*Janet Jackson collected yet another career honor Thursday night.
During the 2018 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, which recognizes the songwriters, producers and publishers of the year’s most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs, Jackson was given the BMI Icon Award, which came with a surprise appearance by Missy Elliott.
According to Variety, the rapper/producer gave a speech in honor of Jackson, during which she quoted the singer’s lyrics.
Songs by Jackson were performed by Jussie Smollett (“That’s the Way Love Goes”), Justine Skye (“Let’s Wait Awhile”), Normani (“The Pleasure Principle”) and Teyana Taylor (“I Get Lonely”).
The event, held at Atlanta’s Woodruff Arts Center’s Symphony Hall, also saw Metro Boomin named Producer of Year for the third year in a row. He also earned Songwriter of the Year for his work on such songs as “Bad and Boujee,” “Bank Account” and “Mask Off.”
Song of the Year went to The Weeknd’s “I Feel It Coming,” written by Thomas Bangalter and Guy Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk.
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) was awarded Publisher of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. UMPG had 15 of the most performed songs of the year.
In addition, the ceremony paid tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, who, the performance rights organization noted, “Was part of the BMI family for 50 years.” Tamela Mann sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” followed by “You’ve Got a Friend” in honor of the Queen of Soul.
Other performers included Atlanta rapper Derez De’shon (the 2018 BMI Social Star), H.E.R. and the 411 Dance Troupe.
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