<
>
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (
ASCAP) hosted its 23rd annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on Friday, June 25 in Los Angeles, CA. The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2009 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.
Mariah's
"We Belong Together" won the prestigious award of
Song of the Decade. The award was handed to three of the song's writers who are ASCAP members.
Atlanta rapper T.I. presented the
Song of the Decade Award to fellow Atlantans Johnta Austin, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal for their work on Mariah Carey's massive hit, "We Belong Together." The song topped the Billboard charts, won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and was named ASCAP Pop Song of the Year in 2006.
Watch the video of the award presentation
here.
Billboard's Gary Trust mentioned "We Belong Together" in this week's
Ask Billboard:
Here are the top songs with the
highest radio audiences, according to
Nielsen BDS (listed by each title's peak audience week). You correctly
guessed the top song on the list:
Peak Audience, Title, Artist, Peak
Date 212.1 million, "We Belong Together," Mariah Carey, July
9, 2005 196.3 million, "Irreplaceable," Beyonce, Jan. 20, 2007
192.5 million, "No One," Alicia Keys, Dec. 22, 2007
189.6
million, "Let Me Love You," Mario, Feb. 5, 2005
Mariah is also mentioned as one of the acts that have started with the longest streaks of Hot 100 top 10s
beginning with their first chart entries. Mariah has had her first
11 songs reach the top 10 of the Hot 100.
Carey came close to logging an even lengthier top 10 streak, as, after
her 12th Hot 100 charted title, "Anytime You Need a Friend," peaked at
No. 12, she rebounded with top 10s in her next six visits. In all, 17 of
her first 18 and 20 of her first 22 Hot 100 entries scaled the top 10.