Irv Gotti http://www.bmi.com/affiliate/rss/C342 This BMI RSS feed contains news articles, events, and musicworld articles for a specific affiliate or group. en affiliates@bmi.com Copyright 2008 2008-08-27T20:08:01-05:00 Lloyd http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/535187 Lloyd, Gotti, Irv, Green, Al, Klymaxx, Urban, Hitmaker Singing and dancing came as naturally to New Orleans-born Lloyd Polite as learning his ABCs. He grew up in Atlanta, where music was a constant in his home: His mother played piano and sang in the church choir and his dad was the choir director and played saxophone. At an early age, he knew he wanted to be a singer.

Lloyd got his first break when, at the age of 10, he met Joyce Irby of the all-girl band Klymaxx. Irby put together a pre-teen group called N-Toon and signed Lloyd as a member. Signed by DreamWorks Records, N-Toon released an album, Toon Time, and toured on the Radio Disney circuit. The group did not stay together too long, but Lloyd continued to pursue his dream.

By the time Lloyd was 14, he already had been signed by two major record companies, DreamWorks and Magic Johnson’s label, MJM, but neither worked out. Now without a label home, Lloyd was more determined than ever to make his dream a reality. He worked diligently on his craft and showcased his music around Atlanta. His vocal talents got the attention of top executives in the music industry, but it was Irv Gotti, president of The Inc. Records, who signed Lloyd. Gotti became the “big brother” Lloyd needed to help put him on the path to success.

In 2004, Lloyd released his debut album, Southside, which included the hits “Hey Young Girl” and “Southside,” featuring r&b sensation Ashanti. The album climbed the charts and Lloyd was making a name for himself around the industry. He performed in front of a star-studded audience at the 2004 BMI Urban Awards, paying tribute to the Urban Icon honoree, the legendary Al Green.

Lloyd’s latest album, Street Love, hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and features the hit singles “You” and “Get It Shawty,” both of which have found a steady home on Billboard’s Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

Today, Lloyd is not just a singer, but a songwriter, entertainer and businessman, riding full steam ahead on the road to success.

]]> 2007-08-09T11:00:01-05:00 Rick Ross http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/534635 Rick Ross, Gotti, Irv, Urban, Hitmaker It’s been hard to miss Rick Ross lately, and not only because of the rap star’s hulking 300-pound frame.

One person who’d surely agree would be Jay-Z. Once Ross’s underground anthem “Hustlin” turned into a street smash, Jay-Z began a hunt for the Miami-bred rapper that sparked a bidding frenzy between Def Jam, Bad Boy and Irv Gotti’s label The Inc. Subsequent to Ross’s linking with Def Jam, label president Jay-Z frequently said that he was making Ross his “top priority,” and, clearly, he did.

“Hustlin’” peaked at No. 7 on Billboard’s rap chart and hit No. 54 on the Hot 100. Before his Port of Miami album was released last August, “Hustlin’” had one million ringtone units, all but certifying that Def Jam’s attempt to make Rick Ross “large” paid off big.

Born William Roberts, Ross grew up in Carol City, Fla., a bleak Miami suburb. He began rapping in the mid 1990s and started a group, Carol City Cartel. Ross takes his name from Los Angeles kingpin Ricky Ross, who ran a large drug distribution network in the 1980s and early 1990s. Ross the rapper alludes often to Miami’s position as a hub for international drug smuggling, and his rhymes often reflect the city’s dark underbelly.

Although Ross is no doubt glad to have left the mean streets of Miami, he hasn’t forgotten his roots: In December of 2006, he launched Rick Ross Charities, a group that seeks to provide youth with educational and social enhancement opportunities.

]]> 2007-03-19T11:30:00-05:00 BMI Celebrates Urban Music at 2004 Awards with Top Writers, Producers, Publishers http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234163 Anderson, Bill, Berry, Chuck, Brown, James, Brown, Sleepy, Bryant, Del, Busta Rhymes, Diddley, Bo, Dogg, Nate, Dozier, Lamont, Eminem, Gotti, Irv, Green, Al, Hamilton, Anthony, Hayes, Isaac, Holland, Brian, Hugo, Chad, Ja Rule, Jazze Pha, Kelly, R., Little Richard, Lopez, Jennifer, Neptunes, The, Ortiz, Claudette, Parton, Dolly, Preston, Frances, Sham, Simon, Paul, Snoop Dogg, West, Kanyé, Williams, Pharrell, Wilson, Brian, Wilson, Charlie, Winans, Mario, Wonder, Wayne, Ying Yang Twins, Country, Latin, Pop, R&B, Rock, Urban, International, BMI Urban Awards Al Green Honored as BMI ICON

BMI saluted the premier R&B, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers at its 2004 BMI Urban Awards, staged tonight (8/27) at the Grand Ballroom at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resorts & Towers in Miami Beach.

Pictured at the 2004 BMI Urban Awards are BMI's Del Bryant and Frances Preston, Producer of the Year R. Kelly, BMI ICON honoree Al Green and BMI's Catherine Brewton

R. Kelly won two of the evening's top honors as writer of Song of the Year, "Ignition," and as Urban Producer of the Year. Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams were proclaimed Urban Songwriters of the Year and Universal Music Publishing was named Urban Publisher of the Year. A highlight of the gala was a tribute to soul music legend Al Green, who was named a BMI ICON for "his enduring influence on generations of music makers."

