Usher Rocks Rhythm & Soul Awards

Published
ASCAP

Usher remains one of the busiest artists around as he juggles various appearances and performances with duties as a coach on NBC's The Voice and working in the studio on his upcoming album. One of the latest accomplishments for the Grammy winner was being honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) at its 26th annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards and we've got highlights from the show!

Tributes to Usher were given by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams, rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs, record producer L.A. Reid and rhythm & soul legend Terry Lewis, before he was presented with the Golden Note Award during the show last Thursday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

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"The reason I've been able to evolve is because I'm around people who constantly evolve," Usher told the crowd after accepting the award, which is given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. "It's just the simple fact that we love what we do," he added. "We love what we do and that's why we continue to push the envelope. And I'm going to continue to do that as a songwriter, as an artist and a performer."

Rapper Kendrick Lamar was also honored with ASCAP's Vanguard Award, which recognizes the impact of musical genres that are helping shape the future of American music.

Other top awards went to Beyonce's Love On Top -- co-written by Beyonce, The-Dream and Shea Taylor -- which was named Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song. The Motto by Drake, featuring Lil Wayne, earned writer Noah "40" Shebib the Top Rap Song award, while Andraé Crouch's Let the Church Say Amen was named Top Gospel Song. For a complete list of winners, click here.

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