The ascap Rhythm & Soul Music Awards returned to The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 22, 2017 for its 30th annual ceremony. The invitation-only event celebrated the songwriters and publiascap songs on the 2016 R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel charts. Two music icons were feted with some of ASCAP’s most prestigious honors: Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace was recognized with the ascap Founders Award on the 20th anniversary of his death; and superstar songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis received the ascap Voice of Music Award, just one week after being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Founders Award for Notorious B.I.G. was accepted by his wife, singer/songwriter Faith Evans, his children, and his former managers and estate consultant Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts. Sean “Diddy” Combs acknowledged Biggie’s legacy in a touching video, introducing his sons, Justin and Christian Combs, who presented the award. Biggie’s DJs, Clark Kent and DJ Enuff, commemorated him with a rousing DJ battle. ASCAP’s most prestigious honor, The Founders Award is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius which will enrich generations to come. Previous recipients include: Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Berry Gordy Jr. & Motown Industries, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Melissa Etheridge, Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Neil Young and many more.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were honored with the ascap Voice of Music Award, presented by industry icon Clarence Avant and Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music Jon Platt. The Voice of Music Award is presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Previous recipients of the ascap Voice of Music Award include Mary J. Blige, Diane Warren, Trisha Yearwood, The Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Webb, George Strait and Garth Brooks.
Songwriters and publiascap Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Allen Ritter (“Controlla,” Drake; “Work,” Rihanna, more) and Paul “Nineteen85” Jefferies (“For Free,” DJ Khaled & Drake; “Hotline Bling,” Drake, more). Publi