BMI Urban Awards Event Photos
2004 BMI Urban Awards Song List
Al Green: MusicWorld Feature | BMI Awards List
More on BMI and Urban Music

The black-tie ceremony was hosted by BMI President and CEO Del Bryant. President Emeritus Frances W. Preston and Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton assisted with the presentations to the BMI-affiliated writers and publishers of the 36 most performed songs in the urban music format.

Al Green R. Kelly Busta Rhymes

"Ignition," written by R. Kelly and published by R. Kelly Publishing, Inc. and Zomba Songs Inc., was named Urban Song of the Year for tallying the most US broadcast performances during the eligibility period. Included on Kelly's multi-platinum Jive Records album, Chocolate Factory, "Ignition" was a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot 100 and Top 40 charts smash.

Mannie Fresh Nate Dogg Kanyé West

Kelly collected his second major award of the night when he was crowned Producer of the Year. The BMI Top Urban Producers list also included Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, Busta Rhymes, Irv Gotti, Jazze Pha, Lil' Jon, Mannie Fresh, Nate Dogg, Kany� West, Mario Winans, and D-Roc and Kaine of the Ying Yang Twins.

Irv Gotti Jazze Pha Lil' Jon

The BMI Urban Songwriter of the Year trophy went to the team of Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams - also known as the Neptunes - who placed five titles on the most performed list. The songs earning them the prize were "Beautiful" (recorded by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell and Uncle Charlie Wilson), "Excuse Me Miss" (by Jay-Z), "Frontin'" (Pharrell featuring Jay-Z), "Luv U Better" (LL Cool J featuring Marc Dorsey) and "When the Last Time" (The Clipse).

Mario WinansYing Yang Twins

This is the third Urban Songwriter of the Year award for Williams; he also won in 2001 and 2002. At last year's ceremony, Williams took the BMI Urban Song of the Year honor for co-writing "Hot In Herre," and the Neptunes were named Urban Producers of the Year.

Eight songwriters were double winners, contributing two songs each to the most-performed list: Jeff I. Bass, Mary Y. Brown, Eminem, Irv Gotti, Jazze Pha, R. Kelly, Lil' Jon and Sham. Other writer/artists earning awards were Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Hamilton, Wayne Wonder and Paul Simon.

Universal Music Publishing was named BMI Urban Publisher of the Year by accumulating the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. David Renzer, Worldwide President of Universal Music Publishing Group, accepted on behalf of the publisher, which boasted 10 songs on the most-performed list (through its companies Irving Music, Songs of Universal, Inc., and Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc.).

Other publishers with multiple award-winning songs were EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. (9); Warner/Chappell Music Group (Unichappell Music, Inc./Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.) (7); Waters of Nazareth Publishing (5); Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc./Zomba Songs Inc., Ensign Music Corporation, Noontime Tunes (3); and Bubba Gee Music, D J Irv Publishing, Eight Mile Style Music, Miss Mary's Music, Nitty and Capone Publishing, R. Kelly Publishing, Inc., White Rhino Music, Inc. (2).

The evening culminated in the ICON tribute to Al Green, who was honored during the dinner with performances by BMI artists Kany� West, Pharrell, Sleepy Brown, Claudette Ortiz and Lloyd. Born in Forest City, Ark., Green blends southern gospel, Philadelphia soul, and a soaring, sensual voice to create music that has rocked our world for four decades. Ranked by many as the world's greatest living soul artist, he became an international superstar through such self-written hits as "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still in Love With You," "Call Me," "Love and Happiness," "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and "Tired of Being Alone." Green is in the midst of a remarkable comeback, thanks to his current Blue Note album, I Can't Stop, which reunites him with producer/arranger/songwriting collaborator Willie Mitchell, who first signed Green to the Memphis-based Hi label and oversaw the singer's seminal string of '70s smashes.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer joins an impressive list of previous ICON honorees including country songwriter/artists Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton; R&B legends James Brown, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bo Diddley; "Soul Man" Isaac Hayes; Motown songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland; and pop songwriting master Brian Wilson.

In addition to the BMI performance awards, music trade magazine Billboard recognized the BMI-affiliated writers who had #1 songs on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Rap Tracks charts during the past year; Kany� West led with four songs, two of which topped both lists.

BMI annually honors the songwriters and music publishers of the most performed songs on American radio in the urban, pop, country, Latin and Christian genres.

 
Delta is the official airline of BMI's 2004 Urban Awards.
]]> 2004-08-26T18:00:01-05:00 Irv Gotti Heads Back to the Studio http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234037 Artists, Gotti, Irv, Musical Styles, Pop, Urban Irv Gotti who was in town working on his latest studio project with Lloyd Polite. Polite, who co-wrote all but one of the songs on the project, is featured on a duet with Ashanti called "Southside" soon to be released on Gotti's newly renamed label, The Inc.

Pictured in the studio are BMI's Cheryl Dickerson and producer/songwriter Irv Gotti.

