As the stars gathered at Brooklyn’s Revealed venue on September 4, 2025, Billboard’s annual Hip-Hop/R&B Power Players Awards showcased the industry’s brightest talents with Cardi B and Leon Thomas among the evening’s most celebrated honorees.
The star-studded event brought together influential figures from across the music landscape, creating a vibrant atmosphere of recognition and networking for both established and emerging artists.
Cardi B’s appearance reinforced her status as a dominant female voice in hip-hop, with the artist receiving significant recognition for her continued impact on the genre.
Cardi B cemented her position as hip-hop’s leading female voice through her recognized and ongoing influence on the genre.
Photographers captured her presence throughout the evening as she engaged with media and participated in the ceremony, drawing substantial attention to the prestigious industry gathering.
Leon Thomas received the Breakthrough Award, marking a significant milestone in his 22-year musical journey.
During his acceptance, Thomas acknowledged his mother’s early financial support of his studio time, demonstrating the personal sacrifices behind his professional success.
His signing to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY label has positioned him for further growth, with Thomas hinting at upcoming releases during post-award interviews.
Ty Dolla $ign played a dual role at the event, supporting Thomas as his label signee while also discussing the challenges of hit-making in today’s music industry.
The producer and artist revealed plans for his forthcoming album “Tycoon,” adding to the evening’s buzz about future projects.
Other notable honorees included legendary group Wu-Tang Clan, whose legacy continues to influence hip-hop culture, and GELO, who claimed Hip-Hop Rookie of the Year while announcing collaborative work with Bossman Dlow.
Executive of the Year went to Top Dawg, recognizing his leadership in developing successful acts.
The event provided vital visibility for artists like Zeddy Will, who shared details about upcoming work with American-Ghanaian singer Moliy and his anticipated freestyle appearance on Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3, demonstrating how the awards function not only as recognition but as a platform for announcing future creative endeavors.
During a side panel, several artists discussed the importance of exploring multiple revenue streams to sustain long-term careers beyond chart success and streaming numbers.
Rising artist Odeal was also recognized for his contributions to Afrobeats, with hits like “Blame U” and “Miami” featuring Leon Thomas highlighting his growing influence in the genre.
The emotional acceptance speech given by Cardi B emphasized that emotional connection remains a defining aspect of hip-hop, resonating strongly with both artists and fans in attendance.
Many attending artists used the event as an opportunity to expand their personal brand, showcasing how industry recognition can transform into broader career opportunities.
