The industry’s hottest songwriter/artist T-Pain earned the coveted Songwriter of the Year crown and shared the Producer of the Year trophy with crossover king Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem and hip-hop visionary Kanye West. Song of the Year honors went to Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” co-written by Ne-Yo, Amund Bjøerklund (TONO) and Espen Lind (TONO), while Universal Music Publishing Group secured the Publisher of the Year title.

Full List of 2008 BMI Award Winning Songs

The night’s festivities culminated with the presentation of the prestigious BMI Icon Award to legends The Jacksons, whose achievements were celebrated with a musical tribute. Throughout the ceremony, the audience also enjoyed live performances of many of the award-winning songs by music’s biggest stars including Rick Ross, T-Pain, Lil’ Wayne, Ray J, LLOYD, Mario, JoJo, Keri Hilson and Yung Berg.

T-Pain’s resounding claim to the Songwriter of the Year title is buoyed by his jaw-dropping seven contributions to BMI’s most-performed list: “Bartender,” “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Cyclone,” “Good Life,” “I’m a Flirt,” “Kiss Kiss,”“Low” and “Shawty.” The past year found T-Pain everywhere, as he collaborated with hip-hop’s elite including Yung Joc, Akon, Baby Bash, Kanye West, R. Kelly, T.I., Chris Brown, Flo Rida and Plies. Flo Rida’s “Flow” featuring T-Pain became an international smash, topping charts in a diverse slew of countries including Finland, Ireland and Australia.

Song of the Year “Irreplaceable” also topped charts all over the world, reigning at the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. Co-penned by Ne-Yo, along with songwriters Amund Bjøerklund and Espen Lind (both members of Norwegian performing right society TONO and represented in the U.S. by BMI), and published by EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Super Sayin’ Publishing and Universal Music-Z Songs, Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” was certified multi-platinum and became the United States’ best-selling single of 2007.

One of pop music’s most influential quintets, The Jacksons blazed a trail for r&b and pop music, creating a sound and musical image that is emulated to this day. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, and formed in 1966, the Jackson brothers—Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael and, joining in 1976, younger brother Randy—were a true American success story, transcending race and redefining the sound of pop and r&b music. They were the first group to have their first four singles hit no. 1, and they remain one of the most globally influential pop and r&b groups in history. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. In addition to being premier recording and performing artists, the Jacksons wrote multiple hits, including the ’80s “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” “2300 Jackson Street,” “Can You Feel It,” and “State of Shock.”

T-Pain, Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem and Kanye West shared the Producer of the Year win thanks to individually logging the most producer credits on charting songs over the past year. The BMI Top Urban Producers list also included DJ Montay, Mr. ColliPark, Polow Da Don, Rodney Jerkins, Soulja Boy Tell’em and will.i.am.

Universal Music Publishing Group earned the BMI Urban Publisher of the Year trophy by scoring the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. The publishing giant’s twenty hits on the most-performed list include “Throw Some D’s” recorded by Rich Boy featuring Polow Da Don; Song of the Year “Irreplaceable;” Flo Rida’s “Low” featuring T-Pain; “You” recorded by LLOYD featuring Lil’ Wayne and Ciara’s “Promise.”

In addition to the BMI performance awards, trade publication Billboard recognized the BMI-affiliated writers whose songs reached No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Tracks, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Hot 100 charts during the past year.

"We had our growing pains," says Bunton, who is based in Los Angeles. "It was not easy, but we stayed committed to each other and our vision and each day, week, year, we got better at our craft."

Before joining The Movement, Bunton was under the tutelage of industry stalwarts Mark and Chris "Tricky" Stewart, the latter being one of the brains behind "Umbrella," Rihanna's definitive hit. While working for the brothers Stewart, Bunton watched firsthand as "Tricky" crafted songs and Mark navigated through the music business, and doors began to open for him.

"It was through that experience where I was able to watch and learn from some of the best producers and songwriters in the game," Bunton says, "from Laney Stewart, The Dream, Kevin "KD" Davis, Kuk Harrell, Tab Nkhereanye, Robin Thicke and Sean Hall."

In 2000, Bunton partnered with Cole, and they officially formed The Movement the following year. They got their first break doing work for Cudda Love, a music veteran and CEO of Fo' Reel Entertainment, whose roster has included such artists as Nelly and Teairra Mari. That partnership led The Movement to produce Ma$e’s 2004 comeback song "Welcome Back," and work on more songs followed, including Lloyd's "Hey Young Girl," "Cloud 9" by Olivia and 50 Cent, and Prima J's "Rockstar."

Bunton says his "ultimate break" came when The Movement reconnected with the Stewart brothers' company, Red Zone, which led to their writing and co- producing the smash "Leavin" for pop singer Jesse McCartney. One of the biggest hits in the history of Hollywood Records, "Leavin" recently reached the #1 slot at Top 40 Radio. The hit has also climbed as high as #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it has been on that chart for 18 weeks.

Armed with experienced mentors and an impressive resume, Bunton and Cole are spreading their wings. Look for their work on upcoming songs by Lionel Ritchie, Pretty Ricky's former lead singer Pleasure P, Colby O'Donis, Velvet Angels, and more.