The rap mogul was named BMI's Urban Songwriter of the Year in both 2002 and 2003, as well as the 2003 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year, bringing his total number of BMI Awards to 19.

]]> 2004-04-20T18:00:00-05:00 BMI Reports Revenue Increase http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233874 Artists, Aguilera, Christina, Branch, Michelle, Bryant, Del, Crow, Sheryl, Dixie Chicks, Eminem, Gotti, Irv, Keith, Toby, Kelly, R., Lopez, Jennifer, Neptunes, The, Shakira, Twain, Shania, Type, Important Revenues increased $55.5 million, or 9.7%, over the prior year. The performing rights organization distributed royalties of more than $533 million, the largest distribution to BMI's songwriters, composers and music publishers in the company's history. Royalties increased by $50.6 million or 10.5 percent from the previous year. The substantial increase was made possible by the company's continued focus on cost reduction and its aggressive adoption of new state-of-the-art business tools, which brought BMI's overhead down to 15.1 percent.

"Our revenue increase was especially remarkable in economic times that have kept other major copyright companies in BMI's sector to zero growth or negative year-on-year results," said Preston. Significant licensing agreements signed during the year included final agreements with HBO and Cinemax, including all of their multiplex networks; agreements with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for both radio and television affiliates; and important revenue increases from eating-and-drinking establishments and mobile entertainment (ringtones) providers.

BMI's recently announced ten-year $1.6 billion accord for new blanket and per program agreements with the radio industry contributed to the results. However, the substantial increases negotiated by BMI in the deal apply to future years' license payments from 2004 through 2006.

BMI's Executive Vice President Del Bryant told the Board "the licensing success is a direct reflection of the continued strength of the BMI repertoire." Among the multi-platinum megastars whose works BMI licensed during the year include Eminem, R. Kelly, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, The Neptunes, Irv Gotti, The Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain and Toby Keith. The company's legendary strength in film and television music continued in 2003 with music in blockbusters including "Matrix Reloaded," "X2: X-Men United," and "Finding Nemo." During the fall 2002/2003-television season, BMI composers had music in 80 percent of the ten top-rated primetime series.

BMI's highly visible success made an impression on three of today's most successful stars: Christina Aguilera, Michelle Branch and Pink - who elected to leave their former society and affiliate with BMI.

The company's foreign revenue chalked up an increase of more than 13 percent over the prior year to a total of $137.7 million, despite a difficult year in foreign markets.

"BMI is strategically well prepared to maximize the opportunities presented in this very challenging period in our industry," said Preston. "I believe this to be, for BMI, a time of unprecedented opportunity."

BMI's fiscal year covers the period July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.

Representing more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers with a repertoire of 4.5 million musical works from around the world, BMI licenses more than half the music performed in America. Founded in 1939, BMI operates on a non-profit basis, paying 85% of revenue collected to copyright owners.

]]> 2003-10-20T18:00:00-05:00 BMI Honors Top UK, European Writers and Publishers at London Awards http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233848 Alabama, Arnold, David, Bedingfield, Daniel, Brooks & Dunn, BT, Dirty Vegas, Eminem, Fat Joe, Floetry, Gorillaz, Gotti, Irv, Ja Rule, Jackson, Janet, Jackson, Michael, John, Elton, Lennon, John, Minder Music, Morrison, Van, Oakenfold, Paul, Preston, Frances, Rascal Flatts, Smith, Steve, Steele, Jeffrey, Sting, Townshend, Pete, Walden, Christian de, Wells, Danny, Williams, Pharrell, Country, Dance, Latin, Pop, R&B, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Urban, BMI Europe, BMI London Awards


Ex-Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart (center) holds his BMI Crystal for writing the Song of the Year. Stewart is flanked by BMI Senior Vice President Writer Publisher Relations Phil Graham and BMI President and CEO Frances Preston

"Underneath It All," written by Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart (PRS), published by BMG Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS), and recorded by No Doubt (featuring Lady Saw), was honored as the Song of the Year and received the organization's highest accolade, The Robert S. Musel Award. The prestigious award is named for the late Robert Musel, BMI's long-time UK consultant.


BMI songwriter/artist Marsha Ambrosius of singing duo Floetry and Dave Stewart

"19-2000," written by Damon Albarn (PRS) and Jamie Hewlett (PRS), and published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS), was named College Song of the Year for the most performances on college radio in the US. The Gorillaz' hit is from the virtual cartoon band's self-titled album, which also produced last year's College Song of the Year, "Clint Eastwood."


Marsha Ambrosius and film composer David Arnold

Receiving two Million-Air certificates each this evening were multiple BMI Award-winning songwriter/artists Sting (PRS) and Sir Elton John (PRS). Sting's "Every Breath You Take," published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Magnetic Music (PRS), reached the seven million performance plateau and his "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," also published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Magnetic Music (PRS), received a four million performance award. Sir Elton John received a six million performance award for "Your Song," co-written with Bernie Taupin and published by Universal Music Publishing (PRS), and a three million performance certificate for "Island Girl." Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," published by Universal Music Publishing (PRS), also reached the six million performance plateau, and the Bert Kaempfert (GEMA) classic "Spanish Eyes," co-written with Charles Singleton and Eddie Snyder and published by Doma Edition Bert Kaempfert (GEMA), received a five million performance award. Million-Air awards are given to the writers and publishers of the most performed songs in the BMI repertoire that have achieved more than one million US radio and television performances, or the equivalent of more than 5.7 years of continuous airplay.


