BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) paid tribute to the best in R&B and Hip-Hop last night at its 2022 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards held at LIV Nightclub Miami Beach. Busta Rhymes was honored as the BMI Icon for the indelible and unique influence that he has had on the music industry and on generations of music creators.
In addition, BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publi
D’Mile was presented with Producer of the Year for his work on “Fair Trade” by Drake and Travis Scott, and “Smokin Out The Window,” “Skate” and “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic.
Hitmakers Megan Thee Stallion and Christopher “YC” Pearson tied as Songwriter of the Year for each writing three of the most performed songs. Megan Thee Stallion was honored for “Body,” “Cry Baby” and “Thot Shit” and YC for his work on “Back in Blood,” “Time Today” and “Wockesha.”
The evening closed with O’Neill introducing Busta Rhymes as the BMI Icon for his “defining impact on hip-hop and for mentoring the next generation of talent.”
Before accepting his award, a video tribute was shown with some of Rhymes’ famous peers including Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliot, Fat Joe and Mariah Carey sharing the love and respect they had for the iconic entertainer. Pharrell Williams was then called to the stage where he reminisced about his longstanding relationship with Rhymes noting that he felt “honored to be in the presence of someone who had the courage to be so different… and still does today.”
On receiving the evening’s highest honor, Rhymes commented, “We’re all blessed with this gift. It’s one thing to identify with the gift, it’s another thing to believe in it once you identify with it.” He went on to say, “The most beautiful part about it is I earned this… I’ve never been celebrated as an icon before, but I never had to question whether I was one.”
Rhymes then performed a melody of some of his biggest hits such as “Break Ya Neck,” “Scenario”, and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” with longtime friend and collaborator Spliff Star and DJ Scratchator. Pharrell closed the night by joining Rhymes onstage for an explosive performance of “Pass the Courvoisier.”
As the 2022 BMI Icon, Busta Rhymes joins an elite group of music creators who have received BMI’s highest honor. Previous recipients include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, James Brown and more.
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