ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards 2026 Honor Mustard, “Luther,” Leon Thomas, Sony Music Publishing and More

The 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards put the spotlight exactly where it belongs: on the writers, producers and publishers who build the heartbeat behind the culture. In a music landscape where rhythm, soul, gospel, hip-hop and R&B continue to shape global sound, this year’s winners read like a map of what moved people, filled playlists and carried stories from studio sessions to stadium speakers.

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, announced this year’s honorees, led by Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Mustard, who was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year. His winning work includes Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off” and Ella Mai’s “Little Things,” two records that show his range as both a hitmaker and a mood-setter. “tv off” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart for four weeks and spent 31 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 2. “Little Things” reached No. 4 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales Chart and spent seven weeks on the Hot 100.

The night’s R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year honor went to “luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Co-written by ASCAP winners Marvin Gaye, Kamasi Washington, Scott Bridgeway and Jack Antonoff, the single became one of the defining records of the year. Published by BMG, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, FCG Music, MG III Music and NMG Music, “luther” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held that position for 13 weeks. It also made history on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it became the longest-running No. 1 hit in the chart’s history, reigning for more than 23 weeks.

One of the evening’s most forward-looking moments belonged to Leon Thomas, who received the ASCAP Vanguard Award. The honor recognizes ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping shape the future of music. Thomas, a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, has become one of R&B’s most compelling creative voices. His sound feels both studied and instinctive, rooted in craft but never trapped by it. Thomas was presented with the award during an invitation-only VIP event in Los Angeles and also earned an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for his hit song “Mutt.”

On the gospel side, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Gospel Song of the Year went to “Rest On Us” by Maverick City & UPPEROOM. The song was co-written by Brandon Lake and Harvest Grapevine and published by Bethel Music Publishing, Brandon Lake Music, Go Forth Sounds, Heritage Worship Publishing and Maverick City Music Publishing Worldwide.

Sony Music Publishing earned ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year, further cementing its role in some of the year’s most performed songs. Its winning catalog included “Push 2 Start” by Tyla, “Went Legit” by G Herbo, “Folded” by Kehlani, “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean, “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” by GloRilla and Sexyy Red, “Mutt” by Leon Thomas, “Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, and “Rather Lie” by The Weeknd and Playboi Carti.

Additional 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award-winning songwriters included Cardi B for “Outside,” Justin Bieber for “YUKON” and “It Depends,” PARTYNEXTDOOR for “Somebody Loves Me” and “Sticky,” Kali Uchis for “Is It A Crime,” Usher for “It Depends,” Summer Walker for “Heart of A Woman” and more.

Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP Executive Vice President and Head of Creative Membership, and Jonathan “JJ” Jones, ASCAP Vice President of Creative Membership, welcomed guests and delivered remarks at the Los Angeles event.

The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers behind the most-performed songs of the past year, based on Luminate data for terrestrial and satellite radio and streaming services. For the creators behind the curtain, these awards are not just trophies. They are receipts. They are proof that a lyric, a melody, a drum pattern or a publishing deal can become part of the public memory.

From Mustard’s production power to Leon Thomas’s rising creative command, from “luther” dominating the charts to Sony Music Publishing’s broad cultural reach, the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards showed a simple truth: the business of music may be complex, but the soul of it still begins with the people who write the songs.

Full winners list: www.ascap.com/rsawards26