2017 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards Honors Hip Hop Icon Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace and S

On Thursday, June 22nd, the 2017 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards celebrated its 30th Annual ceremony, with some of ASCAP’s most prestigious honors: HIP-HOP ICON Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace was recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award on the 20th anniversary of his death and superstar songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis received the ASCAP Voice of Music Award, just one week after being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. ASCAP’s most prestigious honor, The Founders Award is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each recipient is a musical innovator who possesses a unique style of creative genius which will enrich generations to come.

Previous recipients include Quincy Jones, Dr. Dre, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Berry Gordy Jr. & Motown Industries, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Melissa Etheridge, Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Neil Young and many more.

The Founders Award for Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace was accepted by his wife, singer/songwriter Faith Evans, his children, and his former managers and estate consultant Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts. Sean “Diddy” Combs acknowledged Biggie’s legacy in a touching video, introducing his sons, Justin and Christian Combs, who presented the award. Biggie’s DJs, Clark Kent and DJ Enuff, celebrated him with a stirring DJ battle.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images for ASCAP/ Lester Cohen)

Industry icon Clarence Avant and Chairman and CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, Jon Platt, were honored to present the ASCAP Voice of Music Award to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The Voice of Music Award is presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Previous recipients of the ASCAP Voice of Music Award include Mary J. Blige, Diane Warren, Trisha Yearwood, The Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Webb, George Strait and Garth Brooks.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images for ASCAP/ Earl Gipson III)

For a full list of ASCAP 2017 Rhythm & Soul Awards winners, please go to www.ascap.com/rsawards17. See #ASCAPURBAN for social media coverage.

Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Twitter and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook.