The Roots Make History! Iconic Group Honored at Billboard Power Players & Hall of Fame
The 2026 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event celebrated music industry icons and rising stars in New York City. The Roots were inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, while Jill Scott received the R&B Hall of Fame award. The evening also honored David Ali as Executive of the Year and Kehlani as R&B Artist of the Year.
Billboard hosted its esteemed 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event on Wednesday, September 9, in New York City, drawing rap and R&B royalty, industry executives, artists, and publicists. The night was a grand celebration, recognizing significant contributions to music with multiple prestigious inductions and awards, while also looking forward to emerging talents.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of The Roots into Billboard’s Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Founding members Black Thought and Questlove accepted the honor at Ludlow House, reflecting on their remarkable journey. Black Thought spoke to the beautiful contradiction of American culture, celebrating how something born on the margins can become the center of the story. Questlove reminisced about the group's humble beginnings in Philadelphia, recalling a life-changing decision with his best friend to start busking on a street corner four decades prior, which ultimately led to this monumental recognition.
Beyond The Roots, the ceremony honored other luminaries. Jill Scott was presented with the R&B Hall of Fame award, acknowledging her profound impact on the genre. Billboard also cast its gaze to the future by recognizing a trio of emerging artists: Samara Cyn was named the 2026 Hip-Hop Rising Star, Destin Conrad received the 2026 R&B Rising Star award, and Skippa took home the inaugural Caribbean Rising Star award. These rising talents are slated to perform at Billboard‘s R&B Hip-Hop Live 2026 concert on Thursday, September 10, at Brooklyn Steel, an event that will also feature performances from artists such as Lucky Daye, Yung Miami, and kwn.
The Above Ground Entertainment family also had reason to celebrate, with CEO David Ali being honored as the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players executive of the year. Furthermore, Grammy-winning artist Kehlani, who has been managed by Ali for over a decade, was recognized as Billboard‘s 2026 R&B Artist of the Year. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Kehlani dedicated her award to Ali, expressing deep gratitude for his mentorship and acknowledging him as a paternal figure in her life.