Billboard recently hosted its annual R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players celebration in New York City, bringing together some of the genre’s most impactful artists, executives, and rising stars. The exclusive event at Unveiled honored the key figures shaping the future of R&B and hip-hop.
The evening featured a special awards ceremony recognizing a new class of honorees.. Cardi B was presented with the Impact Award by Billboard’s Senior Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Carl Lamarre. Hip-hop legends RZA, Raekwon, and Cappadonna of the Wu-Tang Clan were inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.
Other honorees included Leon Thomas, who received the Breakthrough Award, while Rayvn Lenae (R&B), GELO (Hip-Hop), and Odeal (African) were recognized as Rookies of the Year. The prestigious Executive of the Year award was presented to Top Dawg. The event was sponsored by State Farm, BET, Live Nation, Hard Rock, and the Black Promoters Collective.
Discussions and Performances Highlight a Global Future
As part of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Week, several other events were held to celebrate the culture. The Orchard hosted a special conversation titled “The Future of Hip-Hop is Global,” moderated by Billboard’s Carl Lamarre. The panel explored how a new, democratized power dynamic is reshaping artist discovery and development on a global scale.
Additionally, Billboard debuted its first-ever studio experience for Unfiltered Live, giving fans an up-close look at the culture with a lively conversation featuring special guests Cash Cobain and Zeddy Will. The event marked the first time the franchise welcomed a live audience.
The celebration will continue with R&B/Hip-Hop LIVE, a concert event at Webster Hall. Headlined by Leon Thomas, the show will also feature performances from rising stars GELO, Odeal, Ravyn Lenae, and Armanii. Before the show, Billboard will host an exclusive ceremony to toast Leon Thomas alongside his mentors, Ty Dolla $ign and music executive Shawn Barron, who were also recognized at a separate event for their work in financial literacy. At the “Future of Music & Money” event, Ty Dolla $ign received the Collab Impact Award, and Shawn Barron was honored with the Executive Impact Award, with Leon Thomas also receiving the Creative Visionary Award.