R&B, Hip-Hop Win Big At Billboard
Hip-hop and R&B rocked the Billboard Awards last night in Las Vegas as Beyonce, 50 Cent, R.Kelly materialized as the biggest winners of the evening. Kelly and Beyonce were the king and queen for the evening, both receiving four awards for the evening.
Beyonce emerged victorious categories new female artist of the year, new R&B artist, Hot 100 female artist and a special Hot 100 because of her chart dominance. At the climax of the evening, R.Kelly was courted into the MGM Grand Casino in a horse-drawn carriage, emblazoned in red. The embattled singer went on to win accolades for Hot 100 producer, R&B producer, Hot 100 songwriter and R&B songwriter. His album, The Chocolate Factory, has already sold over two million units.
50 Cent, the biggest winner of the year thus far, won for top artist, R&B artist and rap artist. Outkast won the first-ever digital track of the year award for their song “Hey Ya.
The award goes to the song most downloaded legally.
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz grabbed the award for R&B/hip-hop Group of the year while DTP newcomer Chingy took New male R&B Artist of the Year.
The Billboard Awards are based on chart listings, which are rooted in sales and radio airplay.
Below is a partial list of the winners:
Artist of the Year: 50 Cent
New Female Artist of the Year: Beyoncé
R&B Artist of the Year: 50 Cent
R&B/hip-hop Group of the year: Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz
R&B Producer of the Year: R. Kelly
R&B Songwriter of the Year: R. Kelly
New R&B Artist of the Year: Beyoncé
New male R&B Artist of the Year: Chingy
Rap Artist of the Year: 50 Cent
Independent Album of the Year: “Kings of Crunk” Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz (TVT)
Mainstream Top 40 Track of the Year: “Where Is the Love,” Black Eyed Peas
Digital Track of the Year: “Hey Ya!,” OutKast
No. 1 Rhythmic top 40 title of the Year: “Right Thurr,” Chingy
Hot 100 Female Artist of the Year: Beyoncé
Hot 100 Producer of the Year: R. Kelly
Hot 100 songwriter of the Year: R. Kelly
Hot 100 Award for Most Weeks at No. 1: Beyoncé “Crazy in Love” featuring Jay-Z and “Baby Boy” Independent Album Artists of the Year: Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz