "Stanky Legg," and Def Jam's newest star, Jeremih, who sang his hit single "Birthday Sex."
ASCAP's coveted Songwriter of the Year award went to two of today's hottest songwriting/ production teams – Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream – who tied with five award-winning songs each.
2007 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honoree Johntá Austin presented Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen with their Songwriter of the Year awards. Collectively known as Stargate, the duo was honored for Trey Songz's ”Can't Help But Wait,” Ne-Yo's ”Miss Independent,” Jennifer Hudson's ”Spotlight,” Rihanna's ”Take A Bow," and Chris Brown's ”With You.” This is the first time that Stargate have been named ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Songwriters of the Year, and closely follows their Songwriter of the Year victory at this year’s ASCAP Pop Music Awards, and the 2007 ASCAP Awards in London, UK.
Austin also collected two awards in the R&B/Hip-Hop category for co-writing “Can’t Help But Wait” and “With You” with Stargate.
Super-producer Timbaland, a three-time ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honoree, presented C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream with their first-ever Songwriter of the Year awards. The pair was honored for The-Dream's "Falsetto” and "I Luv Your Girl,” Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine,” J. Holiday's "Suffocate,” and Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body.”
ASCAP Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing who was honored for 20 award-winning songs. This is the 15th consecutive win for EMI and the 17th time in the 22-year history of the awards show that they have received this honor. ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento presented the award to EMI Chairman and CEO Roger Faxon and his creative team.
"Lollipop," co-written by Darius "Deezle" Harrison and the late Stephen "Static Major" Garrett, was named Top Rap Song, and also claimed an award in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. The infectious single, performed by Lil Wayne and featuring "Static Major," topped both the Top Rap Tracks and R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts, and earned "Deezle" and "Static Major" a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.
"I Trust You," co-written by James Fortune and Terence Vaughn, was named Top Gospel Song. Recorded by James Fortune & FIYA, the spiritual anthem topped Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart for a historic 29 weeks, and holds the title as the longest running #1 Gospel single.
ASCAP songwriters with multiple award-winning songs were: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Terius "The-Dream" Nash and C. "Tricky" Stewart with five awards each; Ne-Yo with four awards; Alicia Keys with three; and Akon, Johntá Austin, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers Jr., Keyshia Cole and Darius "Deezle" Harrison with two apiece.
Honorees and notables in attendance included: Smokey Robinson, Alicia Keys, Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Stargate's Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen, C. "Tricky" Stewart, The-Dream, Timbaland, Johntá Austin, Ne-Yo, BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee, Wyclef Jean, Jerry Duplessis, Missy Elliott, Fabolous, Keyshia Cole, Yung Berg, CJ, James Fortune, GS Boyz, Human Nature, Jeremih, Kelly Price, Jeremy "Mouse" Allen, Algebra Blessett, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Miami Heat's Daequan Cook, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, Cri$tyle,
DJ Dirty Harry, Noel "Detail" Fisher, Christopher "Drumma Boy" Gholson, Darius "Deezle" Harrison, Torence "Lil Boosie" Hatch, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Kardinal Offishall, Harvey Mason Jr., Colby O'Donis, Play-N-Skillz, Rock City, Artavious "Tay Dizm" Smith, Curtis "Kid Kid" Stewart, Damon Thomas, and Melody Thornton of the Pussycat Dolls, among many others.
List of Winners
ASCAP RHYTHM & SOUL HERITAGE AWARD – Smokey Robinson
ASCAP GOLDEN NOTE AWARD – Alicia Keys
SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR (TIE) – Tor Hermansen & Mikkel Eriksen (Stargate)
“Can’t Help But Wait”
“Miss Independent”
“Spotlight”
“Take A Bow”
“With You”
C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream
“Falsetto”
“I Luv Your Girl”
“Just Fine”
“Suffocate”
“Touch My Body”
PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR – EMI Music Publishing
“A Milli”
“Bust It Baby (Part 2)”
“Can’t Help But Wait”
“Dangerous”
“Got Money”
“Heaven Sent”
“Like You’ll Never See Me Again”
“Lollipop”
“Love In This Club”
“Miss Independent”
“Need U Bad”
“No One”
“Sensual Seduction”
“Sexy Can I”
“Spotlight”
“Take A Bow”
“Take You Down”
“Teenage Love Affair”
“Touch My Body”
“With You”
TOP R&B/HIP-HOP SONG
“Like You’ll Never See Me Again” by Alicia Keys
Writers: Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, Jr., Alicia Keys
Publishers: Book of Daniel Music, EMI Music Publishing, Lellow Productions, Inc.
