Swiss Producer OZ Beats Out Hip-Hop Giants for Top Songwriter Award (Photos)

Kendrick Lamar’s explosive track “Not Like Us” has claimed the top prize at this year’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, taking home R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year. The Mustard-produced anthem made history as the first rap song to spend 52 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 after its May 2024 release, accumulating over 1 billion Spotify streams and currently sitting at number 23 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Cardi B received the prestigious Voice of the Culture Award, recognizing her massive influence on music and culture as both creator and changemaker. The multiplatinum artist also won for her track “Enough (Miami)” and continues her impressive ASCAP streak, having previously made history in 2020 as the first woman to win Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year twice consecutively. Her total ASCAP accolades now include eight Pop Music Awards and 23 Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.

Swiss producer and songwriter OZ earned Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year honors, backed by his work on major hits including Drake’s “First Person Shooter,” Jack Harlow’s “Lovin On Me,” and Travis Scott’s “I KNOW ?”.

The Gospel Song of the Year award went to CeCe Winans’ “That’s My King,” co-written by Taylor Agan and Kellie Besch. Sony Music Publishing secured Publisher of the Year recognition with a diverse catalog featuring Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and tracks from SZA, GloRilla, Sexyy Red, and Chris Brown.

Other notable winners included 21 Savage for multiple tracks including “Redrum” and “Surround Sound,” Offset for “Worth It,” Lil Uzi Vert for “Everybody,” and gospel artists Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Tye Tribbett for their respective contributions.

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