ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, announces the winners of the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards.

The rooftop of the London West Hollywood bustled with hundreds of the world’s most talented songwriters on June 25. They were gathered for the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, a celebration of the music creators and publishers behind the biggest R&B, hip-hop and gospel hits of the past year. MUSTARD topped ‘em all as Songwriter of the Year, for his hits “tv off” and “Little Things,” while R&B hero LEON THOMAS took home the ASCAP Vanguard Award, honoring creators who are moving music forward. SONY MUSIC PUBLISHING’s Ari Gelaw was on hand to accept Publisher of the Year honors, for Sony’s 27 winning songs.

Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Mustard is this year’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off” and Ella Mai’s “Little Things.” “tv off” reached #1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart for four weeks and was on the Billboard Hot 100 for 31 weeks, reaching a peak position of #2. “Little Things” reached #4 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales Chart and spent seven weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

Co-written by ASCAP winners Marvin Gaye, Kamasi Washington, Scott Bridgeway and Jack Antonoff, the massive hit single “luther” (Kendrick Lamar, SZA) earns the ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year. Published by BMG, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, FCG Music, MG III Music and NMG Music, the standout single soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending a total of 13 weeks at #1. It broke the record for the longest-running #1 hit in the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart history, eventually reigning for over 23 weeks.

Singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Leon Thomas is honored with the esteemed ASCAP Vanguard Award, presented in recognition of ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping to shape the future of music. Thomas was presented with the award tonight at an invitation-only, VIP event held in Los Angeles. Previous ASCAP Vanguard Award recipients include Victoria Monét, Migos, Janelle Monáe, Beastie Boys and more. Thomas also wins an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for his hit song “Mutt.”

ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Gospel Song of the Year goes to “Rest On Us” (Maverick City & UPPEROOM), 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 earns ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year for songs including “Push 2 Start” (Tyla), “Went Legit” (G Herbo), “Folded” (Kehlani), “Man I Need” (Olivia Dean), “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” (Glorilla and Sexyy Red), “Mutt” (Leon Thomas), “Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix” (MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea) and “Rather Lie” (The Weeknd and Playboi Carti).

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

The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed songs of the past year based on Luminate data for terrestrial and satellite radio and streaming services, as specified by the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards rules.