On Thursday, September 4th, Billboard hosted their 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.
(Photo Credit: Arrivals & Event – Erica Harris Devalve & Deanie Chen)
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 bonafide 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