Mustard Named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year as Leon Thomas Receives Vanguard Award
Kendrick Lamar collaborator Mustard earns top songwriting honour while Leon Thomas is recognized for shaping the future of music at the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards
NEW YORK — The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced the winners of the 2026 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, recognizing many of the most successful songwriters, producers, and publishers behind the year’s biggest R&B, hip-hop, rap, and gospel hits.
Leading this year’s honours is Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter Mustard, who was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year for his contributions to Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping single “tv off” and Ella Mai’s “Little Things.”
The awards celebrate the songwriters and publishers behind the most-performed songs of the past year based on streaming, terrestrial radio, and satellite radio performance data.
Mustard Earns Songwriter of the Year Recognition
Mustard’s work played a significant role in shaping two of the year’s standout releases.
Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart and remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for more than 30 weeks. Meanwhile, Ella Mai’s “Little Things” became a strong performer across R&B and digital sales charts.
The recognition further solidifies Mustard’s reputation as one of the most influential producers and songwriters in contemporary hip-hop and R&B.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” Wins Top Song Honours
The ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year award went to “luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Co-written by ASCAP members including Marvin Gaye, Kamasi Washington, Scott Bridgeway, and Jack Antonoff, the song became one of the biggest commercial successes of the year.
The single spent 13 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and set a new record for the longest-running No. 1 song in the history of Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Leon Thomas Receives ASCAP Vanguard Award
Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Leon Thomas was honoured with the prestigious ASCAP Vanguard Award, which recognizes artists whose innovative work is helping shape the future of music.
Thomas, who also earned an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for his hit single “Mutt,” received the honour during a private ceremony in Los Angeles.
Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Victoria Monét, Migos, Janelle Monáe, and the Beastie Boys.
Gospel and Publishing Honours
The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Gospel Song of the Year award was presented to “Rest On Us” by Maverick City Music and UPPEROOM, recognizing its impact within contemporary gospel music.
Meanwhile, Sony Music Publishing was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Publisher of the Year. The company was recognized for its involvement in numerous award-winning songs, including tracks by Tyla, Kehlani, G Herbo, Glorilla, Sexyy Red, Leon Thomas, The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and MOLIY.
Celebrating the Songwriters Behind the Hits
Additional ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award recipients included prominent artists and songwriters such as Cardi B, Justin Bieber, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Kali Uchis, Usher, and Summer Walker.
ASCAP’s annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards continue to spotlight the creators behind some of the most influential music across multiple genres, recognizing the songwriting and publishing achievements that drive today’s global music industry.
The complete list of winners is available through ASCAP’s official website.
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