Billboard brought generations of R&B and hip-hop talent together in New York City as its 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players celebration recognized established icons, influential industry leaders and some of the genres’ fastest-rising names.
Held September 9 at SoHo House, the gathering put Kehlani in the spotlight as the 2026 R&B Artist of the Year. The honor arrived during a major chapter in the singer’s career, but Kehlani used the occasion to turn attention toward someone who has been alongside her for much of the journey.
Her longtime manager, David Ali, was recognized as the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Executive of the Year. Ali, CEO of Above Ground Entertainment, has managed Kehlani for more than a decade. During her acceptance remarks, Kehlani reflected on their years together and the deeply personal bond that developed alongside their professional partnership.
The evening also celebrated two artists whose influence reaches across decades.
The Roots were inducted into Billboard’s Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, adding another distinction to the Philadelphia group’s remarkable run. Known for combining live musicianship with hip-hop and for continually pushing beyond the genre’s traditional boundaries, the group has remained an enduring presence in music and culture.
Fellow Philadelphia artist Jill Scott was honored with Billboard’s R&B Hall of Fame award. Scott’s recognition celebrated a career that has helped shape contemporary soul and R&B while influencing generations of singers and songwriters.
But the night was not entirely about looking back.
Billboard also highlighted three artists representing the next wave of R&B, hip-hop and Caribbean music. Samara Cyn received the 2026 Hip-Hop Rising Star honor, while Destin Conrad was named R&B Rising Star. Skippa made a little history of his own by becoming the first artist to receive Billboard’s Caribbean Rising Star award.
The three emerging artists were also part of the lineup for Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Live concert at Brooklyn Steel on September 10, joining performers including Lucky Daye, Yung Miami and kwn.
Together, the honorees made the Power Players gathering something of a snapshot of where R&B and hip-hop stand in 2026. The event celebrated artists who helped build the foundation, industry figures working behind the scenes and newcomers positioning themselves to carry the music forward.
