ASCAP, aka the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, held its annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards celebration at The London West Hollywood.
Taking place during the week of BET Awards, the invite-only event honored ASCAP’s music creators right on the Sunset Strip.
Songwriters and record producers walked the carpet and offered advice they would give to others starting out.
“Never stop your passion. Passion equates to so many things, you know. Keep pushing, keep getting better, keep learning,” Andre “Dre” Harris said. “And keep your nervous system in tact,” he added.
Music icon Jimmy Jam was also in attendance to fete the winners, including Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Mustard for his song on Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off” and Ella Mai’s “Little Things.” Mustard was given the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year award.
(Photo credit: Lester Cohen/Getty Images for ASCAP)
Co-written by ASCAP winners Marvin Gaye, Kamasi Washington, Scott Bridgeway and Jack Antonoff, the single “luther” (Kendrick Lamar, SZA) won the ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year.
Leon Thomas received the ASCAP Vanguard Award, presented in recognition of ASCAP members whose work is shaping the future of music. His mentors and EZMNY label heads Ty Dolla $ign and Shawn Baron presented him with the award. Thomas also won the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for the song “Mutt.”
Congrats to all.
