Lyric Financial and BMI also co-hosted an industry mixer on the rooftop of Atlanta hotspot Luckie Lounge, where Lyric Financial's Eli Ball and Al Kapone detailed the unique services the company offers exclusively to BMI songwriters and producers.

About the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival Now in its 10th year, Atlantis is a three-day and four-night musical extravaganza held September 17-20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlantis' goals are to provide independent artists unparalleled access to educational and networking opportunities including professional demo critiques, insightful panels featuring industry insiders and exposure to a&r executives and music fans through nightly showcases. The mercurial state of the contemporary music industry has opened new avenues for independent artist development and success, all thoroughly explored and explained during the unique Atlantis Music Conference & Festival. www.atlantismusic.com

Panel participants huddle for a group shot. Pictured are (l-r): BMI's Byron Wright and Catherine Brewton, Zack Odom, Kenneth Mount, Cri$tyle, DJ Toomp, Jasper Cameron, Jeffrey Steele and BMI's David Claassen. (Photo by Donna Parmell)

Crossover hit-maker Jeffrey Steele shares lessons learned with the audience. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

DJ Montay listens attentively to a question from an attendee. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Jasper Cameron shares stories behind his songs for stars including Ciara, Lloyd and Nelly. (Photo by Duncan McAlynn)

Center Stage in Midtown provided an ideal setting for the panel. (Photo by Catrina Maxwell)

Pictured at the Lyric Financial and BMI mixer are (l-r): Yung Joc manager William Word, Lyric Financial's Eli Ball, BMI's Catherine Brewton, Al Kapone, attorney TaQuisha Tobin, Lyric Financial's Joseph Moran and BMI's Dave Claassen. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Pictured at Luckie Lounge are (l-r): Battery 5 Productions CEO Greg Smith, Trimm, Ashe Watson and Head ROC. (Photo by Cara Pastore)

Luckie Lounge mixer attendees enjoy the Atlanta skyline.

For more information, please visit Atlantis Music or Center Stage-Atlanta.

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.

The event took place at downtown Atlanta hipster restaurant Thrive. Many of Ethiopia's writers numbered among the VIPs who mingled, including hit makers The Clutch, Jasper, Big Reese, R&B singer Lloyd, Ike Dirty, Chris Hicks and many more.

2007 BMI London Awards Song List

Gabriel’s achievements, whether musical, visual or humanitarian, are the work of a true visionary. The co-founder of rock band Genesis, Gabriel left the group in 1975 to begin a critically acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning solo career. Thus far, he has released 11 albums featuring self-penned gems and BMI million-performance songs, including “Big Time,” “Solsbury Hill,” “Sledgehammer” and “In Your Eyes,” and composed soundtracks for numerous films, including Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. Amongst other bold endeavors, Gabriel founded Real World companies in 1987, housing his recording, publishing, film and multi-media ventures under one progressive roof. An early participant in Human Rights Now! and recipient of the Nobel Peace Laureates’ “Man of Peace” Award, Peter Gabriel founded world human rights advocacy supergroup TheElders.org in July 2007, with Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela.

“Unwritten,” co-penned by Danielle Brisebois and Natasha Bedingfield (PRS), received one of the organization’s highest accolades, the Robert S. Musel Award for Song of the Year. The award, named after the U.S. performing right organization’s longtime consultant to the U.K., annually honors the most-performed song of the year written by a member or members of BMI’s European sister organizations. Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS) and recorded by Bedingfield, “Unwritten” was the title track to Bedingfield’s platinum-selling debut album.

International phenomenon “Crazy,” co-written by GianFranco Reverberi and GianPiero Reverberi (both SIAE), along with Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo Green, earned BMI’s College Song of the Year crown for tallying the most performances on American college radio. Published by Universal Music Publishing Ricordi srl (SIAE) and Warner/Chappell Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS), the award-winning song first leapt to the top of the British charts solely thanks to digital downloads.

Bestowed on the song with the most hits on BMI-licensed websites, the Internet Award went to James Blunt’s infectious “You’re Beautiful,” co-authored by Blunt, Amanda Ghost and Sacha Skarbek (all PRS), and published by Bucks Music Group Ltd. and EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (both PRS).

