Rap Icon Nas to Receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards
Evening Also Celebrates the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Songwriters, Producers and Publishers on Wednesday, August 26 in Los Angeles, CA
BMI announced today that GRAMMY-award winning rap icon Nas will receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on Wednesday, August 26 in Los Angeles, CA. Nas will be honored in recognition of his prolific songwriting and immeasurable influence on hip-hop and beyond. The private event will be hosted by BMI CEO Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
Throughout the evening, BMI will also salute the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs from BMI’s repertoire of more than 25 million musical works. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Song, Producer, and Publisher of the Year and Top Producers will also be named during the ceremony.
“Nas has both defined and elevated hip-hop through his groundbreaking storytelling, lyrical excellence and a lasting commitment to artistic innovation,” said Brewton. “From his earliest works to the music mogul that he is today, Nas is a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire artists, influence culture and shape the sound of hip-hop for generations.” She added, “We are also looking forward to honoring all this year’s award-winning songwriters, producers, and publishers. It’s going to be a night to remember.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Nas (born Nasir Jones) has built a three-decade long career defined by ingenuity, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the art of songwriting. His critically acclaimed 1994 debut album, Illmatic, is often considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded, redefining East Coast rap through its vivid storytelling and intricate lyricism. Since then, Nas has released 17 studio albums, earned multiple platinum certifications and sold more than 35 million records worldwide. Revered as the “King of New York,” his influence on hip-hop is immeasurable. By raising the bar for lyrical complexity and setting the gold standard for storytelling in rap, Nas has inspired generations of artists, with many of the genre’s biggest names citing him as a foundational influence.
(Nas photo: Danny Hastings)
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