CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS

#BMIRnBHHAwards

2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards Congratulations

BMI is proud to celebrate the visionaries, creators, and hitmakers continuously redefining R&B and hip-hop culture. This year, we’re thrilled to honor Nas with the BMI Icon Award, recognizing his decades of artistic leadership and indelible impact on music. Throughout the evening, BMI also recognized the creators behind the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs, as well as announced the Songwriter, Song, Producer, and Publisher of the Year and Top Producers. Congratulations to all our honorees and thank you for shaping today’s musical landscape and inspiring listeners around the world.

2026 Award Winners

BMI ICON AWARD

Nas

Nas stands as one of hip-hop’s most commanding lyricists and storytellers, renowned for his cinematic narrative style, razor-sharp commentary, and timeless microphone presence. Since introducing his debut album Illmatic in 1994, he has amassed a 17-album body of work featuring platinum and multi-platinum staples such as Nastradamus, Stillmatic, God’s Son, and Street’s Disciple. A 16-time GRAMMY nominee, Nas earned his first GRAMMY for Best Rap Album with 2020’s King’s Disease, sparking a critically acclaimed trilogy alongside producer Hit-Boy that concluded with King’s Disease III and 2023’s Magic 3. Beyond his own solo catalog, the Mass Appeal co-founder, executive producer, and media mogul continues to shape culture, curating the historic Legend Has It… project alongside hip-hop legends, and capping the initiative with Light-Years, his long-awaited collaborative album with DJ Premier. For his decades of artistic leadership, narrative brilliance, and unmatched legacy, BMI is proud to honor Nas as our 2026 BMI Icon.

Nas Accepts the BMI Icon Award

SONG OF THE YEAR

luther

  • Matthew “MTech” Bernard
  • Atia “INK” Boggs
  • Sam Dew
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • roselilah
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • SZA
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • Greyscape Songs
  • MTech Music
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Ballad
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Kendrick Lamar

  • 30 For 30
  • hey now
  • luther
  • peekaboo
  • squabble up
  • tv off

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

Sony Music Publishing

25 / 30 For 30 / All the Way / Are You Even Real / Dark Thoughts / DEVIL IS A LIE / Folded / Gimme a Hug / Heart Of A Woman / Help Me / hey now / Like Him / Little Things / luther / Mamushi / MUTT / MUTT Remix / peekaboo / Prove It / Residuals / squabble up / Sticky / The Largest / Timeless / tv off / WHISKEY WHISKEY / Yukon /

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

O Lil Angel

TOP PRODUCERS

  • Isaac “Zac” De Boni
  • Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
  • Michael “Finatik” Mulé
  • Jahaan Sweet

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights from the 2026 BMI R&B

Evelyn “Champagne” King Performs “Love Come Down”

Real Boston Richey Performs “Help Me”

