Every year, BET Awards weekend is filled with mixers, parties, music showcases, and so much more. The 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards definitely set the tone for what’s to come during what is referred to as “culture’s biggest night.” The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills was overflowing with musical excellence on Sunday, June 8, as guests gathered to celebrate those who made a special impact on culture and music.
Guests included multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist Cardi B who was honored with the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award, DJ & Producer Dijon “Mustard” McFarlane who received the Songwriter of the Year Award, Jermaine Dupri, Christopher Reid, 310babii, Tee Grizzley, Kelly Price, Ace Charisma, and many others.
Before the ceremony, media filled the red carpet capturing photos, videos, and content of guests. Drinks and small bites were served by event staff as music played in the background enhancing the celebratory mood.
The annual awards ceremony is hosted by ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) to recognize the songwriters, publishers, and composers behind the most performed songs of the past year.
When DJ Spinderella announced it was time for the celebration, guests proceeded to an outside area of the hotel that exuded stylish cabana vibes – just in time for the summer. The weather was just right for an outdoor ceremony. A full bar was available with alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments, and small bites were available for guests to grab and go as they watched the award recipients receive their well-deserved recognition.
Co-written by awardee DJ Mustard, Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 hit “Not Like Us” earned the ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year. Other winners included 310babii for his 2023 hit single “Soak City (Do It),” Producer Aubrey “Boobie” Robinson for Jordan Adetunji’s debut single “Kehlani,” Songwriters and Producers Dominique Logan and Darius Logan for Chris Brown’s “Residuals,” Hip-Hop and R&B Producer Elimu Tabasuri for GloRilla’s “Wanna Be,” Rapper and Record Producer Jermaine Dupri for Muni Long’s “Made For Me,” Producer and Composer Ronnie “Lil Ronnie” Jackson and Composer Morris “Moe” Jones for GloRilla’s “Yeah, Glo!” and countless others.
The crowd cheered loudly when it was time for Cardi B to make her way onto the stage to receive her award.
“I want to tell you something for the writers,” she said. “I hate the idea that if you don’t write every line on your own that it makes what you have to say not real. Music is a collaboration. It has always been. The biggest hits, and the greatest records come from teamwork. They come from sharing experiences, energy, pain, and joy. It’s not about ego; it’s about impact. I love my team, and I love that my team has become some of my best friends. We have become best friends making music. I write. I co-write. I rewrite. I speak to what’s true to me. My pen, my mind, my feelings are in every verse and every hook. I respect every writer who brings their magic to the table. This award is not just for me; it’s for the culture – for every writer who helped shape it and make us feel something. Let’s keep pushing our pens and the power that comes with it.”
According to ASCAP’s website, the Voice of the Culture Award is “presented to an ASCAP member who has had a major influence on music and culture.” She is the first female rapper to have five songs reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her 2018 album “Invasion of Privacy” is certified triple platinum. She was named to the TIME 100 Most Influential People List. Not to mention, she has a catalog of notable features including Bruno Mars’s “Finesse” and Migos’ “Motorsport.” The list of her accolades can go on and on.
As Cardi made her exit off the stage, she stopped to congratulate all of the winners of the evening telling them to “keep making hits” and she “hopes they get a hundred hits and Grammy Awards.”
The celebration didn’t end after all the awards were given out. It was time for some mixing and mingling, more food and drinks, and essentially just good vibes.
During last year’s award ceremony, Grammy Award-winning Singer, Actor, and Dancer Usher received the Voice of the Culture Award, Singer and Songwriter Victoria Monet took home the ASCAP Vanguard Award, Rapper Lil Baby earned his third Songwriter of the Year Award, Singer Leon Thomas received R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year for SZA’s “Snooze,” and more.