AWARD-WINNING R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS
“A Milli” by Lil Wayne
Writers: Shondrae “Bangladesh” Crawford, Kamaal “Q-Tip” Fareed, Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Jazz Merchant Music, LeVegas Publishing Company, Universal Music Publishing Group
“Bust It Baby (Part 2)” by Plies feat. Ne-Yo
Writers: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Ne-Yo
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes, Pen In The Ground Publishing,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Can’t Believe It” by T-Pain feat. Lil Wayne
Writer: David “Preach” Bal4
Publishers: Ahmadtajz Music, Nappy Boy Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group,
Veracity Music Publishing
“Can’t Help But Wait” by Trey Songz
Writers: Johntá Austin, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen,
Publishers: Chrysalis Music, EMI Music Publishing, Naked Under My Clothes Music,
Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Falsetto” by The-Dream
Writers: Terius “The-Dream” Nash, C. “Tricky” Stewart
Publishers: 2082 Music Publishing, Marchninenth Music, Songs of Peer, LTD.,
Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“Good Life” by Kanye West
Writer: Quincy Jones
Publisher: Yellowbrick Road Music
“Heaven Sent” by Keyshia Cole
Writers: Keyshia Cole, Jason “J Vibe” Farmer, Alex Francis
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, J Vibe Publishing Inc., Lex Project Publishing, She Wrote It,
Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
“I Luv Your Girl” by The-Dream
Writers: Terius “The-Dream” Nash, C. “Tricky” Stewart
Publishers: 2082 Music Publishing, Marchninenth Music, Songs of Peer, LTD.,
Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“I Remember” by Keyshia Cole
Writer: Keyshia Cole
Publishers: She Wrote It, Universal Music Publishing Group
“Independent” by Webbie feat. Lil Boosie & Lil Phat
Writers: Jeremy “Mouse” Allen, Torence “Lil Boosie” Hatch, Melvin “Lil Phat” Vernell III, Webbie
Publishers: Boosie Bad Azz Publishing LLC, Mouse On Tha Track LLC, Phat Boss Publishing, Savage Life Publishing LLC, Trill Productions
“Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
Writers: Mary J. Blige, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, C. “Tricky” Stewart
Publishers: 2082 Music Publishing, Marchninenth Music, Mary J. Blige Music, Songs of Peer, LTD., Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“Lollipop” by Lil Wayne feat. Static Major
Writers: Stephen “Static Major” Garrett, Darius “Deezle” Harrison
Publishers: Black Fountain Music, EMI Music Publishing, Herbilicious Music, Roynet Music, Three Nails And A Crown
“Love In This Club” by Usher feat. Young Jeezy
Writers: Darnell “Big D” Dalton, Ryon Lovett, Keith Thomas, Usher
Publishers: 1110 Entertainment, EMI Music Publishing, Keef Tha Beef, Ry Love Music,
Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC, UR-IV
“Low” by Flo-Rida feat. T-Pain
Writer: Tramar “Flo-Rida” Dillard
Publishers: Lacel Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo
Writers: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Ne-Yo
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Mrs. Officer” by Lil Wayne feat. Bobby Valentino & Kidd Kidd
Writers: Darius “Deezle” Harrison, Curtis “Kidd Kidd” Stewart
Publishers: Reallionaire Music, Roynet Music, Three Nails And A Crown, Ultra Tunes
“Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan
Writers: Cornel A. Campbell (PRS), Missy Elliott, Cainon Lamb, Edward O-Sullivan Lee (PRS),
Lloyd S. Mason (PRS), Taurian Osbourne, Nicholas Stanton, Jazmine Sullivan
Publishers: Cainon’s Land Music Publishing, EMI Music Publishing, Itation Records, Lucky June Music Publishing, Mass Confusion Productions, Nappy Puddy Music, Roynet Music,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Never” by Jaheim
Writers: Emmanuel Chisolm, Daniel Farris, Davion Farris, Jaheim Hoagland
Publishers: Chiz The Prodigal Publishing, Earfull Music Inc., Jasane Dramma Publishing,
Lyrical Genius Pub, Smokebone Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“No One” by Alicia Keys
Writers: Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, Jr., DJ Dirty Harry, Alicia Keys
Publishers: Book of Daniel Music, D Harry Productions, EMI Music Publishing, Lellow Productions, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
“Put On’” by Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West
Writer: Christopher “Drumma Boy” Gholson
Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Young Drumma
“Sensual Seduction” by Snoop Dogg
Writer: Demetrius “Shawty Redd” Stewart
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Shawty Redd Songs
“Sexy Can I” by Ray J & Yung Berg
Writers: Victor “Sha-Dash” Carraway, Noel “Detail” Fisher, Christian “Yung Berg” Ward
Publishers: Draw First Publishing Company, EMI Music Publishing, Josephs Trail, Universal Music Publishing Group, Victor S. Carraway Publishing
“Spotlight” by Jennifer Hudson
Writers: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Ne-Yo
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Suffocate” by J. Holiday
Writers: Terius “The Dream” Nash, C. “Tricky” Stewart
Publishers: 2082 Music Publishing, Marchninenth Music, Morningside Trail Music, Songs of Peer, LTD.
