On Thursday, September 5, four-time Grammy Award-winning singer SZA and 12-time Grammy Award-winning producer powerhouse Babyface will be honored at this year's BMI 2024 R&B/Hip Hop Awards. The ceremony recognizes the most accomplished musicians and creators in the R&B and hip hop communities.
SZA will receive the BMI Champion Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication and contributions to nurturing the next generation of music creators. Coming off a monumental year with her chart-topping sophomore album, “SOS,” SZA won three Grammy Awards and solidified her position as one of the industry's most influential female artists. Her extraordinary songwriting talents are further highlighted by the success of her single “Snooze,” for which she is the sole lyricist. A vocal advocate for musicians at every stage of the creative process, SZA continues to champion the cause of artistic empowerment.
The headliner for the evening will be songwriter and producer Babyface, who will receive the BMI Icon Award. Babyface's decades-spanning career has contributed to over 800 million records sold and over 800 billion streams. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Kenny G, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Michael Jackson. Babyface has built a unique legacy as one of the few musicians to have been highly successful as both a musician and producer. With 11 studio albums and dozens of producing credits, Babyface has left his mark on the history of recorded music.
The evening will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Mike O'Neill and Kathryn Brewton, VP of Creative in Atlanta. The private event, held at Fairmount Century Plaza, marks his return to Los Angeles for the first time in nearly a decade. “We are thrilled to present the legendary Babyface with the BMI Icon Award, celebrating his incredible talent and prolific songwriting talent that has influenced hit songs across all genres for decades,” said Brewton.
“We will also be celebrating the extraordinary, industry-changing career of SZA, whose unique vibe continues to challenge conventions and innovate and inspire new sensations in the R&B we've come to love. It's going to be an incredible night of music celebrating BMI's award-winning songwriters, producers and music publishers that we're so lucky to represent.”
Throughout the evening, BMI will recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of last year's 35 most-played R&B/hip-hop songs from BMI's catalog of more than 22.4 million songs. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Top Producer, Producer of the Year and Publisher will also be announced during the ceremony.
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