Kendrick Lamar wins BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year for 6 hit songs, including "Luther" with SZA, at the 2026 LA awards.
- September 1, 2026
AceShowbiz - Kendrick Lamar has been honored as the R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards held in Los Angeles on August 26. This prestigious award recognizes his exceptional contribution to music as a co-writer of six of the most-performed songs from the past year.
The acclaimed tracks that contributed to this achievement include "Luther" featuring SZA, "Hey Now" with Dody6, "Peekaboo" with AzChike, "Squabble Up" and "tv off" featuring Lefty Gunplay, all from Kendrick’s 2024 album GNX. Additionally, the song "30 for 30" from SZA’s SOS deluxe album also played a significant role.
Notably, "Luther," co-written alongside BMI songwriters Matthew "MTech" Bernard, Atia "INK" Boggs, Sam Dew, Roselilah (BUMA), Mark "Sounwave" Spears, and SZA, earned the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year award. This recognition highlights the collaborative nature of Kendrick’s songwriting prowess.
Last year’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year, the late Tay Keith, was remembered at the ceremony. Despite his passing in June 2025, his family accepted the award on his behalf, honoring his legacy in the music industry.
The event featured performances by emerging and established artists including Belly Gang Kushington, YKNiece, Real Boston Richey, Miles Caton, Tone Stith, and Tiana Major9, showcasing the vibrant talent within the genre.
Later in the evening, legendary rapper Nas received the BMI Icon Award. In a special tribute, Evelyn "Champagne" King performed classics like "I’m In Love" and "Love Come Down," followed by a DJ set from Large Professor that celebrated some of Nas’s greatest hits.
Presented by the legendary Babyface, the award ceremony was a testament to the lasting influence of BMI in the music world. Nas reflected on his journey with BMI, emphasizing the significance of dreaming big and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from persistence.
The 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards not only celebrated the achievements of Kendrick Lamar but also highlighted the ongoing impact of songwriters and performers shaping the future of the genre.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.
