{
  "id": 6624183,
  "title": "Kehlani, The Roots & More Honored at Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2026: Best Photos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/kehlani-the-roots-more-honored-at-billboard-r-b-hip-hop-power-players",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T18:13:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/photos/kehlani-the-roots-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-photos-1236337415/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Billboard held its 2026 R&B Hip-Hop Power Players event in New York City on September 9. The SoHo House venue saw an assembly of rap and R&B icons mingling with industry professionals. The Roots were bestowed with the prestigious Billboard Hip-Hop Hall of Fame induction, alongside Jill Scott receiving the R&B Hall of Fame accolade. In addition to honoring past legends, Billboard spotlighted emerging artists: Samara Cyn claimed the title of 2026 Hip-Hop Rising Star, Destin Conrad was named the R&B Rising Star, and Skippa claimed the inaugural Caribbean Rising Star award. These new stars will be performing at the R&B Hip-Hop Live 2026 concert on September 10 at Brooklyn Steel, alongside Lucky Daye, Yung Miami, and kwn. A celebratory atmosphere prevailed as Above Ground Entertainment CEO David Ali was recognized as the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players executive of the year. Ali, who has managed Kehlani for over a decade, delivered the prestigious honor to the Grammy-winning artist in her acceptance speech for 2026 R&B Artist of the Year. Kehlani expressed her gratitude to Ali, saying, \"What I didn't know at the time is I'd gain the closest thing I've ever had to a father. To know David is to love David.\" Below are some of the standout photos from the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event.",
  "summary": "Jill Scott, Samara Cyn, Destin Conrad and more were also on hand to accept their awards.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Billboard",
        "title": "Samara Cyn Accepts 2026 Hip-Hop Rising Star Award at Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players: ‘Your Story Is Never-Ending’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/samara-cyn-accepts-2026-hip-hop-rising-star-award-at-billboard-r-b",
        "published": "2026-09-10T19:39:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}