LOS ANGELES, June 27 (UPI) -- "We Belong Together" won Song of the Decade at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers 23rd annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in Los Angeles.
More than 650 songwriters, artists, producers and other industry bigwigs attended the ASCAP festivities at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday night, the U.S. performing rights group said in a news release.
Songwriters Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin and Manuel Seal took home the decade award for "We Belong Together" while Ne-Yo, C. "Tricky" Stewart and The-Dream were named Songwriters of the Year.
The top song award went to "Blame It" by Christopher Henderson, Brandon "Note" Melancon, The-Dream, C. "Tricky" Stewart and Nate Walka. Ernest Estee Bullock's "Souled Out" was named top gospel song.
Drake's hit "The Best I Ever Had" garnered two awards for writer Matthew "Boi-1da" Samuels and EMI Music Publishing was named Publisher of the Year for its 22 award-winning songs.
Rapper Eminem made a surprise appearance as his mentor, Dr. Dre, was honored with ASCAP's Founders Award. Singer, songwriter, producer, and performer Janelle Monae was presented with the group's Vanguard Award.
