Notorious B.I.G., Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Honored by ASCAP for Songwriting

“It was all a dream” as the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards recently honored the Notorious B.I.G. with an ASCAP Founders Award at ceremony held in Beverly Hills during the BET Awards Weekend.

Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were honored with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, which was given during the 30th anniversary of the Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, which celebrate the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the R&B/hip-hop, rap and gospel charts.

Notorious B.I.G.’s Founders Award was accepted on his behalf by his wife, singer/songwriter Faith Evans, his children CJ and T’Yanna Wallace, and his former managers and estate consultant Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts. A video message from Sean “Diddy” Combs was played that was introduced by his sons, Justin and Christian Combs, who presented the award to Biggie’s family.

Other songwriters recognized at this year’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards include Allen Ritter (“Controlla,” “Work”) and Paul “Nineteen85” Jefferies (“For Free,” “Hotline Bling,” who were tied in the “Songwriter of the Year” category. The winner for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song was “Needed Me,” written by Adam “Frank Dukes” Feeney, Brittany “Starrah” Hazzard, Prince Charlez and Derrus Rachel.

The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards gave the top “Top Rap Song” award to “Controlla,” written by Dwayne “Supa Dups” Chin-quee, Moses Anthony Davis, Donald Anthony Dennis, Gary Lewis Jackson, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Allen Ritter, Patrick Leroy Roberts and Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels. And the top gospel song was Hezekiah Walker’s “Better,” written by Gabriel J Hatcher II.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and was attended by a number of celebrities, including French Montana, Remy Ma, Papoose, PartyNextDoor, 2 Chainz, Nicci Gilbert, Mike Will Made-It, Yo Gotti, MC Lyte, Bridget Kelly, DJ Drama, Goapele, Mona Scott-Young and Keyshia Cole.

The crowd of music creators, publishers and industry insiders was also treated to live performances from ASCAP songwriters, including the first live appearance from H.E.R. performing her song “Focus.” Jeremih also performed his hit Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Oui.” Kyle performed his Top five hit “iSpy” and new single, “Nothing to Lose,” and Tasha Cobbs singing her new single “Great God.”

Photos and video from the event are below