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

Published

7 years ago

September 1, 2017

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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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AjaxKid: The Maverick of EDM

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2025

Public Relations Agency LLC

In a world where electronic dance music (EDM) has become a staple of modern entertainment, it’s rare to find an artist who truly pushes the boundaries of the genre. AjaxKid, the Los Angeles-based DJ, producer, and performing artist, is one such visionary. With his latest album, “78MIN,” AjaxKid is redefining the EDM landscape, one beat at a time.

A Sonic Revolutionary

AjaxKid’s journey into the world of EDM is a fascinating tale of creative evolution. From his roots as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock trio The Ambulance, AjaxKid has always been driven by a passion for innovation and experimentation. With “78MIN,” he takes his unique sound to new heights, blending EDM, tech house, progressive house, and melodic techno to create a truly genre-bending masterpiece.

“78MIN”: A Love Letter to Dance Music

“78MIN” is more than just an album – it’s an immersive experience that will leave you breathless and begging for more. From the pulsating energy of “Ugh Ugh” to the euphoric, hands-in-the-air anthem “Side Call,” each track is a testament to AjaxKid’s artistic growth and versatility. With “78MIN,” AjaxKid is not just pushing the boundaries of EDM – he’s redefining the very fabric of the genre.

A Visionary Artist with a Global Perspective

As AjaxKid continues to build momentum and push the boundaries of electronic music, his ambitions stretch far beyond the confines of the dance floor. With a keen eye on the global stage, he envisions a future where his music transcends borders and genres, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans alike. Whether he’s performing at iconic festivals, collaborating with fellow visionaries, or composing scores for films, AjaxKid is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world.

Join the Revolution

In an era where creativity and innovation are often sacrificed at the altar of commercialism, AjaxKid stands as a beacon of hope, a shining example of what can be achieved when artistic vision and technical skill come together in perfect harmony. Join the revolution and experience the electrifying sound of AjaxKid – a sonic revolutionary who is redefining the EDM landscape, one beat at a time.

Get Ready to Experience “78MIN”

“78MIN” is not just an album – it’s an immersive experience that will leave you breathless and begging for more. With its genre-bending sound, pulsating energy, and euphoric anthems, “78MIN” is the perfect soundtrack for anyone looking to elevate their music experience. So, get ready to join the revolution and experience the electrifying sound of AjaxKid – a sonic revolutionary who is redefining the EDM landscape, one beat at a time.