BMI's Brandon Bakshi (left) and Phil Graham (right) congratulate songwriters Spencer Davis and Muff Winwood, co-writers of the Spencer Davis Group classic "Gimme Some Lovin'," which received a Million-Air Award for reaching the three million performance plateau.

BMI Pop Awards went to Paul Oakenfold (PRS) for "Starry Eyed Surprise" (co-written with Fred Neil and published by Mute Song [PRS]); Daniel Bedingfield (PRS) for his smash, "Gotta Get Through This," published by Reverb Music Ltd. (PRS); and to Trevor Horn (PRS) and publisher Unforgettable Songs Ltd. (PRS) for the Eminem hit "Without Me," which also received an Urban Award. The multi award-winning rap song was co-written by BMI songwriters Jeff I. Bass, Kevin "DJ Head" Bell and Eminem.


BMI's Phil Graham and Frances Preston present a Million-Air Award to EMI Music Publishing's Peter Reichardt for the Police hit, "Every Breath You Take." The song, which earned a seven million performance award, was written by Sting.

Other awards included both Pop and Urban certificates to the Michael Jackson song "Butterflies," published by Perfect Songs Ltd. (PRS) and written by Marsha Ambrosius, half of female singing duo Floetry; a second Pop Award to the Paul Herman (PRS)-penned and Cheeky Music Ltd. (PRS)-published "Thank You," which was last year's Song of the Year; a Latin Award to "Yo No Soy Esa Mujer," written by Mike Shepstone (PRS), Carlos Toro Montoro (SGAE) and Christian De Walden; and Country Awards to the Brooks & Dunn hit "The Long Goodbye," written by Ronan Keating (IMRO) and published by Universal Music Publishing (PRS), and to the Rascal Flatts song "These Days," written by Steve Robson (PRS), Jeffrey Steele and Danny Wells, and published by Rondor Music (London) Ltd. (PRS). "Emotion," written by Barry and Robin Gibb, and published by Gibb Brothers Music/BMG (PRS), received its second Pop Award for the Destiny's Child cover version; the Bee Gees classic hit won a BMI Pop Award in 1978.


Irish songwriter Ronan Keating (left) is congratulated by BMI's Frances Preston and Phil Graham. Keating took home a BMI Country Award for his Brooks & Dunn smash, "The Long Goodbye."

Music from the top US movies and television shows were also honored including David Bergeaud (SACEM) for the Cable TV Award-winning show Strong Medicine, Pete Townshend (PRS) for the smash TV hits CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Miami, David Arnold (PRS) for the James Bond thriller Die Another Day, and George Fenton (PRS), who took home two Film/TV Awards for his Emmy Award-winning documentary Blue Planet: Seas of Life and the hit movie Sweet Home Alabama.

High-resolution photos from the event will be available to registered users only. To request access, please contact mediarelations@bmi.com.

2003 BMI LONDON AWARDS

SONG OF THE YEAR (THE ROBERT S. MUSEL AWARD)
UNDERNEATH IT ALL
Dave Stewart (PRS)
BMG Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: No Doubt featuring Lady Saw

COLLEGE SONG OF THE YEAR
19-2000
Damon Albarn (PRS)
Jamie Hewlett (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Gorillaz

MILLION-AIR AWARDS

7 Million Performances
EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE
Sting (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Magnetic Music (PRS)

6 Million Performances
BROWN EYED GIRL
Van Morrison*
Universal Music Publishing (PRS)

YOUR SONG
Sir Elton John (PRS)
Bernie Taupin*
Universal Music Publishing (PRS)

5 Million Performances
SPANISH EYES
Bert Kaempfert (GEMA)
Charles Singleton*
Eddie Snyder*
Doma Edition Bert Kaempfert (GEMA)

4 Million Performances
EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES IS MAGIC
Sting (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Magnetic Music (PRS)

GET BACK
John Lennon (PRS)

THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN
Alan Price (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)

NEVER ON SUNDAY
Manos Hadjidakis (SACEM)
Billy Towne*
EMI United Partnership Ltd. (PRS)

WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT
Graham Lyle (PRS)
Goodsingle Ltd. (PRS)
Hornall Brothers Music Ltd. (PRS)

3 Million Performances
BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP
Michael d'Abo (PRS)
EMI United Partnership Ltd. (PRS)

BUS STOP
Graham Gouldman (PRS)
Hournew Music Ltd./Music Sales (PRS)

GIMME SOME LOVING
Spencer Davis (PRS)
Muff Winwood (PRS)
Steve Winwood (PRS)
FS Ltd. (PRS)
Universal Music Publishing (PRS)

ISLAND GIRL
Sir Elton John (PRS)

MY LOVE
Tony Hatch (PRS)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Ltd. (PRS)

TALKIN' IN YOUR SLEEP
Roger Cook (PRS)
Bobby Wood*
Music 1 Limited (PRS)

POP AWARDS
BUTTERFLIES
Marsha Ambrosius*
Perfect Songs Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Michael Jackson

