ASCAP will honor Usher and Victoria Monét at a party in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 27, celebrating rhythm and soul music's leading songwriters and publishers. Usher will receive the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award. Monét, the ASCAP Vanguard Award.
The Voice of the Culture Award is given to ASCAP members who have had a significant influence on music and culture. The honor recognizes their success as both creators and creators. Timbaland, Swizz Beatz and D-Nice were the latest artists to receive the award in 2021.
The Vanguard Award recognizes ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping to shape the future of music. Migos, Janelle Monáe and the Beastie Boys are past recipients of the award.
“Usher has held the crown of R&B for decades, mesmerizing listeners with his unparalleled vocal artistry and songs that span the genres of R&B and pop,” said Paul Williams, chairman and president of ASCAP. “His charisma and performances are unparalleled in the world of R&B, and his humanitarian impact is equally undeniable.”
“Victoria Monét has proven herself not only as an enlightening songwriter, but also as a thriving artist and ASCAP member who continues to break barriers,” Williams continued. “Her resilience, talent and exemplary work ethic have helped her become an award-winning singer-songwriter.”
Usher, who is celebrating 30 years as an entertainer, is an eight-time Grammy winner, including two wins for Best Contemporary R&B album. He has amassed nine No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. On February 11, he headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, which became the most popular in history. Two days before this high-profile concert, Usher released his ninth studio album, I'm coming homewhich entered the Billboard 200 at No. 2. “Good Good,” his hit collaboration with Summer Walker and 21 Savage, reached the top 25 on the Hot 100 and held steady on the chart for more than six months.
Monae received seven Grammy nominations for 2024, trailing only SZA with nine. He won three Grammys on February 4 – best new artist, best R&B album for Jaguar II and Best Mechanical album, Non-Classical, for the same album. “On My Mama,” a Grammy nominee for record of the year, entered the top 40 of the Hot 100. On March 6, Monét received the Rising Star award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
Both artists were major winners at the NAACP Image Awards on March 16. Monét won Outstanding album and Outstanding New Artist. Usher got an outstanding male artist. Both artists are also top contenders at the upcoming BET Awards, which will air live from Los Angeles on June 30. Monét has five nods. Usher has four. Additionally, Usher will receive a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards, it was announced on Thursday (May 30).
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