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Nas Crowned BMI Icon in Star-Studded R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
27 Aug
Summary
- Nas was honored as a BMI Icon at the R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Beverly Hills.
- Kendrick Lamar received songwriter of the year honors for multiple hit songs.
- Sony Music Publishing and O Lil Angel also recognized for achievements.
Nas was honored as a BMI Icon at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards ceremony held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Beverly Hills on August 26, 2026. Presenter Babyface praised Nas as a "poet and philosopher," a sentiment Nas echoed with gratitude.
The event also celebrated other significant achievements. Kendrick Lamar was named R&B/hip-hop songwriter of the year for co-writing six of the most-performed songs, including "Luther," which was also named BMI's R&B/hip-hop song of the year. Producer O Lil Angel received the R&B/hip-hop producer of the year award for his work with artists like Drake.
Sony Music Publishing was recognized as the R&B/hip-hop publisher of the year, representing 27 of the most-performed songs. The BMI Foundation also presented its inaugural Babyface Award to songwriter and producer Rijah Banerjee. The ceremony included performances by Evelyn "Champagne" King and others, culminating in a DJ mix of Nas's hits.
