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CARDI B, LEON THOMAS, GELO, WU-TANG CLAN & MORE HONORED AT 2025 BILLBOARD R&B/HIP-HOP POWER PLAYERS AWARDS

by Nishat Baig September 6, 2025
written by Nishat Baig

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)

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 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 
September 6, 2025 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsMusicThe Latest

Leon Thomas Celebrates MUTT Deluxe: HEEL with Star-Studded Album Release Party, Critical Acclaim, and Tour Announcement

by Sharafa Odusanya June 12, 2025
written by Sharafa Odusanya

From 8 PM to 2 AM, the energy inside Avalon was electric. The night blended music, celebration, and artistry in a space that matched the bold, genre-defying spirit of  Leon Thomas’ latest project.

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June 12, 2025 0 comments
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EntertainmentEventsEventsLifestyle

Music Is Life | Life is Music Grammy’s Afterparty

by Fatima Townsend February 11, 2024
written by Fatima Townsend

Last week we were at Academy LA, in the heart of Hollywood, for one of the best Grammy’s Afterparty’s. After the most anticipated nights in music, Lucid Motors and Affinity presented “Music is Life | Life is Music” hosted by that night’s 2x Grammy Award-winning Leon Thomas and Grammy award-winning songwriter Derrick Milano.

Affinity Nightlife is an event, casting, and promotion company based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience producing extravagant nightlife and lifestyle events, they have been able to develop worldwide relationships.

The first host, Leon Thomas, is known for his work behind some of the biggest songs in music. He has worked with artists like Sza, Ariana Grande, Drake, Post Malone, Chris Brown, Zendaya, Jack Harlow, Ty Dolla $ign, 6lack, Ella Mai, Kehlani, Giveon, Jessie Reyez, and Babyface. The other host of the night, Derrick Milano, is also well known for writing hit songs for artists like Justin Bieber, Pop Smoke, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.

The invite-only celebration honored the excellence of music’s biggest names who are songwriters, producers, creators, and talent. Guests were able to enjoy sounds by celebrity DJs Talon Reid, Dre Sinatra, and Justin Credible with a surprise guest performance by Ty Dolla $ign. Celebrity DJ Talon Reid and Dre Sinatra called Ty Dolla $ign to the stage where he performed and gave congratulatory shout-outs to his friend’s wins along with a congratulatory shot. This surprise performance was a treat for a night that was already filled with music, dancing, and overall good vibes.

More images from the night are below.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Talon Reid attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: A general view of atmosphere at Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Derrick Milano and Adam Glove attend Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Westside V attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Leon Thomas III attends Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: A general view of atmosphere at Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: 3Six, Ryan Witherspoon, Rod Henley and Capella Grey attend Affinity Nightlife presents "Music Is Love | Love is Music" Grammys after party at Academy LA on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Affinity Nightlife)
February 11, 2024 0 comments
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MusicThe Latest

Exclusive: Leon Thomas Talks New Music, Collaborations, ‘Insecure’ & More

by Farah Idrees May 29, 2018
written by Farah Idrees

You may know him from ‘Detroit’, ‘Victorious, for being 1/2 of ‘The Rascals’, or maybe even from ‘Insecure’ — Leon Thomas is  a multifaceted artist whose catalog is only growing towards bigger and better things.

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May 29, 2018 0 comments
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EntertainmentFilmThe LatestVideo

‘Detroit’ Stars Jason Mitchell, Nathan Davis Jr. and Leon Thomas Talk Research, Emotional Sets and Coming a Long Way

by Riyad Mammadyarov July 30, 2017
written by Riyad Mammadyarov

Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit is more relevant now than ever.

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July 30, 2017 0 comments
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🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

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🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

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Catch our exclusive video interview now!

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Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

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When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

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@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

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A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

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🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

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#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
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🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kick 🔥 Korean rock band @xdinaryheroes_official kicked off their LA show at the Hollywood Palladium with an electrifying performance of “Beautiful Life” 🎶✨

🌌 “The track’s soaring lyrics and layered sound made for the perfect introduction.” 🎸💥

Read the full article here 👉 https://theknockturnal.com/xdinary-heroes-los-angeles/

By @emmasalehi 

#XdinaryHeroes #BeautifulLife #KoreanRock #LiveMusic #HollywoodPalladium #KBand #RockOn #ConcertVibes
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🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/rock-the-bells-2025-celebrating-hip-hops-past-present-and-future/

✍️: Malachi Davis 

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@jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new @jamieleecurtis , @lindsaylohan , and a whole new generation of chaos... 💜💚
“Freakier Friday” flips back into theaters August 16! 🔄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/disneys-freakier-friday-a-nostalgic-encore-with-a-modern-beat/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

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Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest s Enter for a chance to WIN tickets to the hottest show of the summer at the Hollywood Bowl in LA on August 27! Get ready to dance the night away with the legendary Charlie Wilson, known for his timeless funk hits, the iconic Grammy magnet “Babyface,” and the smooth, soulful vibes of K-Ci Hailey. Don’t miss your chance to witness these music legends light up the stage—enter now and let the magic begin! 🌟🎶

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SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premi SomeTHING was in the air last week at the NY premiere and special screening of @wednesdaynetflix season 2! 🤍
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We attended a special screening of ‘AMERICANA’ We attended a special screening of ‘AMERICANA’ at @desertfivespotny, where indie cinema met intimate conversation. 👏👏

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Bad Bunny’s residency wasn’t just a concert — it was an experience. A love letter to Puerto Rico wrapped in lights, rhythms, and moments that made the whole arena feel like family. 🎶🌴🇵🇷

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/i-was-there-bad-bunnys-residency-show-was-more-than-a-concert-it-was-a-love-letter-to-puerto-rico/

✍️: Abigail Amengual 

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Three days. Endless fan chants. Rows of K-beauty b Three days. Endless fan chants. Rows of K-beauty booths. Idol stages that made the entire arena feel like one heartbeat. KCON 2025 was a celebration of music, style, and the fandom that makes it all unforgettable. 🎶♥️

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✍️: Emma Salehi

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✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

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#TheNakedGun #NYCPremiere #RedCarpetMoments #ComedyMovie #MoviePremiere #FilmLovers #NYCEvents
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