DAYS GO BY
Steve Smith (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Dirty Vegas

EMOTION (2nd Award)
Barry Gibb (PRS)
Robin Gibb (PRS)
Gibb Brothers Music/BMG (PRS)
Artist: Destiny's Child

FEEL IT BOY
Beenie Man (PRS)
Pharrell Williams*
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Beenie Man featuring Janet Jackson

GOTTA GET THRU THIS
Daniel Bedingfield (PRS)
Reverb Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Daniel Bedingfield

A MOMENT LIKE THIS
Jorgen Elofsson (STIM)
John Reid (PRS)
BMG Music Publishing Scandinavia AB (STIM)
Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Kelly Clarkson

STARRY EYED SURPRISE
Paul Oakenfold (PRS)
Fred Neil*
Mute Song (PRS)
Artist: Paul Oakenfold featuring Shifty Shellshock

THANK YOU (2nd Award)
Paul Herman (PRS)
Cheeky Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Dido

THIS WOMAN'S WORK
Kate Bush (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Maxwell

UNDERNEATH IT ALL
Dave Stewart (PRS)
BMG Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: No Doubt featuring Lady Saw

WHAT'S LUV?
Graham Lyle (PRS)
Irv Gotti*
Ja Rule*
Goodsingle Ltd. (PRS)
Hornall Brothers Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Fat Joe featuring Ashanti

WITHOUT ME
Trevor Horn (PRS)
Jeff I. Bass*
Kevin "DJ Head" Bell*
Eminem*
Unforgettable Songs Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Eminem

WRONG IMPRESSION
Gary Clark (PRS)
Chrysalis Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Natalie Imbruglia

URBAN AWARDS
BUTTERFLIES
Marsha Ambrosius*
Perfect Songs Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Michael Jackson

GANGSTA LOVIN'
Jonah Ellis*
Lonnie Simmons*
Alisa Yarbrough*
Minder Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Eve with Alicia Keys

HALFCRAZY
Francis Lai (SACEM)
Artist: Musiq

HAPPY
Raymond James Calhoun*
Irv Gotti*
Minder Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Ashanti

WHAT'S LUV?
Graham Lyle (PRS)
Irv Gotti*
Ja Rule*
Goodsingle Ltd. (PRS)
Hornall Brothers Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Fat Joe featuring Ashanti

WITHOUT ME
Trevor Horn (PRS)
Jeff I. Bass*
Kevin "DJ Head" Bell*
Eminem*
Unforgettable Songs Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Eminem

LATIN AWARD
YO NO SOY ESA MUJER
Mike Shepstone (PRS)
Carlos Toro Montoro (SGAE)
Christian De Walden*
Artist: Paulina Rubio

COUNTRY AWARDS
HELP ME UNDERSTAND
Wayne Hector (PRS)
Steve Mac (PRS)
Rokstone Music (PRS)
Rondor Music (London) Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Trace Adkins

THE LONG GOODBYE
Ronan Keating (IMRO)
Universal Music Publishing (PRS)
Artist: Brooks & Dunn

THESE DAYS
Steve Robson (PRS)
Jeffrey Steele*
Danny Wells*
Rondor Music (London) Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Rascal Flatts

YOUNG
Steven McEwan (PRS)
BMG Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Trinifold Music Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Kenny Chesney

DANCE AWARD
DAYS GO BY
Steve Smith (PRS)
EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS)
Artist: Dirty Vegas

EMMY AWARD
BLUE PLANET: SEAS OF LIFE
George Fenton (PRS)

FILM MUSIC AWARDS
DIE ANOTHER DAY
David Arnold (PRS)

SWEET HOME ALABAMA
George Fenton (PRS)

TV MUSIC AWARDS
CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Pete Townshend (PRS)

CSI: MIAMI
Pete Townshend (PRS)

PROVIDENCE
John Lennon (PRS)

CABLE TV AWARD
STRONG MEDICINE
David Bergeaud (SACEM)

* Share licensed directly through BMI

]]> 2003-09-15T18:00:00-05:00 Irv Gotti Makes Murder Inc. a Metaphor for Success http://www.bmi.com/musicworld/entry/233814 Artists, Fat Joe, Gotti, Irv, Ja Rule, Lopez, Jennifer, Mic Geronimo, Awards, Musical Styles, Pop, R&B, Urban, Musicworld, Feature, BMI Urban Awards Songs are often metaphoric messages, with lyrics often working on a variety of levels. But metaphors also can be effective, if not controversial, in other cases, such as when it comes to choosing a name for your record company. Just ask Irv Gotti, CEO of Murder Inc., a label that has stormed the charts with an artist roster that includes hard-edged rapper Ja Rule and vocalist Ashanti. The unqualified success of his company has made Gotti one of the hottest business and creative commodities in the industry.

Although certain terms in hip-hop conjure negative images - especially among the uninformed - in the case of Gotti’s organization, when taken in context, the meaning behind his record label’s name is crystal clear: Murder Inc. is about delivering “killer” music and artists with “murderous” talent for the hip-hop masses.

Gotti was honored as the Urban Songwriter of the Year at the
2003 BMI Urban Awards. Click here to read more

“I chose The Murderers [Ja Rule, Black Child, 0-1, Vita and Cadillac Tah] because they’re the hottest rappers on the streets, and I wanted that new blood to set off the Murder Inc. movement,” Gotti explains.

