The 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards brought together the industry’s most influential voices for a night celebrating boundary-pushing songwriting, chart-topping hits, and cultural impact.
Among the night’s biggest winners were Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B, each staking their claim in music history with monumental milestones and accolades. Kendrick Lamar’s smash hit “Not Like Us” was crowned ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year, adding another jewel to Lamar’s already glistening crown. Co-written by hitmaker Mustard and published by DJ Mustard and Sony Music Publishing, the track became a cultural moment and a chart titan. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, spent an unprecedented 52 consecutive weeks on the chart—the first rap song in history to do so—and has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. A year after its release in May 2024, “Not Like Us” still sits strong at number 23 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, a testament to its staying power and cultural impact.
Cardi B, the unstoppable Bronx-born rapper and global icon, was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award, recognizing her trailblazing contributions to both music and social influence. Known for her unfiltered honesty and commanding presence, Cardi accepted the award from ASCAP Executive Vice President & Head of Creative Membership, Nicole George-Middleton, during an exclusive VIP celebration. Cardi also added an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award to her extensive collection for her fiery hit “Enough (Miami).” The honor adds to her legacy as the first woman to win ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year two years in a row, back in 2019 and 2020. With this year’s wins, Cardi B now boasts 23 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards and eight ASCAP Pop Music Awards, solidifying her place as one of ASCAP’s most decorated members.
Swiss-born producer and songwriter OZ was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year, earning top honors for penning chart-toppers like “First Person Shooter” (Drake), “Lovin On Me” (Jack Harlow), and “I KNOW ?” (Travis Scott). Known for his genre-bending sound and ability to craft anthems across styles, OZ’s recognition reflects his influential hand in shaping today’s hip-hop soundscape. Sony Music Publishing was recognized as ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year, thanks to a slate of hits that dominated airwaves and streaming platforms. Their winning catalog includes:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey
“Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman
“BAND4BAND” by Central Cee & Lil Baby
“Yeah, Glo!” by GloRilla
“Saturn” by SZA
“Get It Sexyy” by Sexyy Red
“Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé
“Made for Me” by Muni Long
“Residuals” and “Sensational” by Chris Brown