revrun.jpgThe MTV VMA’s weren’t the only big award show in Las Vegas this past weekend. Producers and songwriters alike were honored at the BMI Urban Awards at the New York, New York Hotel on Friday night (September 7). Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, a founding member of legendary group Run-DMC, joined the likes of Al Green and James Brown when he was presented with BMI Icon award for his contributions to music over the last three decades. "He is the man for all time," said BMI CEO Del Bryant. "Run-DMC never crossed over. Popular music crossed over to them."

Other winners of the night included Pharrell Williams, who was not on hand, but was named BMI Producer of the Year for the third time. Atlanta representatives T.I. and producer Mr. Collipark both earned Songwriter of the Year awards for penning four tracks each on BMI’s list of most performed songs of the year. Houston native Slim Thug shared a Song of the Year award with co-writer and producer Sean Garrett for his collaboration with Beyonce “Check On It.” BMI also revealed its Top Urban Producers list which included Polow the Don, Kanye West, will.i.am, Lil Jon and Jazze Pha. BMI, which stands for Broadcast Music, Inc. is a non-profit performing rights organization which represents over 350,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in several genres of music.

More From XXL