(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI, Babyface, Evelyn
(L-R) Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI, Babyface, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Nas, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI and Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas accepts The BMI Icon Award onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas accepts The BMI Icon Award onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Rijah Banerjee, poses with the Inaugural BMI Foundation Babyface Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Rijah Banerjee, poses with the Inaugural BMI Foundation Babyface Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI and Byron Wright, Executive Director, Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI and Byron Wright, Executive Director, Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI speaks onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI speaks onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Real Boston Richey performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Real Boston Richey performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Matthew
Matthew "MTech" Bernard poses with the BMI’s 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year Award for "luther" during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Evelyn
Evelyn "Champagne" King performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Leon Thomas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Leon Thomas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface, Leon Thomas and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface, Leon Thomas and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for BMI)
Belly Gang Kushington performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Belly Gang Kushington performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Belly Gang Kushington performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Belly Gang Kushington performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
YKNiece performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
YKNiece performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Babyface speaks onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Babyface speaks onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas accepts The BMI Icon Award onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas accepts The BMI Icon Award onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
A.Chic attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
A.Chic attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
RIOTUSA attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
RIOTUSA attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mariah Martinez and Dana Portalatin attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mariah Martinez and Dana Portalatin attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Turbo attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Turbo attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Matthew “MTech” Bernard attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Matthew “MTech” Bernard attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tiana Major9 attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
October London attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
October London attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tabitha Duncan attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tabitha Duncan attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
L.A. Reid attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
L.A. Reid attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
BigXthaPlug attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
BigXthaPlug attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Tone Stith attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
YKNiece attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
YKNiece attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Miles Caton attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Storm Reid attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Storm Reid attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Ant Clemons attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Ant Clemons attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Lucky Daye attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Lucky Daye attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Simone Joy Jones attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Simone Joy Jones attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Trevor Jackson attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Trevor Jackson attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Michael Mule and Isaac De Boni attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Michael Mule and Isaac De Boni attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Dougie F attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Dougie F attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Omarion attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Omarion attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Evelyn
Evelyn "Champagne" King attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Justin Barnett a.k.a.
(L-R) Justin Barnett a.k.a. "Ocean," Nick Barnett a.k.a. "Nicky Jupiter" and Jerramy Barnett a.k.a. "Goku Love" of Hero the Band attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Elijah Blake attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Elijah Blake attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Bizzy Crook attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Bizzy Crook attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Danielle Ponder attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Danielle Ponder attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Sean Momberger attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Sean Momberger attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas and Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas, Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI, Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI and Byron Wright, Executive Director, Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Nas, Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI, Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI and Byron Wright, Executive Director, Creative, BMI Atlanta attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Yara Shahidi attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Yara Shahidi attends the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) L.A. Reid, Nas and Babyface attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) L.A. Reid, Nas and Babyface attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface, Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Babyface, Mike O'Neill, CEO, BMI and L.A. Reid attend the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Jalisa Chambers, Deon Conway, Cambrian Strong, and Christopher Scott-Wallace, Associate Director of Creative, BMI pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Jalisa Chambers, Deon Conway, Cambrian Strong, and Christopher Scott-Wallace, Associate Director of Creative, BMI pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Real Boston Richey performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Real Boston Richey performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, BigXthaPlug, Bandplay and Ro$ama pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, BigXthaPlug, Bandplay and Ro$ama pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Amir Dastoori, Omar Grant, Will Skalmoski, Sterling Sims, Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Ari Gelaw, VP, Creative, Sony Music Publishing, Terrence
(L-R) Amir Dastoori, Omar Grant, Will Skalmoski, Sterling Sims, Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Ari Gelaw, VP, Creative, Sony Music Publishing, Terrence "AtlSnake" Hawkins, Katie Welle, President, Head of A&R, Sony Music Publishing, Jamin Whatley, Da'Shawn Vinson, Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI, Simone Dixon and Lauren Munroe accepts the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-hop Publisher of the Year Award during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Matthew
(L-R) Todd Horvath, President & COO, BMI, Catherine Brewton, VP, Creative, BMI, Matthew "MTech" Bernard, Wardell Malloy, Assistant VP, Creative, BMI and Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, BMI pose onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Evelyn
Evelyn "Champagne" King performs onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas (R) accepts The BMI Icon Award from Babyface (L) onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Nas (R) accepts The BMI Icon Award from Babyface (L) onstage during the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on August 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for BMI)
Songwriters & Publishers of the
Most-Performed Songs
of the Year
These songs have received the most performances on terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year.
This year we’re proud to honor 63 first-time BMI R&B/Hip-Hop award winners.
★ See their names starred below.
25 cover art

25

  • ★ Samuel “Spax” Akano
  • ★ Travis Harrington
  • ★ Kasey Rashel Sims
  • ★ Oluseyi “Seyi” Sodimu
  • ★ Lee Allen Spight, III
  • Tems
  • Rod Wave
  • Keys In Common Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
30 For 30 cover art

30 For 30

  • Kendrick Lamar
  • SZA
  • Anthony “J.White Did It” White
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
All the Way cover art

All the Way

  • BigXthaPlug
  • Krishon “Bandplay” Gaines
  • ★ Ben Johnson
  • ★ Jenna Johnson
  • ★ KK Johnson
  • Artist 101 Publishing Group
  • Bandplay Publishing
  • Ben There Wrote That Publishing
  • BigXthaPlug Publishing
  • Blue Suede Tunes
  • Laguna Madre Music
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Sony/ATV Tree
  • Tape Room Hits
  • Truth or Dare Music Publishing
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Are You Even Real cover art

