Mustard and Kendrick Lamar Lead 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Winners

The annual celebration highlighted a banner year for Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration "Luther," which secured the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year. The track established a new benchmark in chart performance, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks and maintaining a record-breaking 23-week reign on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Mustard’s recognition followed his high-charting contributions to Lamar’s "tv off" and Ella Mai’s "Little Things."

Leon Thomas received the Vanguard Award at an exclusive Los Angeles event, marking his influence on the evolving sound of contemporary music. The honors extended to the gospel genre, with "Rest On Us" by Maverick City and UPPEROOM earning Song of the Year. On the business side, Sony Music Publishing took home the Publisher of the Year award, powered by a diverse roster including Tyla, Kehlani, and The Weeknd. The awards, which leverage Luminate streaming and radio data, also spotlighted major industry figures like Cardi B, Justin Bieber, and Usher among the year's top-performing songwriters.