Dad-to-be NE-YO has something else to celebrate after tying for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Songwriter of the Year honour with C. 'Tricky' STEWART and The-Dream.
The So Sick singer picked up the honour at ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in Beverly Hills on Friday (25Jun10), where Dr. Dre, Janelle Monae and Jermaine Dupri were also lauded.
Dr. Dre received the Founders Award and Monae was named the 2010 Vanguard Award honouree.
Dupri, Johnta Austin and Manuel Seal picked up the Song of the Decade prize for We Belong Together and Best I Ever Had, written by Matthew Samuels was named Best Rap Song.
Stewart, Christopher Henderson, Brandon Melancon and Nate Walka received the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song prize for Blame It and the Top Gospel Song honour went to Ernest Estee Bullock for Souled Out.
The evening's performance highlight came when Eminem took the stage as part of DJ Kid Capri's tribute set to Dr. Dre. Eminem then stayed onstage to present his mentor with the Founders Award.
Past recipients of the coveted ASCAP award include Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson and Sir Paul MCCartney.