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Patti LaBelle Named BMI Icon at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

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Micheal Walker/Umeek Images
PATTI LABELLE NAMED BMI ICON AT THE
2017 BMI R&B/HIP-HOP AWARDS
 

DJ Khaled, Future, and Rihanna tied for Songwriter of the Year;
“Me, Myself & I” named Song of the Year; Metro Boomin awarded Producer of the Year and Universal Music Publishing Group presented with Publisher of the Year

Last night, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) celebrated the songwriters, producers and publishers of the year’s most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs during the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-HopAwards held at The Woodruff Arts Center’s Symphony Hall in Atlanta. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Patti LaBelle took home the night’s highest honor as BMI Icon in recognition of her distinguished career, spanning more than 50 years.

Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton with Lifestyle Specialist Kenny Burns as co-host, the evening included stellar performances by some of the hottest talent on the music scene. The night kicked off with Atlanta’s own Big Boi from OutKast performing a medley of two of their biggest hits, “B.O.B.” and “GhettoMusick.” Hip-hop brother duo Ayo and Teo went on to give a dynamic performance of their Billboard Hot 100 hit song “Rolex,” before Keke Palmer and BMI’s Wardell Malloy named Detroit-based rapper Kash Doll BMI’s Social Star, voted on by fans across BMI’s Instagram and Twitter accounts. Jacquees serenaded the audience with his Billboard R&B charting single, “B.E.D.” while Rick Ross kept the energy flowing with a medley of his biggest hits including “Hustlin,’” “Trap, Trap, Trap” and “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast).”

The second half of the evening featured an array of outstanding tribute performances honoring Patti LaBelle beginning with BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music honoree, BeBe Winans singing his beautiful version of Ms. LaBelle’s number one single duet with Michael McDonald, “On My Own.”  Next up, Avery Sunshine gave a moving rendition of “Love, Need and Want You.” The tributes continued with Gospel vocalist Kierra Sheard’s powerful performance of “When You’ve Been Blessed,” followed by Tasha Cobbs-Leonard singing the classic hit, “You Are My Friend.” Sheard joined Cobbs-Leonard to finish the song, and together they brought the crowd to their feet. Closing out the night, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ledisi gave an energetic performance of the massive classic hit, “Lady Marmalade” before calling Ms. LaBelle to the stage where she gave an impromptu performance of “Over the Rainbow” and thanked those who paid tribute to her throughout the evening. 
 
The show also honored the songwriters of the 35 best-performing R&B/Hip-Hop songs in the U.S. from BMI’s repertoire of over 12 million musical works. Metro Boomin took home the Producer of the Year award for the second year in a row and the coveted Song of the Year honor went to “Me, Myself & I” written by Tom Barnes, Lauren Christy, Michael Keenan and Bebe Rexha. Universal Music Publishing Group claimed Publisher of the Year and hitmakers Future, DJ Khaled and Rihanna tied for Songwriter of the Year.

As a BMI Icon, Ms. LaBelle joined an elite group of songwriters who have received BMI’s Icon Award for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Previous recipients include Nile Rodgers, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Al Green and Snoop Dogg, among others.   

 

The event was sponsored by the Swisher Sweets Artist Project which increases awareness and exposure for emerging musical talent.
For a complete list of 2017 winners, visit bmi.com.
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Sb Stevie: Redefining Authenticity in the Music Industry

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In an era where conformity and commercialism often take center stage, Sb Stevie is a breath of fresh air, unapologetically embracing his true self and sharing his story with the world. As a rising rap sensation, Stevie’s music is a testament to his resilience, vulnerability, and determination to stay true to himself.

Growing up, Stevie’s love for music was fostered by iconic albums that not only inspired him but also helped shape his unique sound. Kanye West’s “Graduation” and “808’s & Heartbreak,” as well as Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter 3,” were instrumental in fueling Stevie’s passion for music. After a two-year hiatus, during which he faced personal challenges, Stevie returned to the music scene with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.

Stevie’s latest album, “Cuz The Mac Broke,” is a 12-track masterpiece that chronicles his journey over the past two years. Featuring three collaborations with top artists, the album is a reflection of Stevie’s growth, both personally and professionally. With its raw energy, infectious beats, and heartfelt lyrics, “Cuz The Mac Broke” is an album that will resonate with listeners from all walks of life.

What sets Stevie apart from his contemporaries is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. In an industry where artists are often pressured to conform to certain standards or expectations, Stevie remains unapologetically true to himself. His music is a reflection of his life experiences, and his willingness to be vulnerable and honest has endeared him to fans and critics alike.

Stevie’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself. In an era where social media often presents a curated version of reality, Stevie’s authenticity is a breath of fresh air. His music serves as a reminder that true greatness can only be achieved by embracing our unique experiences, perspectives, and talents.

As Stevie continues to make waves in the music industry, his future looks brighter than ever. With his sights set on making a living off his music, performing full-time, and touching lives globally, Stevie is an artist to watch. Whether signed or independent, he remains focused on creating art that resonates with people. With his talent, dedication, and perseverance, Sb Stevie is poised to become a household name in the music industry.

In conclusion, Sb Stevie’s music is a testament to the power of authenticity and vulnerability. As a rising star in the music scene, Stevie’s commitment to staying true to himself is a beacon of hope for artists and fans alike. With his latest album, “Cuz The Mac Broke,” Stevie has cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, Stevie remains committed to creating music that inspires, uplifts, and resonates with listeners worldwide.

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