The Gorillaz’s “Dare,” co-written by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett (both PRS), took home BMI’s Dance Award. Also published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS) and featuring the vocal stylings of Shaun Ryder, “Dare” debuted atop the UK singles chart, officially making it the Gorillaz’s first No. 1 hit in Britain.

Prestigious “Million-Air” certificates were also presented throughout the evening in recognition of those songs that have achieved over three million U.S. radio and television performances — the equivalent of more than 17 years of continuous airplay. The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” topped the list, with a staggering nine-million performance award for songwriter Sting (PRS). Sting was also honored for five-million performance song “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Living legend Van Morrison (PRS) penned two hits on the list: his classic “Brown Eyed Girl,” which has amassed eight million performances, and four million performance song “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You.” Additional “Million-Air” recipients included Sir Elton John, John Lennon, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Sir Trevor Nunn, Lord Lloyd Webber, Shania Twain and Steve Winwood (all PRS).

KT Tunstall (BMI), Harry Gregson-Williams, Rupert Gregson-Williams, Natasha Bedingfield, James Blunt, Pete Townshend, Snow Patrol members Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson and Jonny Quinn (all PRS), along with Alexandre Desplat (SACEM) and Karl Bartos (GEMA), garnered multiple awards in recognition of their songwriting skills: each composed two or more songs on the most-performed Pop, Film, Television, Cable, Emmy, Golden Globe or Urban Award lists. Reflecting music’s increasingly global reach, BMI also honored two Jamaican hitmakers alongside the European songwriters and publishers. Don Corleon, writer of "Break It Off" and "When you Gonna (Give it Up to Me),” and “Break It Off” co-writer Kirk Ford both received their first London Awards.

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

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.

A selection of Atlanta's music industry elite along with rising urban stars made the last day of school for students at Benjamin S. Carson Prep School even sweeter. Performing rights organization BMI and Teach For America partnered to throw the kids an all-star pep rally Friday, May 25, rewarding them for their hard work, good grades and steady attendance.

Atlanta r&b artist Lloyd performed "Get It Shawty" for a crowd of cheering youngsters, and then called up-and-comer Block Ent/Bad Boy South's Gorilla Zoe to the stage to perform as well. Lloyd asked the students to raise their hands and repeat, "I promise to follow my dreams. I promise to follow my heart. Nothing is impossible." Successful industry professionals, including Hannah Kang, general manager of Grand Hustle Entertainment; Laura Giles, general manager of Sho'Nuff Records; hit songwriter Teddy Bishop (Aaliyah's "I Miss You"); renowned DJ Ruckus; comedian GRIFF from the HOT 107.9 A-Team Morning Show; entertainment attorney Phaedra Parks; and BMI Vice President of Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, each provided motivational words that echoed Lloyd's chant, and sought to encourage the students to stay on the right path.

The roots of the assembly date back to February, when BMI's Catherine Brewton guest taught a lesson in Teach For America corps member Anastasia Michals's sixth grade class. She was there as part of Teach For America Week, a nationwide event in which community leaders serve as guest teachers in Teach For America corps members' classrooms. During this visit, Brewton made a pact with the students - if they worked hard on grades and consistent attendance, and she would return with a performer from the music industry.

As the school year wound down, it was clear that the sixth-graders had reached their goal. Brewton kept her promise, returning to Michals's sixth-grade classroom with rising r&b star Lloyd, who greeted the excited students, posed for photos and signed autographs and posters. "Teach For America Week gave me the chance to see how important it is to set high expectations for our kids," said Brewton. "They have the will and ability to do so well. I am proud to bring Lloyd and my other music industry friends here to meet such an amazing group of young people."

"We greatly appreciate BMI and Catherine's commitment to Anastasia's students," said Diana Ellsworth, executive director of Teach For America. "This showcase of entertainment pros gave the kids a taste of the music industry and reinforced the message that the school and our corps members instill in the students all year - that if they set and reach ambitious goals, the results will be rewarding."

About Teach For America Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in expanding educational opportunity. This year, 4,400 corps members are teaching in over 1,000 schools in 25 regions across the country, and more than 12,000 Teach For America alumni continue working from inside and outside the field of education for the fundamental changes necessary to ensure educational excellence and equity. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org.