Nicki Minaj and her parent labels, Young Money Entertainment and Cash Money Records, were saluted at the BMI 2013 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards Thursday (Aug. 23) in New York.

The Queen Barbz received the Songwriter of the Year award for writing four of the most-played songs of 2012 including 'Girl on Fire,' 'Dance (A$$),' 'Make Me Proud' and 'Starships,' which earned Song of the Year honors.

Elsewhere, producer Hit-Boy won the coveted Producer of the Year trophy for creating some of the biggest hits last year for Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky, among others.

Also, Machine Gun Kelly nabbed the BMI Social Star Award. “I just want to thank BMI for giving a couple of kids from Cleveland a chance," he said.

But the night belonged to YMCMB founders Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams who were named BMI Icons.

“I dedicate my soul and my life and I wouldn't be standing right here if it wasn't for Dwayne Carter [Lil Wayne]," said Birdman during his acceptance speech. "One thing you see with us is loyalty. It's not an individual achievement. We did what we did on creativity, but I got a lot of staff members who make a lot happen, so shout out to the whole Universal staff. We've been at this for 17 years. It's a business. Money moves the world. I respect ya'll."

Cash Money artists such as Mystikal, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh and Turk perform but Trina rocked the crowd with her rendition of Minaj's hit, 'Moment 4 Life.'

All respect due to the entire YMCMB family. We wish them 17 more years of hit-making success.

YMCMB
Neilson Barnard, Getty Images
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Machine Gun Kelly
Neilson Barnard, Getty Images
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Watch Trina Perform 'Moment 4 Life' at the BMI 2013 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

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