UMPG SCORES ASCAP SOUL AWARD

Universal Music Publishing Group has received the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Publisher of the Year Award for songs such as “Before I Let Go” (Beyoncé), “Hot Girl Summer” (Megan Thee Stallion) and “My Type” (Saweetie).

ASCAP’s fourth virtual awards event started streaming today (7/15) and will run through Friday (7/17) with photos, videos and acceptance speeches. Cardi B was named Songwriter of the Year for the second year in a row; Meek Mill and Westen Weiss’ “Going Bad” was named Top Rap Song; DaBaby and Tahj “jetsonmade” Morgan’s “Suge,” received Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song; and Desmond (BlackDrumHippie) Davis, Marshon Lewis and Rob “Code Lei” Woolridge’s “Deliver Me (This is my Exodus)” won Top Gospel Song.

“As the world stumbles and tries to pick itself up, we must try to offer hope, and healing, and a vision for a better future. That’s where your music comes in,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “I believe in my very core that your music has the power to lift our spirits, move hearts and minds and inspire real change. That deserves to be honored and celebrated.”

On Thursday, ASCAP Experience: Home Edition will include special online programming featuring some of its 2020 Rhythm & Soul Music Awards winners. “Leading Ladies of Publishing A&R” will feature executives from three of ASCAP’s winning publishers: Brandra Ringo of Warner Chappell Music, Ari Gelaw of Universal Music Publishing Group and Jennifer Drake of Sony/ATV. Registration is free and more details are available here.

Jermaine Dupri also will host an after partyon Friday (7/17) on Instagram live at 4pm ET. The full list of 2020 Rhythm & Soul Awards winners can be found here.