The 27th annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards were held last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, honoring songwriters and publishers who've created the most talked about songs on the 2013 ASCAP R&B, Hip Hop and gospel song charts. While big names like  Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar held their own with a cluster of awards taken home last night, there were three honorees who stood out from the crowd for their longevity and prosperity in the field were Mike Will Made It, Jermaine Dupri and Ne-Yo.

Mike Will Made It took home the most notable award of the night for "Songwriter of the Year", while his publishing company took home the crown for "Publisher of the Year". Highly recognized for giving Miley Cyrus a whole new sound, the songwriter/producer was also responsible for seven of the 21 "Most Performed Songs" awards given out last night. After gracefully accepting his award, Mike Will Made It discussed his eagerness "to take over music and push it forward for the next generation. I wanted a diverse sound. That’s what I came in trying to do.”

Last May, news broke about Jermaine Dupri being honored for over two decades of service in the music industry. Dupri took home the "Founders Award", which has also been awarded to greats like Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. After performing "Confessions Pt. 2", Usher reflected on how much Dupri has influenced him."Jermaine Dupri puts his heart and time into his songs; they’re real. Without JD, I would never have become a writer my damn self,” said Usher.

Ne-Yo, who has written songs for artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna and Mario, also struck gold last night as he humbly took home the "Golden Note" award  from ASCAP VP of Rhythm & Soul/Urban Music Nicole George-Middleton. “I still think I need to do more,” Ne-Yo told the audience. “I’ve got more songs to write because I want to feel worthy of this.”

[Billboard]

More From XXL