The Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles was abuzz with the vibrant energy of the music industry’s elite on August 28, 2025, as Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) hosted its annual R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. This prestigious event, a cornerstone in recognizing the genre’s most influential creators, paid tribute to artists who have not only defined contemporary sounds but are also shaping its future. This year’s ceremony saw two titans of different eras, T-Pain and GloRilla, take center stage, receiving the highest honors for their indelible contributions.
The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards: A Celebration of Sonic Innovation
BMI, a global leader in music rights management, annually celebrates the songwriters, producers, and publishers behind the nation’s most-performed R&B and hip-hop songs. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards serve as a vital platform to acknowledge artistic achievement, creative vision, and commercial success, underscoring the enduring power and evolution of these genres. The event highlights the critical role these creators play in the global music landscape, showcasing both established legends and emerging talents.
T-Pain Receives the Coveted BMI President’s Award
GRAMMY-winning artist, producer, and songwriter T-Pain was presented with the BMI President’s Award, the evening’s highest tribute. This award is reserved for artists whose extraordinary careers and pioneering spirit have profoundly shifted the sound and trajectory of music. T-Pain, a true innovator, revolutionized the use of Auto-Tune, transforming it from a pitch-correction tool into an expressive artistic element. His distinctive sound and boundary-pushing approach have influenced countless artists and continue to resonate across generations.
Throughout his remarkable two-decade career, T-Pain has amassed over 50 million singles sold and billions of streams, achieving 10 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. His extensive accolades include 28 BMI Awards, three BMI Songwriter of the Year titles, and being named BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year. Accepting the President’s Award, T-Pain shared words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of defining one’s own journey and pace, stating, “Every journey has a beginning, a middle and an end…. Don’t let anybody dictate your time and how fast you get to the finish line. Let yourself be your own time measurement.” His recognition places him among an elite group of previous recipients, including Taylor Swift, Pink, and Benny Blanco.
GloRilla Honored with BMI Impact Award and Songwriter of the Year Title
Emerging as a dominant force in modern hip-hop, GloRilla was honored with the BMI Impact Award, celebrating her groundbreaking artistry, creative vision, and significant influence on the future of music. Her fearless creativity and bold voice are actively shaping and inspiring the hip-hop landscape, particularly for female artists. GloRilla’s meteoric rise began with her viral 2022 hit “FNF (Let’s Go),” which quickly led to her signing with Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group. She has since delivered a string of chart-topping songs, earning multiple BMI awards and GRAMMY nominations.
Adding to her momentous night, GloRilla was also named BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year, sharing the title with fellow esteemed writers Mike Dean and Tay Keith. She earned this recognition for her contributions to three of the year’s most-performed songs: “TGIF,” “Wanna Be” (featuring Megan Thee Stallion), and “Yeah Glo!”. GloRilla’s debut album, “Glorious,” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200 and marking the highest opening week for a female rapper in 2024. Her achievements this year also include the Powerhouse Award at Billboard Women in Music, further cementing her status as a vital and influential artist.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Named Song of the Year
Further highlighting the year’s most impactful music, Kendrick Lamar’s massive hit “Not Like Us” was crowned BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year. Co-written by Kendrick Lamar, Sounwave, Ray Charles, and Sean Momberger, the track achieved unprecedented chart success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2024 and set a record for the longest-charting rap song in the chart’s history, remaining on the chart for 53 consecutive weeks. This recognition underscores the song’s cultural resonance and widespread appeal.
A Night of Celebrated Achievements
The evening also recognized other key figures in the industry. Sounwave was named BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year for his extensive work, including collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and other major artists. Sony Music Publishing secured the title of Publisher of the Year for representing 23 of the most-performed songs, demonstrating their significant impact on the music ecosystem. The ceremony celebrated 71 first-time BMI R&B/Hip-Hop award winners, reflecting the continuous influx of new talent and the dynamic nature of these genres. Performances by artists such as BigXthaPlug, BossMan Dlow, Eli Derby, TA Thomas, and Lekan added to the celebratory atmosphere, showcasing the vibrant talent pool within contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards continue to serve as a crucial barometer of success and a testament to the evolving artistry that drives these beloved music forms forward, telling compelling stories of creativity and impact.
