The Notorious is glorious.

A salute to the Notorious B.I.G. capped a night of black excellence as music publishing powerhouse ASCAP held their 30th annual Rhythm and Soul Awards which pay homage to the writers behind the some of the top hip-hop, R&B, and gospel records we love.

DJs Clark Kent and Enuff brought new life to ceremony as the two stood next to each other playing a seamless array of Biggie hits. Some people, like Big’s go-to producer Deric “D-Dot” Angeletti, stood up and danced, but everybody sang and rapped along to the records. “Hypnotize,” “Story To Tell,” “All About The Benjamins,” “Party and Bullshit,” “Mo Money, Mo Problems,” “Can’t You See,” and “Only You” were just some of the powerful snippets that filled with room with energy and smiles. Later, Big was given the “Founders Award.”

Faith Evans and Big’s children T’Yanna and Christopher Wallace, and his former managers Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow, all came to the stage together to accept for the late great legend.

The night’s other big honorees were timeless producers and songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The 34-year veterans were presented the Voice of Music Awards.

Songwriters of the Year had duel recipients. Paul “Nineteen85” Jeffries was recognized for his work on Drake’s “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “Too Good” and “For Free.” Allen Ritter was praised for a myriad of collaborations; chief among them Rihanna’s “Work,” Drake’s “Controlla,” Kanye West’s “Father Stretch My Hands,” and Chris Brown’s “Back to Sleep.”

Award-wnning hip-hop and R&B song winners included O.T. Genasis’ “Cut It,” Fetty Wap’s “Again,” and D.R.A.M.’s “Broccoli,” as well as Fat Joe and Remy May’s “All The Way Up.” Remy and French Montana (who is featured on the hook) were on hand to accept for their record. Papoose was also in attendance to support his wife.

Performances of the night were H.E.R. with “Focus” and “You,” during which she played with guitar on the latter. Jeremih got a lot of love when he took the stage for three-time ASCAP winner “Oui.” Elsewhere in the program, Tasha Cobb was vocally stunning on “Great God.” Her “Put a Praise on It” was a winner in the gospel category.

Speaking of which, the most surprising winner of the night was trailblazing MC KRS-One. The Blastmaster won in the Gospel category, as well. He is a writer on Kirk Franklin’s “123 Victory” which also features Pharrell Williams.