Ludacris, Tyrese Attend BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards Honoring Patti LaBelle

Last night, Atlanta turned out and turned up for the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. Each year BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) gathers individuals who have majorly contributed to the world of music for a night of fun, fashion, music, and appreciation. This years event honored the Legendary Patti LaBelle with the Icon award. Mike O’Neill (BMI President & CEO) and Catherine Brewton (BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations) hosted along with Lifestyle Specialist Kenny Burns serving as co-host for the evening’s festivities. The event included stellar performances by some of the hottest talents on the music scene.

This year’s show gave big honors to the songwriters of the 35 best-performing R&B/Hip-Hop songs over the last year. Metro Boomin took home the Producer of the Year award for the second year in a row. Universal Music Publishing Group received Publisher of the Year with Rihanna, Future, and DJ Khaled sharing the title of for Songwriter of the Year. Performances included Jacquees, Big Boi, Ayo Tao and Rick Ross who all performed their chart topping hits.

Gospel Music honoree, BeBe Winans sang his beautiful version of Ms. LaBelle’s number one single duet with Michael McDonald, “On My Own”. Avery Sunshine gave a moving rendition of “Love, Need and Want You”. Next, Gospel vocalist Kierra Sheard, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Ledisi gave powerful performances of hits such as “When You’ve Been Blessed”, “You Are My Friend” and “Lady Marmalade”. Ms. LaBelle hit the stage to close the show with her hit “Over the Rainbow” and thanked those who paid tribute to her throughout the evening.

Tyrese, Ludacris, Towanda Braxton, Shanell, Rudy Currence, Carlysia, LeMicah and Camryn Levert (who accepted an award on behalf of their father, the late great Gerald Levert), and Keke Palmer (who also presented) all came out to support this amazing event.

For a complete list of 2017 winners, visit bmi.com