Nas to Be Honored With BMI Icon Award at 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

Nas is set to add another award to his trophy case. BMI announced on Wednesday (July 29) that the rap legend from New York City’s Queensbridge is slated to receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2026 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.

Nas joins an iconic group of previous Icon Award recipients, which includes legends such as Lil Wayne, Al Green, James Brown, Babyface, Snoop Dogg and Janet Jackson. 

“Nas has both defined and elevated hip-hop through his groundbreaking storytelling, lyrical excellence and a lasting commitment to artistic innovation,” Catherine Brewton, who serves as the vice president of creative in Atlanta at BMI, said in a statement. “From his earliest works to the music mogul that he is today, Nas is a true icon whose legacy continues to inspire artists, influence culture and shape the sound of hip-hop for generations.”

She continued: “We are also looking forward to honoring all this year’s award-winning songwriters, producers and publishers. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Aug. 26, where Nas’ lethal songwriting ability and influence as a pillar of hip-hop will be recognized. 

Other awards that will be handed out during the ceremony include BMI R&B/Hip-Hop songwriter as well as song, producer and publisher of the year. BMI will honor the publishers, producers and songwriters that were behind the most performed 35 R&B and hip-hop songs from the past year. 

Escobar recently made headlines when he reunited with Jay-Z on stage at Yankee Stadium during Hov’s three-night run in The Bronx earlier in July. 

Nas won his first Grammy Award in 2021. The rapper has 27 Billboard Hot 100 entries and five No. 1 solo albums on the Billboard 200 throughout his Hall of Fame career so far.