Los Angeles, CA, June 29, 2012: The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 25^th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards tonight at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The star-studded event, which was attended by hundreds of songwriters, recording artists and music industry leaders, paid special tribute to Quincy Jones and Pharrell Williams, and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2011 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.

The evening featured performances by DJ Don Cannon, gospel singer James Fortune and rapper Meek Mill, and was attended by some of the top names in the music and entertainment industry, including Sidney Poitier, Jordin Sparks, Tyrese, Mary Mary, Kane Beatz, Marsha Ambrosius, Hit-Boy, NO ID, Clarence Avant, Wayne Brady, Warryn Campbell, and Kirko Bangz, among many others. Past ASCAP Songwriter of the Year recipients Kandi Burruss, Dave “Jam” Hall, Chad Hugo and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart were also in attendance to celebrate 25 years of Rhythm & Soul music.

The invitation-only event was sponsored by Rolling Out, an information source for for urban lifestyle, breaking news and original stories. Rolling Out Publisher and Steed Media Group CEO Munson Steed led the room in a toast at the top of the ceremony to help celebrate the history of the Rhythm & Soul Awards and congratulate the evening’s winners and honorees.

Top awards were handed out to:

• Songwriter of the Year: Noah “40″ Shebib
• Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing
• Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song: “Sure Thing” written by Happy Perez and Miguel Pimentel
• Top Rap Song: “Look At Me Now” written by Jean-Baptiste Kouame II and Wesley Pentz
• Top Gospel Song: “I Smile” written by James “Jimmy Jam” Harris and Terry Steven Lewis

One of the evening’s highlights was a special tribute to legendary music creator Quincy Jones, who was honored with ASCAP’s Founders Award in recognition of his achievements as a producer, composer, entrepreneur and icon. To celebrate the legendary music mogul, Musical Director Michael Beardon led a tribute performance featuring Marsha Ambrosius and Tyrese, and surprise guest Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds shared some personal remarks and co-presented the award with ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams.

The ASCAP Founders Award is among the most prestigious honors that ASCAP gives to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Past recipients include Sean “Diddy” Combs, Dr. Dre, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Ashford & Simpson, and Berry Gordy Jr. & Motown Industries.

Pioneering super-producer, songwriter and rapper Pharrell Williams was presented with ASCAP’s Golden Note Award, which is given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Mary Mary, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.

The Songwriter of the Year award was presented to Canadian producer Noah “40″ Shebib, who penned four of the most performed songs of the past year. 40 was honored for “Fall for Your Type” (by Jamie Foxx featuring Drake), “Headlines” (by Drake), “I’m On One” (by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne) and “Marvin’s Room” (by Drake).

ASCAP Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing, which was honored for 18 award-winning songs. This is the 18^th consecutive win for EMI and the 20^th time in the 25-year history of the awards show that they have received this honor. ASCAP CEO John A. LoFrumento and ASCAP Vice President of Membership, Rhythm & Soul Nicole George presented the award to EMI’s President of North American Creative Jon Platt and his creative team.

Top Song Awards went to Miguel’s “Sure Thing” written by Happy Perez and Miguel Pimentel, which was named Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song, “Look At Me Now” by Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes, which earned writers Jean-Baptiste Kouame II and Wesley Pentz the Top Rap Song award, and Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile” written by James “Jimmy Jam” Harris and Terry Steven Lewis, which was named Top Gospel Song.

About ASCAP

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world’s largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 435,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. For more information, please visit www.ascap.com.

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Press Contacts:

The Chamber Group                                                           
Sherlen Archibald                                                           
(212) 366-5801                                                           
sherlen@thechambergroup.com

ASCAP
Tim Hayes
(212) 621-8414
thayes@ascap.com

For a complete list of the night’s winners, see below:

R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS

Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song:

“SURE THING”
by Miguel

Writers: Happy Perez, Miguel Pimentel
Publishers: Amaya Sofia Publishing, MJP Music, Universal Music Publishing

Award-Winning R&B/Hip-Hop Songs:

“6 FOOT 7 FOOT” by Lil Wayne Featuring Cory Gunz
Writers: William A. Attaway, Irving Burgie
Publisher: Caribe Music

“ALL OF THE LIGHTS” by Kanye West
Writers: Fergie, Malik Yusef Jones, Kid Cudi
Publishers: Elsie’s Baby Boy, EMI Music Publishing, Headphone Junkie Publishing LLC, Jabriel Iz Myne, Universal Music Publishing

