BMI Gives Mariah Carey Icon Award for Songwriting
Mariah Carey has been considered an icon for many years but the BMI Urban Awards decided to give the diva some official recognition. She was awarded the BMI Icon Award for her songwriting skills. Carey arrived to the event a fashionable hour late but she was grateful for the recognition.
“I’m so humbled by this moment because a lot of people still don’t know I write my own songs,” Carey said as she accepted her award. She also shared her excitement with E! News. “It’s so great,” she said to E! News. “I’ve been writing songs my whole life, I love it. It’s my favorite form of expression and release. Tonight’s not really about diva dramatics or gossipy moments, it’s about the music and that’s what’s important to me.”
Mariah also got praise from other guest including BMI President and CEO Del Bryant and musicians like rappers Mac Miller and Future. “To see how long her career has gone, you want to have a career. That’s what you call longevity. That’s what I want, a career – not just hits, a career,” Future told Hip Hop DX. Mac Miller was a bit blunter. “”Mariah’s a f*cking legend, yo. This is tight,” said Mac Miller. “I’m about to see Mariah Carey. That’s crazy. I can’t wait. Other well-wishers included Eric Benet and Fantasia. Jermaine Dupri also deejayed a set of some of Carey’s greatest hits.
The Young Money crew also took home a few awards. Drake and Lil Wayne, who were not present, shared an award for Songwriter of the Year while Nicki Minaj took home the Song of the Year award for “Super Bass.”
Another highlight of the awards included Nas taking the stage to perform hits like “Daughters” and “It Aint Hard to Tell.” Nas also honored the recently deceased Chris Lighty during his set.
