Cardi B, Leon Thomas, Gelo, Wu-Tang Clan & More Honored At 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards

On Thursday, September 4th, Billboard hosted its annual Hip-Hop/R&B Power Players Awards at Unveiled in Brooklyn, New York.

The Power Players Awards celebrate artists and executives across the music industry for their groundbreaking achievements. Last night’s star-studded carpet included honorees like Cardi B, Leon Thomas, GELO, Wu-Tang Clan, Top Dawg, Odeal, and Ravyn Lenae, as well as guests like Ty Dolla $ign, Omarion, BKtherula, Joey Bada$$, Lexa Gates, and Zeddy Will.

Leon Thomas III at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players held at Unveiled on September 04, 2025 in New York, New York.

Cardi B at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players held at Unveiled on September 04, 2025 in New York, New York.

Ty Dolla $ign at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players held at Unveiled on September 04, 2025 in New York, New York.

Joey Bada$$ at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players held at Unveiled on September 04, 2025 in New York, New York.

LiAngelo Ball at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players held at Unveiled on September 04, 2025 in New York, New York.

We caught up with some of the honorees and guests last night, and it’s clear there’s a lot of exciting music on the horizon. Ty Dolla $ign spoke about signing Leon Thomas to his label EZMNY and the challenges behind producing a bona fide hit record. He also shared that his upcoming album, Tycoon, will be dropping soon. Breakthrough Award winner Leon Thomas reflected on his 22-year-long journey and how his mom, who was in attendance, was the first person to support his musical aspirations by paying for studio time. Hip-hop Rookie of the Year, GELO shared he’s got a lot more new music on the way, including a collaboration with Bossman Dlow. Artist Zeddy Will shared he’s got an upcoming record with American-Ghanaian sensation Moliy on the way and a possible appearance on Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3 x On The Radar freestyle.

Carl Lamarre, Senior Director of R&B/Hip-Hop at Billboard, also shed some light on the selection process for us and how this year’s honorees made their mark. GELO had a top 30 record with “Tweaker,” which also landed him a Def Jam deal. Odeal has made huge waves in the Afrobeats genre with hit records like “Blame U” and “Miami,” featuring Leon Thomas and Ravyn Lenae had a top 5 record and is, in Carl’s opinion, a best new artist contender (Grammys). Last night’s awards ceremony brought together some of the best and brightest talent in the industry and continues to be a reflection of the changing landscape of music.

Below is a list of the categories and award recipients:

• Impact Award: Cardi B
  • Presented by Carl Lamarre, Senior Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Billboard 

• Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Inductee: Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Raekwon & Cappadonna 
  • Presented by Mike Van, CEO, Billboard 

• Breakthrough Award: Leon Thomas
  • Presented by Gail Mitchell, Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Billboard 

• Rookies of the Year: R&B: Rayvn Lenae;  Hip-Hop: GELO; African: Odeal
  • Presented by Heran Mamo, Senior Writer of R&B/Hip-Hop/Afrobeats, Billboard, and Kyle Denis, Staff Writer, Billboard

• Executive of the Year: Top Dawg
  • Presented by Hannah Karp, Editor-in-Chief, Billboard