Nicki Minaj Congratulates Lil Wayne For His BMI Icon Award: “Genius & Leader”

Lil Wayne wasn’t the only thankful person when it came to his recently-received BMI Icon Award. “Of course, thanks [to] my family,” he remarked gratefully on stage as he received cheers, applause, and the music rights organization’s highest honor. “My people, my Young Money family, who are family, as well. But, most importantly, it’s all about the fans. So, if you are a fan or a supporter of myself, I appreciate you. Please know that I pray for you every day.”

Another appreciative message related to this award, however, thanks its honoree for his hard work and impact on the game. None other than Nicki Minaj, one of the New Orleans legend’s protégés, expressed her gratitude in a video. “Where do I begin?” the Queen began. “You know what, I just wanna say, I so greatly appreciate your contributions that you have made to the culture of rap. Thank you for all of the inspiring things you’ve said to me personally to make me want to go super duper hard. Thank you for just always being the genius you are and the leader you are.”

Read More: Nicki Minaj Pens Heartfelt Message To Lil Wayne After He Calls Her The Greatest Female Rapper Ever

The Queen Thanks Lil Wayne For His Legacy & Motivation

“As a legend and superstar of hip-hop, Lil Wayne is synonymous with the genre,” the company stated. “He’s been part of the BMI family since 2002, and we’re proud to name him a BMI Icon in keeping with his reputation as one of the most influential artists of all time.” With over twenty years under his belt, Weezy is most certainly deserving of this high honor, whether for his artistry, entrepreneurial spirit, or efforts in philanthropy. What’s more is that, even with his extensive, prolific, and monumental history in mind, it’s not over yet.

Moreover, Tunechi recently released the track “Kat Food,” which hopefully hints at Tha Carter VI arriving soon as he had teased. Whether it ends up shaping out remains to be seen, and we know that releasing Carters is sometimes easier said than done for the 40-year-old. At least his feature game never slowed down, so there’s always new Wayne to spin. For more news and the latest updates on Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, stay posted on HNHH.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Reaches Historic Spotify Milestone

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Lil Wayne & Ice Spice Honored By BMI With Groundbreaking Awards

Lil Wayne & Ice Spice were among the two biggest winners at Broadcast Music, Inc.’s (BMI’s) 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Miami last night (September 6). Moreover, the Young Money spitter received the Icon Award, adding to his four-time honors of being their Songwriter of the Year. With now 53 awards from the prestigious ceremony across his career, he joins other BMI Icons like Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, and more legends. In fact, NLE Choppa, Big Freedia, Bobby V, and Trombone Shorty tributed the New Orleans MC during the show. This adds to Weezy’s acclaimed and prolific awards record, which also includes five Grammys- including Best Rap Album in 2009 for Tha Carter III.

Meanwhile, BMI graced Ice Spice with its first-ever Impact Award at their ceremony, and it’s no surprise that the Bronx hitmaker is the first to receive this honor. After all, her meteoric rise is hard to replicate and even harder to see at the same level for any artist before here. All this contributed to meaningful, compelling, and well-deserved reflections of (and tributes to) hip-hop on its 50th anniversary year.

Read More: Old Tweet Shows Ice Spice Asking Asian Doll For Help Paying Bills

Lil Wayne Receives Icon Award

Other winners from the BMIs include Tay Keith and Lil Yachty, who won the Producer of the Year award. Songwriter of the Year was a tie as well, as it went to not only Chris Brown, but also Doja Cat and Tems. On the other hand, Lizzo won Song of the Year for “About Damn Time.” Overall, it was quite the engaging show with a lot of interesting awards, although that’s nothing new for Ice Spice and Tunechi.

Of course, they each won prestigious honors at the Billboard 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event. While the 40-year-old received an induction into their Hip-Hop Hall of Fame alongside Nas, the “Barbie World” sensation won her first solo award as the organization’s Rookie of the Year. “Ahh, this is cr*zy!” she briefly remarked while thanking those who got her to this point on stage. “This is like my first award ever in life, so I’m super proud.” For more news and the latest updates on Ice Spice and Lil Wayne, come back to HNHH.

