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.
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