At Murder Inc., million-sellers are the norm, with Ashanti, Ja Rule’s Pain Is Love and Rule 3:36, and The Fast & the Furious soundtrack all certified multi-platinum).

As the music world knows, Gotti’s creative touch extends well beyond the streets, and he’s got the industry laurels to prove it. At the 2002 BMI Urban Awards — which saluted the top rap, hip-hop and r&b songwriters, producers and publishers — Gotti was a recipient of the prestigious Songwriter of the Year trophy for placing two songs on the most performed list: “I’m Real” (Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule) and “Put It On Me” (Ja Rule featuring Lil’ Mo and Vita).

That’s not all: Gotti also claimed a Producer of the Year award, and his DJ Irv Publishing walked away with a pair of publishing awards. To top it all off, Gotti was among the select BMI songwriters who had #1 songs on the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap charts during the previous year.

But his most recent laurels came at this past May’s 51st Annual BMI Pop Awards. Gotti placed five titles on the Most Performed List of 50 to reap the coveted BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year award. The songs earning Gotti the crown were “Always On Time” (Ja Rule featuring Ashanti), “Foolish” (Ashanti), “I’m Real” (Jennifer Lopez with Ja Rule), “Livin’ It Up” (Ja Rule featuring Case), and “What’s Luv?” (Fat Joe featuring Ashanti).

Gotti’s influence on new millennium rap is undeniable.

“My goal is to make really good music and give something to the people that buy the music, he says. “Artists owe it to the people; we have to go to the record studio and put out great albums.”

Gotti got his start in New York as DJ Irv, which led to working on Mic Geronimo’s 1995 debut album The Natural. A year later, he contributed production on Jay Z’s 1996 seminal debut Reasonable Doubt, which went on to become a hit. Then in 1998, he worked on DMX’s debut, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, another set that made waves in the hip-hop world.

Gotti’s claim as Don of the hip-hop world was solidified thanks to “Put It On Me,” by Ja Rule featuring Lil’ Mo & Vita, which Gotti co-produced. The song went Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the spring of 2001. “It made Ja a star,” says the CEO.

Later that fall, Jennifer Lopez's “I’m Real” was released and soared to the #1 spot on the Hot 100, and peaked at #2 on the Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart. Gotti was co-writer, and to him it was a defining moment. “Jennifer was a pop star and well known, and that changed things; it took us over the top.”

Gotti sums up his business career success by looking to his creative past as a DJ. “That’s what built the passion for the music,” he recalls. “Seeing people like Eazy-E, Dr. Dre and Russell Simmons getting paid for the passion. . . . I wanted to get paid for it as well, you know what I’m saying? But the passion — that came from being a DJ.”]]> 2003-08-26T18:00:00-05:00 BMI Celebrates Urban Music at 2003 Awards Ceremony http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233797 Baltimore, Charli, Big Tymers, Bilal, Bryant, Del, Busta Rhymes, Cam'ron, Dilemma, Eminem, Fat Joe, Floetry, Gotti, Irv, Hamilton, Anthony, Hayes, Isaac, Hugo, Chad, Ja Rule, Jazze Pha, Kelly, R., Neptunes, The, Rooney, Rooney, Cory, Snoop Dogg, Williams, Pharrell, Winans, Mario, Dance, Pop, R&B, Rock, Urban, BMI Urban Awards Isaac Hayes Honored as BMI ICON

BMI saluted the top R&B, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers at its 2003 Urban Awards, staged last night (8/5) at Club Tropigala at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resorts & Towers in Miami. The black-tie ceremony was hosted by BMI President and CEO Frances W. Preston, with Executive Vice President Del Bryant and Assistant Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton. Top honors went to Murder Inc. President Irv Gotti, who earned his second Urban Songwriter of the Year award; the #1 smash "Hot in Herre" was named Song of the Year, and EMI Music Publishing took home its third consecutive Urban Publisher of the Year trophy. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo from famed production duo, The Neptunes, were named BMI Urban Producers of the Year.

BMI Urban Awards Event Photos

BMI Urban Awards Song List


Irv Gotti
Pharrell Williams
Chad Hugo

A special highlight of the gala evening featured a salute to soul music legend Isaac Hayes, who was honored as a BMI ICON for his enduring influence on generations of music makers. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was honored during the dinner with an all-star musical tribute that featured stellar performances by BMI artists Bilal, Floetry, and Anthony Hamilton, among others. From the instantly recognizable beats of the "Theme From Shaft," to the Sam and Dave classic hit "Hold On! I'm Comin'," the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer and singer continues to impact music and is widely sampled by some of today's biggest rap, hip-hop, and R&B artists.


