T-Pain Nabs BMI Songwriter of The Year, Plus R&B Dominates BMI Awards with Jackson 5 Tribute
By Njai Joszor |
Posted on 09/05/08 | Filed Under: R&B News, T-Pain
R&B dominated BMI's Urban Awards Thursday as Mario, Lloyd, Bobby Valentino, Ray J, Keri Hilson and more paid tribute to The Jackson 5. T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, and Polow Da Don were among those who received awards.
The BMI Urban Awards were the place to be Thursday as the legendary Jackson 5 received the organization's Icon Award. The majority of the Jackson brothers were present including Jackie, Marlon, Tito, and Randy, but the breakout stars Michael and Jermaine Jackson were not present.
When asked where the 'King of Pop' was Marlon told reporters "I don't know, I think he's in Egypt riding a camel or something."
Janet Jackson was on hand to present her brothers with the lifetime achievement BMI Icon award following a rousing tribute performance of "Never Can Say Goodbye" which featured R&B crooners Mario, Lloyd, Ray J and Bobby Valentino. R&B group ONE, Jojo, and Keri Hilson also participated in the tribute which included hits like "I Want You Back," "Heartbreak Hotel," "I'll Be There" and "Who's Loving You."
The Jackson Five — which included Michael along with Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine — was a groundbreaking, best-selling act that debuted on the 1969 album "Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5." The group simply became the Jacksons after leaving Motown in 1976, replacing Jermaine with Randy. They continued their multiplatinum success with such hits as "ABC" and "I Want You Back." "It's a great honor to know your music influenced a generation," said Tito. "We're very proud of this moment."
BMI also crowned T-Pain with Songwriter of the Year for his contributions to seven hits including "Good Life," "I'm a Flirt," "Cyclone," "Low," "Bartender," "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')," and "Shawty" at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills. The "Can't Believe It" singer was joined by Ne-Yo who won Song of the Year for co-writing "Irreplaceable" with Amund Bjoerklund and Espen Lind.
Jonathan "J.R." Rotem, Kanye West and T-Pain shared the Producer of the Year trophy for their respective hits. Universal Music Publishing Group was given the publisher of the year award.
Soulja Boy, Polow Da Don, Rodney Jerkins, Will.I.Am, ColliPark and DJ Montay were noted on BMI's Top Urban Producers list for the year.
T-pain is not a disgrace to songwriters. Nobody said he was better than Ne-Yo. But he has written songs of his own and verses on other people's songs that have become radio smashes. It is what it is buddy. Don't hate. If his music isn't for you then it isn't for you, but obviously based on the spins he gets, his music is what a lot of people like to hear. Bottom line is the man is good at what he does. If you think otherwise thats your right, but they are giving awards based on who made hits, not on the integrity of the song. YOU need to calm down...just a little..lol.
What?!
9/5/2008 6:50:35 PM
What?!?! T-Pain is a disgrace to songwriters. You telling me he's better than Ne-Yo??? Kei Hilson??? Get the hell outta here!