“BEST THING I NEVER HAD” by Beyoncé
Writers: Antonio Dixon, Larry “S1″ Griffin, Jr., Beyoncé Gisselle Knowles, Caleb Sean McCampbell, Shea Taylor
Publishers: Antonio Dixon’s Muzick, B Day Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, EMI Music Publishing, Keys In Motion Publishing, N 22nd Publishing, Roc Nation Music, Vohndee’s Soul Music Publishing

“BLACK AND YELLOW” by Wiz Khalifa
Writers: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Wiz Khalifa
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, PGH Sound, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“CAN’T BE FRIENDS” by Trey Songz
Writer: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Publisher: KAB America Inc

“DID IT ON ‘EM”" by Nicki Minaj
Writer: Justin Ellington
Publisher: Nicholas Ellington Publishing

“DOWN ON ME” by Jeremih Featuring 50 Cent
Writers: 50 Cent, Keith James, Jeremih
Publishers: 50 Cent Music, Ohaji Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC, Truth Faction, Universal Music Publishing

“FALL FOR YOUR TYPE” by Jamie Foxx Featuring Drake
Writer: Noah “40″ Shebib
Publisher: Roncesvalles Music Publishing

“FAR AWAY” by Marsha Ambrosius
Writers: Sterling Simms, Justin “Just Blaze” Smith
Publishers: FOB Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, YS Publishing

“HEADLINES” by Drake
Writers: Matthew “Boi-1Da” Samuels, Noah “40″ Shebib
Publishers: 1Damentional Publishing LLC, EMI Music Publishing, Is Love and Above, Roncesvalles Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC

“HOW TO LOVE” by Lil Wayne
Writer: Mack Maine
Publishers: Beamer Boy Publishing, Bling Bling Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“I SMILE” by Kirk Franklin
Writers: James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Publishers: Avant Garde Music Publishing Inc, EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes

“I’M DOING ME” by Fantasia
Writer: Chuck Harmony
Publishers: Chuck Harmony’s Housepublishing, EMI Music Publishing, Normaharris Music Publishing

“I’M ON ONE” by DJ Khaled Featuring Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
Writer: Noah “40″ Shebib
Publisher: Roncesvalles Music Publishing

“LOOK AT ME NOW “ by Chris Brown Featuring Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
Writers: Jean-Baptise Kouame II, Wesley Pentz
Publishers: The Bad Bad Guys, BMG Chrysalis, I Like Turtles Music

“MAKE A MOVIE” by Twista Featuring Chris Brown
Writers: Aaron Levius Brunson, The Legendary Traxster, Twista
Publishers: Almo Music Corporation, The Legendary Traxster Music, Stayin High Music, Universal Music Publishing, Who Done That Hit

“MAN DOWN” by Rihanna
Writers: Theron Thomas, Timothy Thomas
Publishers: T N T Explosive Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“MARVIN AND CHARDONNAY” by Big Sean Featuring Kanye West & Roscoe Dash
Writers: Darhyl Camper, Jr., Jeffrey “Roscoe Dash” Johnson, Jr.
Publishers: Almo Music Corporation, Campstar Music, EMI Music Publishing, Lines In Music Publishing LLC, Roscoe Dash Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“MARVIN’S ROOM” by Drake
Writers: Adrian “X” Eccleston (SOCAN), Noah “40″ Shebib
Publishers: Adrian Eccleston (SOCAN), Roncesvalles Music Publishing

“MY LAST” by Big Sean Featuring Chris Brown
Writers: James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Steven Lewis, Dion “No ID” Wilson
Publishers: BMG Chrysalis, EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes, Let The Story Begin Publishing

“NI**AS IN PARIS” by Jay-Z & Kanye West
Writer: Shawn Carter
Publisher: Carter Boys Music

“NO BS” by Chris Brown
Writer: Christopher “Dow Jones” Whitacre
Publishers: Nappy Boy Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, West Coast Livin Publishing

“NO HANDS” by Waka Flocka Flame Featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale
Writers: Christopher “Drumma Boy” Gholson, Jeffrey “Roscoe Dash” Johnson, Jr., Juaquin “Waka Flocka Flame” Malphurs, Wale
Publishers: Almo Music Corporation, Dead Stock Music, Juaquinmalphurspublishing, Lines In Music Publishing LLC, Roscoe Dash Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Inc., Young Drumma

“OTIS” by Jay-Z & Kanye West Featuring Otis Redding
Writers: James Campbell (PRS), Shawn Carter, Reginald Connelly (PRS), Milk Dee, Harry Woods
Publishers: Campbell Connelly and Co Ltd (PRS), Carter Boys Music, EMI Music Publishing, Hot Butter Milk Music Inc., Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“OUT OF MY HEAD” by Lupe Fiasco Featuring Trey Songz
Writers: Arden “Keyz” Altino, Ronnie “Lil Ronnie” Jackson
Publishers: Big R Publishing, Einnor Music, EMI Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Inc., Wonda Songs Inc.