Isaac Hayes
Bilal
Floetry

The BMI Urban Songwriter of the Year trophy went to rap mogul Irv Gotti, who placed nine titles on the most performed list. Songs earning him the crown included the Ja Rule hits "Always On Time" (feat. Ashanti), "Down 4 U" (feat. Vita, Ashanti, and Charli Baltimore), "Down A** Chick" (feat. Charli Baltimore) and "Livin' It Up" (feat. Case), as well as "Rainy Dayz" (Mary J. Blige feat. Ja Rule), "What's Luv?" (Fat Joe feat. Ja Rule and Ashanti), and "Baby," "Foolish," and "Happy," all recorded by Murder Inc. artist Ashanti. This is the second Urban Songwriter of the Year award for Gotti; he shared the spotlight last year with five others. Gotti was also named BMI's Pop Songwriter of the Year at the May 14 ceremony in Los Angeles, bringing his total BMI Awards to 19.


Anthony Hamilton
Ja Rule
Charli Baltimore

In addition to Gotti, several other writers earned multiple awards including Ja Rule with six; Pharrell Williams with four; and Charli Baltimore, Jeff I. Bass, Cam'Ron, Eminem and Mario Winans, who each placed two songs on the most performed list.

Song of the Year "Hot in Herre," co-written by BMI songwriters Charles L. Brown and Pharrell Williams, and published by Ascent Music, Inc., EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Nouveau Music Company, Swing T Publishing and Waters of Nazareth Publishing, spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The infectious number one hit was last summer's party anthem and is still heating up at radio and on the dance floor as well.


Jeff I. Bass
Cam'Ron
Eminem

Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, better known as The Neptunes, were feted as Producers of the Year with a performance from multi-platinum artist (and fellow Top 10 Songwriter/Producer) R. Kelly. The hit-making production and songwriting team has collaborated with the A-list in urban music, from Snoop Dogg to Busta Rhymes to Justin Timberlake, with titles including "Beautiful," "Pass the Courvoisier Part II," and "Rock Your Body." Rounding out the BMI Top 10 Urban Producers list were Songwriter of the Year Irv Gotti, rapper Eminem, Big Tymers' Mannie Fresh, Cash Money's Jazze Pha, Trackmasters' Poke, producer Cory Rooney and Hitmen Production's Mario Winans.


Mario Winans
Charles L. Brown
R. Kelly

EMI Music Publishing picked up its third consecutive Urban Publisher of the Year award by placing 11 songs on the most performed list, including Song of the Year, "Hot in Herre." This is the thirteenth top BMI Publisher honor awarded to EMI since 1989 in all genres of music. Other multiple award-winning publishers included Ensign Music Corporation (10), D J Irv Publishing (9), Universal Music Publishing (8), Slavery Music (6), Waters of Nazareth Publishing (4), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (3), and Careers-BMG Music/Zomba Songs, Eight Mile Style Music, Inky Sisi Music, Janice Combs Music, Killa Cam Music, Marsky Music, Songs of DreamWorks, SPZ Music, Inc., and Taking Care of Business Music (2).

In addition to the song, publisher and producer awards, music trade magazine Billboard announced the names of the BMI-affiliated writers who had #1 songs on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Rap Tracks charts during the past year. Among the winners were Producer of the Year Pharrell Williams, who placed two songs on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, and the #1 hit "Dilemma," which reached the peak position on both Billboardcharts. The BMI Urban Awards 2003 is the kick-off event to the 4th Annual Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Conference and Awards, taking place in Miami Beach August 6-8.

]]> 2003-08-05T18:00:00-05:00 Stars Coming Out For BMI Urban Awards 2003 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233791 Artists, Anderson, Bill, Baltimore, Charli, Berry, Chuck, Big Tymers, Bilal, Brown, James, Diddley, Bo, Dozier, Lamont, Floetry, Gotti, Irv, Hamilton, Anthony, Hayes, Isaac, Holland, Brian, Holland, Edward, Hugo, Chad, Ja Rule, Jazze Pha, Jerkins, Rodney, Kelly, R., Little Richard, Nappy Roots, Stone, Angie, Winans, Mario, Awards, Musical Styles, Country, Rock, Urban, BMI Urban Awards BMI ICON honoree Isaac Hayes are Anthony Hamilton (Arista Records), former backup singer for D'Angelo and one of Rolling Stone magazine's 10 Artists to Watch in 2003; soul singer and songwriter Bilal (Interscope); and Floetry (DreamWorks), the female singing duo who fuse poetry with jazz and soul music. Previous ICON honorees include last year's Urban ICON James Brown, R&B/rock legends Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Little Richard, the legendary songwriting trio Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Edward Holland, and country star Bill Anderson.

Among other songwriters, producers and artists confirmed to attend are multiple-platinum recording artist R. Kelly, Ja Rule, Irv Gotti, Rodney Jerkins, Chad Hugo, Mario Winans, Big Tymers, Lil Wayne, Charli Baltimore, Nappy Roots, Angie Stone and Jazze Pha. Additional names will be released as they are confirmed.