Read More: Lil Wayne Returns With Bouncy New Single “Kat Food”

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Lil Wayne Set To Receive BMI Icon Award For 2023

Lil Wayne’s influence over modern-day hip-hop is vast. Now according to HipHopDx, he’s once again being honored for everything he’s contributed to the genre and music as a whole. The BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards will take place on September 6th and seek to honor rap’s 50th anniversary. “As a legend and superstar of Hip Hop, Lil Wayne is synonymous with the genre,” said BMI VP Catherine Brewton. “He’s been part of the BMI family since 2002, and we’re proud to name him a BMI Icon in keeping with his reputation as one of the most influential artists of all time.”

Lil Wayne is following in the footsteps of rappers like Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes who have received the Icon Award in the past. It’s far from the first time Wayne has been honored by BMI. Over his entire career his music has received a grand total of 52 BMI Awards. He’s also been named the BMI R&B/Hip Hop Songwriter of the Year four different times.

Lil Wayne’s Newest Honor

A few weeks ago, Lil Wayne joined New Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia and Boyfriend on a new single called “El Nino.” The song ended up on Central City, Freedia’s first new album in 9 years. It’s one of a number of features he’s provided for other artists so far this year. He appeared alongside NLE Choppa on the song “AIN’T GONNA ANSWER.” He was also joined by Roddy Rich and Gucci Mane on one of the singles from DJ Drama’s newest album. Then he teamed up with will.i.am for a new song called “THE FORMULA.”

Elsewhere Lil Wayne recently reflected on his album The Carter III for its 15th birthday. The highly influential and highly successful album is still seen by many as one of the best of the 2000s. Even though Wayne claims he sometimes can’t even remember which songs are from which Carter album, fans still can. What do you think of Lil Wayne being honored with the BMI Icon Award? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Lil Wayne Gets House Visit From Skip Bayless

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Raven-Symoné To Be Honored With Icon Award At 2023 Truth Awards

Sunday, March 4th marks the ninth annual Truth Awards, with Raven-Symoné set to receive the 2023 Icon Award. The 37-year-old actress is being recognized for her commitment to family programming and LGBTQ advocacy, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Initiated by the Diva Foundation and Better Brothers Los Angeles, the Truth Awards honors Black LGBTQ+ members and allies. Specifically, the ceremony shines a light on stars who’ve used their platform to embrace and advocate for their identity.

The Icon Award will add to Symoné’s impressive list of acclamations. Previously recognized for her work in The Cosby Show and That’s So Raven, the Georgia-born star has racked up five trophies from the NAACP Image Awards. In addition, Symoné has earned two Daytime Emmy nominations for her work on The View.

Symoné’s Star Continues To Rise

Raven Symone attends 28th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards at Millennium Biltmore Hotel on June 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)

The Disney Channel alum will receive her recognition at the 2023 Truth Awards, which will be hosted in Hollywood, CA. Sheryl Lee Ralph, the founder of the DIVA foundation, gave a statement about the ceremony. “The Truth Awards, along with our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, will encourage, inspire and motivate others to live their truth unapologetically,” she wrote.

“It’s important that we focus on supporting our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community as they continue to fight for equality. Our public acknowledgment and partnership make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” The ceremony will be led by Pose actress and transgender rights advocate Angelica Ross. Joining her are Cocktails With Queens host Claudia Jordan and news anchor Marcus Washington.

Raven Speaks Her Truth to Oprah

Despite her industry-shaking success in her early career roles, Symoné received backlash after a 2014 interview with Opera Winfrey. During their discussion, the actress reflected, “I don’t want to be labeled gay, I want to be labeled a human who loves humans.” She continued to expand, “I’m an American; I’m not an African-American. I’m an American.” Even with Winfrey warning her of the criticism she would likely face for the comments, Symoné stood with her truth.

The 2023 Truth Awards will be recognizing Bryon Perkins, the first openly gay HBCU football player, with the Courage Award. Additionally, The Upshaws (created by Wanda Skyes and Regina Hicks) will receive the Cultural Affirmation Award. The STARZ network will also be honored with the Corporate Diversity & Leadership Award for 2023. To keep up with the hottest pop culture news, don’t forget to check out HNHH.

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