“PRETTY GIRL ROCK” by Keri Hilson
Writers: Chuck Harmony, Ralph A. Mac Donald, Ne-Yo, William Salter, Bill Withers
Publishers: Antisia Music Inc, Bleunig Music, BMG Chrysalis, Chuck Harmony’s Housepublishing, EMI Music Publishing, Normaharris Music Publishing, Pen In The Ground Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“QUICKIE” by Miguel
Writers: Miguel Pimentel, Brian Warfield
Publishers: B Dizzle Muzik, MJP Music, Sony/ATV Tunes LLC

“ROLL UP” by Wiz Khalifa
Writers: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Wiz Khalifa
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, PGH Sound, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“SHE AIN’T YOU” by Chris Brown
Writers: John Bettis, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Jean-Baptise Kouame II, Steve Porcaro
Publishers: The Bad Bad Guys, BMG Chrysalis, Hitco South, John Bettis Music, Poo B Z Publishing Inc, Sony/ATV Tunes LLC

“SO IN LOVE” by Jill Scott Featuring Anthony Hamilton
Writer: Lee Hutson, Jr., Jill Scott
Publishers: Blue’s Baby Music, EMI Music Publishing, La Kasa Sole, Universal Music Publishing

“SUPER BASS” by Nicki Minaj
Writers: Jeremy “JMIKE” Coleman, Roahn “First Born” Hylton
Publishers: Artist Publishing Group West, EMI Music Publishing, FB Da Mastermind Music Publishing, JMIKEMUSIC, Warner/Chappell Music

“THAT WAY” by Wale Featuring Jeremih & Rick Ross
Writers: Keith James, Jeremih, Wale
Publishers: Dead Stock Music, Ohaji Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes LLC, Truth Faction, Universal Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“UNUSUAL” by Trey Songz Featuring Drake
Writers: Floyd “A1″ Bentley, John “D.O.E.” Maultsby
Publishers: Bentley Dream Team Ent, Jerry Lee

“WALKING” by Mary Mary
Writers: Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Neal B. Conway, Crystal Waters
Publishers: Basement Boys Music Inc, C-Water Publishing Inc, EMI Music Publishing, It’s Tea Tyme, That’s Plum Song, Wet Ink Red Music

“WET THE BED” by Chris Brown Featuring Ludacris
Writers: Joseph “Lonny” Bereal, Jr., Steven Kubie, Ludacris, Andre Merritt, Amber “Sevyn” Streeter
Publishers: Am Bee Street Publishing, Floaty Frog Publishing Company, Lonnalistic Hitz, Ludacris Worldwide Publishing, Ms Lynn Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“WHAT’S MY NAME” by Rihanna Featuring Drake
Writers: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Hermansen
Publisher: EMI Music Publishing

“YOU ARE” by Charlie Wilson
Writers: ChipDays, Wirlie Morris, Mahin Wilson
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, Escribir Publishing, Mamas Pebbly Publishing, Nephew Wirlie Music Company

“YOU BE KILLIN ‘EM” by Fabolous
Writers: Fabolous, Ryan Leslie
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, J Brasco, NS4Life Music Publishing Inc, Universal Music Publishing

RAP SONGS

Top Rap Song:

“LOOK AT ME NOW”
by Chris Brown Featuring Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes

Writers: Jean-Baptise Kouame II, Wesley Pentz
Publishers: BMG Chrysalis, I Like Turtles Music, The Bad Bad Guys

Award-Winning Rap Songs:

“6 FOOT 7 FOOT” by Lil Wayne Featuring Cory Gunz
Writers: William A. Attaway, Irving Burgie
Publisher: Caribe Music

“ALL OF THE LIGHTS” by Kanye West
Writers: Fergie, Malik Yusef Jones, Kid Cudi
Publishers: Elsie’s Baby Boy, EMI Music Publishing, Headphone Junkie Publishing LLC, Jabriel Iz Myne, Universal Music Publishing