The BMI Urban Awards will recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most-played urban songs on US radio and television. An Urban Song of the Year, Urban Songwriter of the Year and Urban Publisher of the Year will be announced that night. In addition to the song awards, BMI will also honor the Top Urban Producers of 2002-2003 and the BMI writers whose songs hit #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop and Rap charts.]]> 2003-07-27T18:00:00-05:00 BMI Salutes Top Names in Music at 51st Annual Pop Awards http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233713 Cream, Dozier, Lamont, Fat Joe, Gibb, Robin, Gotti, Irv, Holland, Brian, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Ja Rule, Lennon, John, Linkin Park, Lopez, Jennifer, Nickelback, Ono, Yoko, Robson, Wade, Shakira, Williams, Pharrell, Wilshire, Pop, R&B, Foundation, BMI Pop Awards

BMI saluted the past year's 50 most performed songs during the 51st Annual BMI Pop Awards tonight, with superlatives reserved for Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" as Song of the Year, Irv Gotti as Songwriter of the Year and EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. as Publisher of the Year. Frances W. Preston, President & CEO, and Barbara Cane, Vice President & General Manager, Writer/Publisher Relations, Los Angeles, presented BMI Citations of Achievement during the dinner event honoring the writers and publishers of the top 50 songs. A highlight of the gala, staged at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, was the awarding of the BMI ICON honor to the songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland in recognition of their "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."

Holland-Dozier-Holland Bio

BMI Pop Awards Song List

BMI Pop Awards Photos


Seen at the BMI Pop Awards are Irv Gotti; BMI's President and CEO, Frances W. Preston; Eddie Holland; Lamont Dozier; Chairman and CEO of EMI Music Publishing, Martin Bandier; Brian Holland More photos

"How You Remind Me" earned the BMI Pop Song of the Year Crystal for songwriters Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Ryan Vikedal (all SOCAN) of Nickelback and publisher Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; this distinction is given to the song tallying the most feature broadcast performances during the eligibility period. A #1 single from Nickelback's Roadrunner Records album Silver Side Up, "How You Remind Me" has also been certified as a BMI Million-Air at more than two million performances.


Holland-Dozier-Holland Watch Video
Nickelback

Irv Gotti placed five titles on the Most Performed List of 50 to reap the BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year reward. The songs earning Gotti the crown were "Always On Time" (Ja Rule featuring Ashanti), "Foolish" (Ashanti), "I'm Real (Jennifer Lopez with Ja Rule), "Livin' It Up" (Ja Rule featuring Case), and "What's Luv?" (Fat Joe featuring Ashanti). Gotti also shared the Songwriter of the Year title at the 2002 BMI Urban Awards held last year in Miami.


Irv Gotti
Linkin Park

With 16 songs cited, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. claimed the BMI Pop Publisher of the Year prize; Martin Bandier, Chairman and CEO of EMI Music Publishing, accepted the crystal obelisk. The Publisher of the Year accolade is given to the publishing concern with the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. EMI-Blackwood's top performing tunes were "Days Go By," "Don't Let Me Get Me," "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)," "Hella Good," "Hot In Herre," "If You're Gone," "Irresistible," "Mad Season," "Only Time," "Peaches & Cream," "So Complicated," "Superman (It's Not Easy)," "Thank You," "U Don't Have To Call," "Underneath Your Clothes" and "Wasting My Time."

Of the 70 songwriters recognized, 15 in addition to Gotti were multiple winners. Ja Rule collected four Citations and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger (SOCAN) and Pharrell Williams, three each. Double honorees were Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, Wade Robson, Shakira, Mike Shinoda, Scott Stapp, Rob Thomas, Mark Tremonti and Nickelback's Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Ryan Vikedal (SOCAN).

Publishers gathering three or more awards were Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; Songs of Universal, Inc.; Ensign Music Corporation; DJ Irv Publishing; Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc./Zomba Songs Inc.; Slavery Music; Sony/ATV Music Group; and Waters of Nazareth Publishing.

"In The End" by Linkin Park enjoyed Most Performed Song on College Radio kudos for songwriters Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn and Mike Shinoda of the group. (The song was also co-written by band member Chester Bennington.) Included on Linkin Park's Warner Bros. album Hybrid Theory, "In The End" is published by Big Bad Mr. Hahn Music, Kenji Kobayashi Music, Nondisclosure Agreement Music, Rob Bourdon Music, and Zomba Songs Inc.

Lamont Dozier and Brian & Eddie Holland - among the most successful and influential songwriters in popular music history - were lauded as BMI ICONs. The legendary trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland - principal creators of the early Motown sound - has 76 BMI Pop and R&B Awards to their credit and their songs have tallied more than 100 million broadcast performances. Among the classics that have elevated them to ICON status are: "Baby Love," "Stop! In The Name Of Love," "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Reach Out, I'll Be There," "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You," "Reflections" and "You Keep Me Hanging On."

Another special presentation was the announcement of Jaide Fried as the 1st Place winner of the 2003 John Lennon Scholarship Awards. A graduating senior at the University of Miami where she majored in Studio Music and Jazz, Fried earned a scholarship for her song, "Love Me Tonight." Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation, the John Lennon Scholarship Awards recognize the talent of young songwriters between the ages of 15 and 24. The BMI Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants.

Five of the 2003 top Pop are repeat achievers: "Emotion," first honored in 1978 for writers Barry and Robin Gibb, and last year's winners "Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)," "Follow Me," "Hanging By A Moment," "If You're Gone," "I Hope You Dance" and "Thank You."

BMI's Citation of Achievement is given annually in recognition of popularity in the field of popular music, as measured by feature broadcast performances on American radio and television; this year's Pop Awards eligibility period ran October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002.]]> 2003-05-13T18:00:00-05:00