Tonight (August 30th), the 2018 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards will be held in Atlanta as the organization acknowledges songwriters, producers, publishers, and administrators of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs in the United States.
Among those being celebrated will be Janet Jackson, who is poised to receive the BMI Icon award at the evening’s ceremonies.
“As one of the most influential entertainers of all time, Janet Jackson’s artistry and music transcends generations and has inspired many with messages of empowerment that can be heard throughout her rich catalog of music,” said BMI Vice President Creative, Catherine Brewton. “She is the definition of an icon, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Jackson will join a group of elite honorees who have earned the award for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Past recipients include Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, Al Green, and James Brown among others.
She’s certainly in great company as Jackson lays claim to 160 million records sold worldwide, seven No. 1 albums, and is still the only artist in history to have three different albums produce five or more top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. She accomplished the feat with her Control, Rhythm Nation, and janet.
This year, she was also honored with the Billboard Icon Award, and was among a select group of women honored at BET’s Black Girls Rock! Ceremony.