Los Angeles, CA – August 29, 2025 – Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has been honored with the prestigious title of Publisher of the Year at the 2025 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards ceremony. The event, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, celebrated the artists, songwriters, producers, and publishers who have defined the year’s most impactful R&B and hip-hop music.
This accolade for Sony Music Publishing underscores its significant representation across 23 of the year’s top-performing songs, showcasing a robust and diverse catalog that resonated deeply within the genre. SMP’s President, Head of US A&R Katie Welle, expressed her pride, stating, “Congratulations to all of Sony Music Publishing’s incredibly talented songwriters – we are so inspired by your artistry and impact each day. Thank you to the entire SMP team for your dedication and passion, and thank you to everyone at BMI for recognizing our songwriters and team.”
A Night of Triumphs for SMP’s Stars
The evening saw several key SMP-affiliated talents recognized for their exceptional contributions. Producer Sounwave was a major honoree, taking home both the R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year award for his integral work on Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping track “Not Like Us.” He also secured the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year award, acknowledging his prolific output, including hits for Lamar such as “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and the entirety of Lamar’s acclaimed “GNX” album.
Adding to the company’s success, SMP-signed Mike Dean was honored as Songwriter of the Year. His contributions to major hits like The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s “Popular,” and Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, and Playboi Carti’s “Type St,” cemented his status as a leading creative force. Dean shared the Songwriter of the Year title in a three-way tie with fellow SMP-affiliated honorees Tay Keith and GloRilla.
Special Honors and Emerging Talent
Beyond the publishing awards, the ceremony also celebrated individual artists who have made significant strides. GloRilla was presented with the BMI Impact Award, recognizing her transformative influence on the hip-hop landscape and her role in shaping the future of music. Her powerful acceptance speech encouraged aspiring artists to remain persistent, stating, “Keep y’all’s foot on the gas. Don’t let nobody tell y’all what y’all can’t do.” GloRilla also tied for Songwriter of the Year, highlighting her multifaceted talent.
Legendary artist T-Pain received the BMI President’s Award, the evening’s highest honor, in recognition of his groundbreaking career, his revolutionary use of Auto-Tune, and his lasting impact on R&B and hip-hop music. His extensive catalog and influence have resonated across generations.
MTech, another SMP-signed talent, received his first BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Producer Award, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
The Significance of the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards annually recognize the unparalleled creativity and commercial success of the genre’s most performed songs in the United States. Hosted by BMI’s EVP and Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the event serves as a critical platform for celebrating the craft and artistry behind contemporary music.
The night not only highlighted individual achievements but also showcased the collaborative spirit of the music industry. By honoring publishers, songwriters, and producers, BMI acknowledges the essential role these creatives play in bringing the most popular music stories to life. The continued success of artists like those affiliated with Sony Music Publishing demonstrates the dynamic and evolving nature of R&B and hip-hop, promising more groundbreaking music in the years to come.
