*The 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards brought the stars out, and EUR was front and center on the red carpet.
The afternoon celebrated songwriting excellence, but the conversations extended beyond the mic, touching on legacy, new voices, and what’s next for hip-hop and R&B.
Jermaine Dupri, the legendary hitmaker, is stepping into new territory with his “Magic City” documentary, and he told us it’s more than just nostalgia; it’s a whole vibe.
“It’s really super strip club music, you know? I’m working with people I never had a chance to work with before — TI, 2 Chainz, we never had a song together. The first single, ‘Turn Around,’ drops this Friday — I’m really excited,” Dupri shared.
Scroll to continue reading
When it comes to songs that move the soul, powerhouse Kelly Price reflected on her earliest musical influences — and how gospel shaped her iconic voice.
“From the gospel side, the Clark Sisters, Mahalia Jackson, The Winans. Then, as a little girl, it was Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker. Those big voices — you didn’t have a choice but to hear them,” she said. “I brought that same feeling to R&B — sang it the way I knew how.”
One of LA’s hottest rising voices, 310Babii – who received an award for his single “Soak City” – wasn’t shy about sharing bold thoughts on the current rap landscape, and when it might be time for OGs to step back.
“Look, I was the only kid under 35 on that [LA rap] list, that’s a blessing. But a lot of these guys have been rapping for 30 years. The consumer is tired. We need something fresh,” he told EURweb. When pressed on whether older artists can do both — stay on the mic and put others on — 310Babii doubled down: “You can do both — look at Lil Wayne. But I can’t name any LA rapper that really put someone on, and it worked long-term.”
He wasn’t alone in celebrating the new guard; Tee Grizzley soaked in his moment on the carpet, as the rapper was being honored by ASCAP for the first time. “It feels amazing. A blessing. It’s my first time being honored and winning something — I prayed for this. I didn’t know if it’d happen or not,” he said.
Actress Jude Demorest, known from Lee Daniels’ STAR, also teased what’s next: “I’m working on a movie this summer, a really different role. I’m also working on an EP. I’m doing it all and seeing what works.”
And yes, Cardi B was on the scene, keeping her red carpet energy on high, though she didn’t stop for interviews. But her presence alone had the carpet buzzing.
In her acceptance speech for the ‘Voice of the Culture’ award, Cardi shared that “the greatest records come from teamwork, sharing experiences, pain, joy. It’s not about ego but impact.”
She also stated that she writes, co-writes, and rewrites, and speaks to what’s true for her, her pen, and her feelings.
They are in every verse, every hook, and she has respect for every writer who brings their magic to the table. Putting to bed the idea that Cardi doesn’t write her own music.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
RELATED NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Tee Grizzley to Hip-Hop Artists: ‘Everybody Should Have Life Insurance
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