“Take A Bow” by Rihanna
Writers: Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Ne-Yo
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Take You Down” by Chris Brown
Writers: La Mar “Mars” Edwards, James Fauntleroy, Harvey Mason Jr., Steve Russell, Damon Thomas
Publishers: Almo Music Corp., Demis Hot Songs, EMI Music Publishing, Eye 3 Publishing, Fauntleroy Music, Lamar Edwards Music, Strange Motel Music, T & Me Music, Underdog West Songs,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Teenage Love Affair” by Alicia Keys
Writers: Matt Kahane, Alicia Keys
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Lellow Productions, Inc., Plantlife Experience, Touchy Feely Music
“They Know” by Shawty Lo
Writer: Quandarious Jordan
Publishers: Dats Shawty Lo Music
“Touch My Body” by Mariah Carey
Writers: Cri$tyle, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, C. “Tricky” Stewart
Publishers: 2082 Music Publishing, Cstyle Ink Music Publishing, EMI Music Publishing,
Marchninenth Music, Slide That Music, Songs of Peer, LTD., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“With You” by Chris Brown
Writers: Johntá Austin, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen
Publishers: Chrysalis Music, EMI Music Publishing, Naked Under My Clothes Music,
Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Woman” by Raheem DeVaughn
Writer: Raheem DeVaughn
Publishers: Ahmad’s World, Universal Music Publishing Group
TOP RAP SONG
“Lollipop” by Lil Wayne feat. Static Major
Writers: Stephen “Static Major” Garrett, Darius “Deezle” Harrison
Publishers: Black Fountain Music, EMI Music Publishing, Herbilicious Music, Roynet Music, Three Nails And A Crown
AWARD WINNING RAP SONGS
“A Milli” by Lil Wayne
Writers: Shondrae “Bangladesh” Crawford, Kamaal “Q-Tip” Fareed, Ali Shaheed Jones-Muhammad
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Jazz Merchant Music, LeVegas Publishing Company,
Universal Music Publishing Group
“Bust It Baby (Part 2)” by Plies feat. Ne-Yo
Writers: Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Ne-Yo
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
“Dangerous” by Kardinal Offishall feat. Akon
Writers: Cristian “Kemo” Bahamonde (SOCAN), Jason “Kardinal Offishall” Harrow (SOCAN), Donald “hAZEL” Sales, Alliaune “Akon” Thiam
Publishers: Byefall Productions Inc., Chrysalis Music, EMI Music Publishing, Give Me My Sweets Publishing, One Man Music, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Good Life” by Kanye West feat. T-Pain
Writer: Quincy Jones
Publisher: Yellowbrick Road Music
“Got Money” by Lil Wayne feat. T-Pain
Writers: Juan “Play” Salinas, Oscar “Skillz” Salinas
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Play For Play N Skillz Music, Skillz For Skillz N Play Music
“Hypnotized” by Plies feat. Akon
Writer: Alliaune “Akon” Thiam
Publishers: Byefall Productions Inc., Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Independent” by Webbie feat. Lil Boosie & Lil Phat
Writers: Jeremy “Mouse” Allen, Torence “Lil Boosie” Hatch, Melvin “Lil Phat” Vernell III, Webbie
Publishers: Boosie Bad Azz Publishing LLC, Mouse On Tha Track LLC, Phat Boss Publishing, Savage Life Publishing LLC, Trill Productions
“Low” by Flo-Rida feat. T-Pain
Writer: Tramar “Flo-Rida” Dillard
Publishers: Lacel Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC
“Mrs. Officer” by Lil Wayne feat. Bobby Valentino & Kidd Kidd
Writers:
Darius “Deezle” Harrison, Curtis “Kidd Kidd” Stewart
Publishers: Reallionaire Music, Roynet Music, Three Nails And A Crown, Ultra Tunes
“Put On” by Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West
Writer: Christopher “Drumma Boy” Gholson
Publishers: Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Young Drumma
“She Got It” by 2 Pistols feat. T-Pain & Tay Dizm
Writers: Kevin Crowe, Erik Ortiz, Artavious “Tay Dizm” Smith
Publishers: Colione And Rook Publishing, FMB Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“They Know” by Shawty Lo
Writer: Quandarious Jordan
Publishers: Dats Shawty Lo Music
TOP GOSPEL SONG
“I Trust You” by James Fortune & FIYA
Writers: James Fortune, Terence Vaughn
Publishers: FIYAWORLD, T Vaughn Entertainment
AWARD-WINNING GOSPEL SONGS
“Declaration (This Is It!)” by Kirk Franklin
Writers: Kenneth Loggins, Michael McDonald
Publishers: Milk Money Music, Tauripin Tunes
“God Is Good” by Regina Belle
Writer: Bernard Belle
Publishers: B-Funk Music, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
“Jesus” by Shekinah Glory Ministry
Writers: Latosca House, Daniel Weatherspoon
Publishers: Spooned Music, Tosmo Dwelling Place
“Livin’” by The Clark Sisters
Writer: Loren McGee
Publisher: Mystro 84
–by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
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