The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 28th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 25 at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The invitation-only event paid special tribute to Lauryn Hill, who also performed a medley of her hits during the evening. Additionally, ASCAP honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2014 R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.
During the ceremony, Hill, a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, rapper and producer, was presented with the ASCAP Golden Note Award. The award is among the most prestigious honors that ASCAP gives to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include: Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jeff Lynne, Reba McEntire, LL Cool J, Jermaine Dupri, Jay Z, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Tom Petty and many more.
Other big winners of the night included Timbaland and Jay Z who won Songwriter of the Year. Beyoncé, Jay Z and Timbaland, also received the award for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song for “Drunk in Love.” Kid Ink and co-writer Jeremih walked away with the Top Rap Song for “Show Me” featuring Chris Brown, while Bart Millard was honored with the award for Top Gospel Song for “I Can Only Imagine,” (performed by Tamela Mann).
