The ASCAP members behind the biggest chart-topping hits of the past year were also recognized. ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Gucci Mane (“Black Beatles,” Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane; “Both,” Gucci Mane ft. Drake, more) and Quavo (“Bad and Boujee,” Migos ft. Lil Uzi Vert; “Good Drank,” 2 Chainz x Gucci Mane x Quavo, more). Publisher of the Year went to Warner/Chappell Music.
The Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song was “That’s What I Like” written by ASCAP members Christopher “Brody” Brown, James Fauntleroy and Jeremy “Jerm Beats” Reeves and Ray “Ra Charm” McCullough of The Stereotypes; Top Rap Song went to “HUMBLE.” written by Kendrick Lamar and Mike WiLL Made-IT; and Top Gospel Song was awarded to “You Deserve It,” written by Cortez Vaughn and JJ Hairston. The latter was a songwriter guest presenter along with Dupri and BJ the Chicago Kid.
The crowd of music industry insiders was treated to live music from ASCAP songwriters including the Top Gospel Song “You Deserve It” from winner JJ Hairston. Rapper YBN Nahmir performed a medley of “Rubbin Off the Paint” and “Bounce Out With That.” ASCAP Golden Note Award winners XSCAPE closed out the night with a surprise performance of their greatest hits, including “Who Can I Run To,” “Understanding” and “Just Kickin’ It.”
The A-list audience of celebrities included 2 Chainz, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, PartyNextDoor, Jeremih, Brittany “Starrah” Hazzard, Meek Mill, Mark “Sounwave” Spears, Priscilla Renea, Dej Loaf, Supa Dups, Bryan Popin, Amber “Sevyn” Streeter, Christian “Hitmaka” Ward, Brandy, Tamar Braxton, Serayah, Rotimi and Kevin Gates, among others.
The 2018 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards are sponsored in part by Ciroc, Logitech and Sound Royalties.
Tiny
2 Chainz
Offset, Takeoff and Quavo of Migos
(Photos by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
