Nas receives BMI Icon Award at 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

The 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, honoring creators and hitmakers within the genre. A major highlight of the ceremony was Nas receiving the BMI Icon Award, joining previous recipients such as Janet Jackson and Snoop Dogg. In his acceptance speech, Nas noted his long-standing connection to the organization, stating, “Never in a million years did I think I would be partners with BMI.”

Other notable winners included Kendrick Lamar, who was named R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year. His collaboration with SZA, “luther,” also secured the R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year title. The event recognized the creators behind 35 of the most-performed R&B and hip-hop songs in the United States, including 63 first-time winners. Additionally, O Lil Angel was named Producer of the Year, Sony Music Publishing was honored as Publisher of the Year, and the inaugural BMI Foundation Babyface Award was presented to Rijah Banerjee.

Celebrities in attendance included Yara Shahidi, Storm Reid, and Omarion, who participated in the celebration of the industry's visionaries.