Billboard hosted its 2026 R&B Hip-Hop Power Players event on September 9, 2026, at SoHo House in New York City, honoring industry leaders, executives, and artists spanning rap, R&B, and Caribbean music. According to Billboard, the star-studded gathering brought together artists, managers, publicists, and top executives to celebrate generational talent alongside emerging voices shaping the future of music.
Hall of Fame Inductions and Major Honors
The 2026 event celebrated significant career milestones with major hall-of-fame inductions. According to Billboard, The Roots accepted the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Award during the evening. Meanwhile, Jill Scott received the R&B Hall of Fame award in recognition of her enduring impact on contemporary soul and R&B music.
Executive leadership also took center stage at SoHo House. Above Ground CEO David Ali was named the 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year, recognized for his work managing Grammy-winning singer Kehlani for more than a decade. Kehlani, who was honored as Billboard’s 2026 R&B Artist of the Year, delivered a heartfelt speech dedicating her win to Ali. According to Billboard, Kehlani recalled their challenging journey to the top, telling the audience that Ali became the closest thing she has ever had to a father.
Recognizing Emerging Talent
Billboard shifted its focus toward the next generation by handing out a trio of rising star accolades during the ceremony. According to Billboard, Samara Cyn accepted the honor for the 2026 Hip-Hop Rising Star, Destin Conrad was named the 2026 R&B Rising Star, and Skippa took home the first-ever Caribbean Rising Star award.
These rising honorees prepared to take the stage alongside established acts at Billboard’s R&B Hip-Hop Live 2026 concert on September 10, 2026, at Brooklyn Steel in New York. According to Billboard, the live music lineup also featured performances by Lucky Daye, Yung Miami, and kwn.
Billboard House Panels and Industry Discussions
In tandem with the awards celebration, Billboard launched Billboard House on September 9, 2026, offering a series of industry panels and conversations. According to Billboard, the daytime programming featured in-depth discussions with honorees including The Roots and Jill Scott.
Presented by BetterHelp, a “Like Minded” panel featured Kehlani alongside rising rapper Monaleo, according to Billboard. Additionally, following the release of Nipsey Hussle and Bino Rideaux’s PROLIFIC, Billboard sat down with Hussle’s brother, Blacc Sam, and Bino Rideaux to discuss preserving the late Los Angeles rap dignitary’s marathon legacy.