Are You Even Real

  • ★ Julian Bunetta
  • GIVĒON
  • ★ Sean Thomas Kennedy
  • ★ Sarah “Solly” Solovay
  • ★ Teddy Swims
  • Concord
  • Daddys Favorite Songs
  • Dragon Bunny Music
  • Solovay Music
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Swimmy Bout Dat Pub
  • These Are Pulse Songs
  • This Is Noise Publishing
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Wide Eyed Global
Big Dawgs cover art

Big Dawgs

  • ★ Hanumankind
  • ★ Kalmi
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
Burning Blue cover art

Burning Blue

  • ★ Mariah the Scientist
  • ★ Michael Jonathan Sharp, Jr.
  • Buckles Laboratories Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
Dark Thoughts cover art

Dark Thoughts

  • ★ Lucas Scharff-Poulsen (KODA)
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Denial Is a River cover art

Denial Is a River

  • Doechii
  • ★ Spencer Golanka
  • ★ Xavier Javier
  • ★ Joseph R. Thompson
  • Fairview Group Music Publishing Assets
  • Jungle Habitat Music
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Swing Beat Songs
DEVIL IS A LIE cover art

DEVIL IS A LIE

  • Kavian
  • ★ Roman Ortiz
  • Maxwell Vossberg
  • Avex USA Hits
  • Maxwell Vossberg Songs
  • Paco Songs
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of S10Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Folded cover art

Folded

  • ★ D.K. the Punisher
  • Khris Riddick-Tynes
  • Reservoir 416
  • Sam Edmonds Songs
  • Songs of Platinum Grammar
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Gimme a Hug cover art

Gimme a Hug

  • Diamante “GORDO” Blackmon
  • ★ Kenny Burrell
  • ★ Tabitha Duncan
  • Johannes Klahr (STIM)
  • ASOC Brotherhood Music
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Sweatie Publishing Inc.
  • Sweetness Music
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Heart Of A Woman cover art

Heart Of A Woman

  • ★ David “Dos Dias” Bishop, Jr.
  • ★ Tavaras Jordan
  • Concord
  • Dos Dias Music LLC
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Tavaras Jordan Worldwide Media
  • These Are Pulse Songs
Help Me cover art

Help Me

  • ★ Real Boston Richey
  • ★ Paul Williams, Jr.
  • Gulf Shore Publishing LLC
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Y.I.C. The Publisher Music
hey now cover art

hey now

  • ★ Barry “Slick B” Adams, Jr.
  • ★ Zarius “Dody6” Cunningham
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • Dodyworld
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Tenyor Music
It Depends cover art

It Depends

  • ★ Nicolas Baran
  • Chris Brown
  • Ant Clemons
  • ★ Ryan Press
  • RiotUSA
  • Bryson Tiller
  • Concord
  • Culture Beyond Ur Experience Publishing
  • Nico Baran Publishing
  • Number 1’s Only Publishing
  • Songs By 10K Music Publishing
  • Songs By A Blessing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • These Are Pulse Songs
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Little Things cover art

Little Things

  • Ella Mai
  • Ella Mai Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Ballad
luther cover art

luther

  • ★ Matthew “MTech” Bernard
  • ★ Atia “INK” Boggs
  • ★ Sam Dew
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • ★ Roselilah (BUMA)
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • SZA
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • Greyscape Songs
  • MTech Music
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Ballad
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Mamushi cover art

Mamushi

  • ★ William “DR30” Austin (APRA)
  • Megan Thee Stallion
  • ★ Koshiro “KOSHY” Ota
  • Hot Girl Music
  • Mugen U Songs
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
MUTT cover art

MUTT

  • ★ Lazaro “Bizzy Crook” Camejo
  • ★ D Phelps
  • ★ Michael Lee Stokes
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Platinum Grammar
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Willow Girl Music
MUTT Remix cover art

MUTT Remix

  • Chris Brown
  • ★ Lazaro “Bizzy Crook” Camejo
  • ★ Mariah “Rose” Martinez
  • ★ D Phelps
  • ★ Dana “BaeBae” Portalatin
  • ★ Ryan Press
  • ★ Michael Lee Stokes
  • BAE Publishing
  • Culture Beyond Ur Experience Publishing
  • M Music Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Platinum Grammar
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Where Da Kasz At?
  • Willow Girl Music
No Pole cover art

No Pole

  • Ronald “Cardo” LaTour
  • Don Toliver
  • Artist 101 Publishing Group
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • We RunIt Entertainment Publishing
peekaboo cover art

peekaboo

  • ★ AZ Chike
  • Willie Clarke
  • ★ Willie “Little Beaver” Hale
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Sean Momberger
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • Henstone Publishing
  • Sean Mom Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Prove It cover art

Prove It

  • ★ Tye Beats
  • ★ Isaiah “ibmixing” Brown
  • Edward Maclin “COUPE” Cooper III
  • Faith Evans
  • ★ Carl E. “Chucky” Thompson
  • 2 Door Publishing
  • Chyna Baby Music
  • Concord
  • EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
  • Flint Affiliated Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • These Are Pulse Songs
Residuals cover art

Residuals

  • Floyd Bentley aka A1
  • Chris Brown
  • ★ Lorenzo “Eny” Gaines
  • ★ Eric Lee Hudson III
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • Colorwater Music
  • Concord
  • Culture Beyond Ur Experience Publishing
  • E Hudson Music LLC
  • Songs By BEAT HOUSE
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • These Are Pulse Songs
  • Warsaw Type Music
Shake Dat Ass (Twerk Song) cover art

Shake Dat Ass (Twerk Song)

  • BossMan Dlow
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
SOMEBODY LOVES ME cover art

SOMEBODY LOVES ME

  • ★ Philip Böllhoff (GEMA)
  • ★ O Lil Angel
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
squabble up cover art

squabble up

  • ★ Matthew “MTech” Bernard
  • ★ Tony Butler
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • MSI Publishing
  • MTech Music
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Sticky cover art

Sticky

  • ★ Aaron Bolton
  • ★ Dudley Alexander Duverne
  • GloRilla
  • Lil Wayne
  • Polow Da Don
  • Tyler, the Creator
  • Big Zak Wallace
  • Elvis Williams, Jr.
  • Rex Zamor
  • A Boy Is A Gun
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • CMG The Label Publishing
  • EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
  • Ishmoot Music
  • Muziqnation Music Group
  • My Diet Starts Tomorrow, Inc.
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Young Money Publishing, Inc.
The Largest cover art

The Largest

  • BigXthaPlug
  • Krishon “Bandplay” Gaines
  • Ro’Darrion “Ro$ama” Harrison
  • Artist 101 Publishing Group
  • Bandplay Publishing
  • BigXthaPlug Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
Timeless cover art

Timeless

  • Raul Cubina
  • Mike Dean
  • Evan “BBYKOBE” Hood
  • ★ Twisco
  • Mark Williams
  • EF Music Publishing Venture Songs
  • Jarjourco Worldwide
  • Papa George Music
  • R.I.C. Volta Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Superreal Publishing
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Y2K Music Worldwide
tv off cover art

tv off

  • ★ John Barry
  • ★ Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Sean Momberger
  • Mark “Sounwave” Spears
  • EMI-Unart Catalog, Inc.
  • Sean Mom Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Wonderland Music Company, Inc.
WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME cover art

WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME

  • Yakki Marez Davis
  • GloRilla
  • BMG Platinum Songs US
  • CMG The Label Publishing
  • Pen Play Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
WHISKEY WHISKEY cover art

WHISKEY WHISKEY

  • Chandler A. Great  “Turbo”
  • Charlie Handsome
  • Elias Klughammer
  • Jaucquez “London Jae” Lowe
  • Moneybagg Yo
  • David Ruoff
  • ★ Ernest Keith Smith
  • ★ Josh Thompson
  • ★ Morgan Wallen
  • Artist 101 Publishing Group
  • Big Loud Mountain
  • Bo Wallace Publishing
  • Ern Dog Music
  • Red Bandana Publishing
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Sony/ATV Tree
  • Turbo The Great
  • Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
Yukon cover art

Yukon

  • ★ Daniel Chetrit
  • ★ Dijon Duenas
  • Eminem
  • Carter Lang
  • John Madara
  • Dave White
  • Dylan “Sir Dylan” Wiggins
  • Elleis Inc. Music Group
  • EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.
  • Merjoda Music, Inc.
  • Shroom Shady Music
  • Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing
  • Songs of Universal, Inc.
  • Sony/ATV Songs LLC
  • Two in a Field Publishing
  • Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
  • Zuma Tuna LLC