Living legend Janet Jackson was honored with the Icon Award at the 2018 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, at the Woodruff Arts Center Symphony Hall in Atlanta on Thursday, Aug. 30.
The superstar was presented with the Icon award during a surprise appearance from rapper Missy Elliott, who celebrated the “Black Cat” singer by giving a speech peppered with her song lyrics, according to WENN.com.
BMI presented the Icon award to Ms. Jackson “in recognition of her extraordinary career achievements, countless contributions and her rich catalog of music and artistry that transcends generations”.
The 52-year-old was also feted at the Radio Disney Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and, earlier this week, the Black Girls Rock! Awards.
BMI also paid tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, who died earlier this month following a battle with advanced pancreatic cancer, aged 76. Her star-studded funeral is currently underway in Detroit, Michigan.
The organization noted that the Queen of Soul “was part of the BMI family for 50 years” before gospel singer Tamela Mann sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “You’ve Got a Friend” in recognition of the icon.
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