“BLACK AND YELLOW” by Wiz Khalifa
Writers: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Wiz Khalifa
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, PGH Sound, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“GIVE ME EVERYTHING” by Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Writer: Ne-Yo
Publishers: Pen In The Ground Publishing, Universal Music Publishing

“HEADLINES” by Drake
Writers: Matthew “Boi-1Da” Samuels, Noah “40″ Shebib
Publishers: 1Damentional Publishing LLC, EMI Music Publishing, Is Love and Above, Roncesvalles Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC

“I’M ON ONE” by DJ Khaled Featuring Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
Writer: Noah “40″ Shebib
Publishers: Roncesvalles Music Publishing

“MY LAST” by Big Sean Featuring Chris Brown
Writers: James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Steven Lewis, Dion “No ID” Wilson
Publishers: BMG Chrysalis, EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes, Let The Story Begin Publishing

“NO HANDS” by Waka Flocka Flame Featuring Roscoe Dash & Wale
Writers: Christopher “Drumma Boy” Gholson, Jeffrey “Roscoe Dash” Johnson, Jr., Juaquin “Waka Flocka Flame” Malphurs, Wale
Publishers: Almo Music Corporation, Dead Stock Music, Juaquinmalphurspublishing, Lines In Music Publishing LLC, Roscoe Dash Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music Inc., Young Drumma

“PARTY ROCK ANTHEM” by LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
Writers: Skyler “Sky Blu” Gordy, Stefan “Redfoo” Gordy, David (GoonRock) Listenbee, Peter H. Schroeder III
Publisher: Party Rock

“ROLL UP” by Wiz Khalifa
Writers: Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Wiz Khalifa
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing, PGH Sound, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“SUPER BASS” by Nicki Minaj
Writers: Jeremy “JMIKE” Coleman, Roahn “First Born” Hylton
Publishers: Artist Publishing Group West, EMI Music Publishing, FB Da Mastermind Music Publishing, JMIKEMUSIC, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

“THE SHOW GOES ON” by Lupe Fiasco
Writers: Isaac Brock, Dustin W. Brower, Dann Gallucci, Daniel “Kane Beatz” Johnson, Eric Judy
Publishers: Artist Publishing Group West, Best Dressed Chicken in Town, Jimmy Rollins Entertainment Group, LLC, Sony/ATV Tunes LLC, Tschudi Music, Ugly Casanova, Warner/Chappell Music Inc.

GOSPEL SONGS
Top Gospel Song:
“I SMILE”
by Kirk Franklin
Writers: James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Steven Lewis
Publishers: Avant Garde Music Publishing Inc, EMI Music Publishing, Flyte Tyme Tunes
Award-Winning Gospel Songs:
“BE STILL” by Yolanda Adams
Writer: Donald “Drathoven” Atkins
Publishers: Drathoven Music, Suite 7677 Muzick
“I BELIEVE” by James Fortune & FIYA Featuring Zacardi Cortez & Shawn McLemore
Writer: James Fortune
Publishers: Black Smoke Music World Wide, Fiyaworld
“I GIVE MYSELF AWAY” by William McDowell
Writer: William David McDowell
Publisher: Delivery Room Publishing

“IN THE MIDDLE” by Isaac Carree
Writers: Gerald Haddon, Tammi Haddon
Publishers: Precious Baby Publishing, T Bella Music

“WALKING” by Mary Mary
Writers: Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Neal B. Conway, Crystal Waters
Publishers: Basement Boys Music Inc, C-Water Publishing Inc, EMI Music Publishing, It’s Tea Tyme, That’s Plum Song, Wet Ink Red Music
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Noah “40″ Shebib

“FALL FOR YOUR TYPE”

“HEADLINES”

“I’M ON ONE”

“MARVIN’S ROOM”

PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR:

EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING

“ALL OF THE LIGHTS”

“BEST THING I NEVER HAD”

“BLACK AND YELLOW”

“HEADLINES”

“I SMILE”

“I’M DOING ME”

“MARVIN & CHARDONNAY”

“MY LAST”

“OTIS”

“OUT OF MY HEAD”

“PRETTY GIRL ROCK”

“ROLL UP”

“SO IN LOVE”

“SUPER BASS”

“WALKING”

“WHAT’S MY NAME”

“YOU ARE”

“YOU BE KILLIN EM”

FOUNDERS AWARD:

QUINCY JONES

GOLDEN NOTE AWARD:

PHARRELL WILLIAMS