BMI has named Kobalt as its R&B/Hip Hop Publisher of the Year Award, honoring the pub for its 19 hits in the genre.

Among the songs that drove Kobalt’s success are Doja Cat’s “Like That” and 24kGoldn’s “Mood” plus Roddy Ricch’s “High Fashion” and “The Box” and his contributions to DJ Mustard’s “Ballin',” DaBaby’s “Rockstar” and Pop Smoke’s “The Woo.”

Kobalt VP, Creative, Jill Tschogl and Cee Barrett, Director, Creative, said, “What is incredibly rewarding is that many of these songs were born during the pandemic, which speaks to our writers’ ability to adapt and make great music in tumultuous times. Congratulations to each of our wonderfully gifted songwriters as well as to our relentlessly hard-working Kobalt staff around the world.”

SMACKSongs has inked singer/songwriter Marc Beeson to a global pub deal. 

Following a move to Nashville in 1990, Beeson previously signed record deals with Warner Brothers, BNA and Curb Records, releasing multiple charting singles as an artist throughout the ‘90s.

He’s also held pub deals with EMI, Sony, Crossfire 3, Warner Chappell and most recently Downtown Music Publishing. Some of his cuts include Billy Currington’s “We Are Tonight,” Blake Shelton’s “She’s Got a Way with Words” and Restless Heart’s “When She Cries,” which won the ASCAP Country Song of the Year in 1993 and Pop Song of the Year awards in 1994.

Beeson has also written songs recorded by the likes of Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Sam Hunt, Lady A, Rascal Flatts and more.

"Marc brings something really special to our roster with his dedication to the craft of songwriting and always reaching for the very best,” said SMACKSongs CCO, Robin Palmer. “Our team is really excited to welcome him and continue this journey with him.”

“Robin has always been one of the best song people I’ve ever known. She and the whole SMACK crew have made me feel so welcome and I’m grateful to be part of their team,” added Beeson.

Seen before putting on their best honkey-tonk shoes to celebrate are (l-r) SMACKSongs’ Sam Sarno, Beeson and Palmer.

Photo Credit: Molly Bouchon

Essential Music Publishing and Provident Entertainment are celebrating three-time Grammy-nominated songwriter Ethan Hulse for being named NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year at the annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. 

“Ethan Hulse is the first songwriter in the Christian genre to win the coveted NSAI Songwriter of the Year Award in its 54-year history. He more than deserves the honor based on his incredible songs and creativity,” said Bart Herbison, Executive Director, NSAI. 

Hulse was also recently named Songwriter of the Year at BMI’s Christian Music Awards for the third consecutive year. His most recent works include songs from CAIN, Andrew Ripp, Josh Baldwin, Cory Asbury, Jeremy Camp, Danny Gokev, Evvie McKinney and more. 

Holly Zabka, SVP, Publishing & Head of Creative, EMP added, “The team at Essential Music Publishing and Provident Entertainment are so proud of Ethan and this incredible NSAI recognition. We can’t think of a better songwriter, person and teammate to be recognized as the first ever recipient of this award from the Christian genre.”