BMI announced 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.
Brewton said:
Nas has both defined and elevated hip-hop through his groundbreaking storytelling, lyrical excellence and a lasting commitment to artistic innovation. 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.
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.