The 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards brought out the very best of the music community for a special night at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills on June 25, 2026, in West Hollywood, California.
And everyone, the night belonged to Leon Thomas.
The singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist was honored with the esteemed ASCAP Vanguard Award, a recognition reserved for ASCAP members whose work is helping shape the future sound of music. Thomas, who continues to make his mark as one of R&B’s most gifted young architects, also took home ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award honors for his hit record “Mutt.”
That Vanguard Award puts Leon Thomas in mighty great company, standing alongside previous honorees such as Victoria Monét, Migos, Janelle Monáe, Beastie Boys, and more. It was a well-deserved moment for an artist whose pen, production, and musicianship are carrying the culture forward with style, soul, and substance.
ASCAP leadership was in the building to celebrate the evening, including Paul Williams, Chairman of the Board and President of ASCAP; Nicole George-Middleton, Executive Vice President and Head of Creative Membership; Jonathan “JJ” Jones, Vice President of Creative Membership; along with ASCAP executives J. Marie Jones and Jason Reddick. George-Middleton and Jones welcomed the room and gave remarks honoring the writers, producers, and publishers behind some of the biggest records moving music today.
Sony Music Publishing earned ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year, recognized for songs including “Push 2 Start” by Tyla, “Went Legit” by G Herbo, “Folded” by Kehlani, “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean, “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” by GloRilla and Sexyy Red, “Mutt” by Leon Thomas, “Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng and Shenseea, and “Rather Lie” by The Weeknd and Playboi Carti.
The room was filled with folks who know how to build the soundtrack of the culture, including Jimmy Jam, Ted Winn, Tommy Brown, Imani Lewis, Dewain Whitmore Jr., Ace Charisma, and many more. From Atlanta’s rhythm and soul roots to New York’s hip-hop heartbeat, the evening reminded everybody that behind every hit record is a room full of brilliant creatives making the music move.
Enjoy the highlights from my lens.
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
Paras Griffin
