Birdman & Slim Honored With BMI Icon Award. Nicki Minaj Wins Songwriter Of The Year At The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. Machine Gun Kelly & Hit-Boy Also Win [Video/Pics]

Pics After The Jump

Brothers Ronald "Slim" Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams were honored Thursday at the 2013 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards. The Cash Money Records -co-founders were named BMI Icons.

“I dedicate my soul and my life and I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for Dwayne motherfuckin’ Carter,” said Birdman. “Once thing when you see with us, you see loyalty.”

The event, which was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, paid tribute to songwriters, producers and publishers of the most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs of the previous year.

Nicki Minaj had a big night. She shared the Songwriter of the Year Award for "Starships" with Benny Blanco. The Harajuku Barbie took home prizes for guest appearances on "Make Me Proud," "Girl on Fire," and "Dance (A$$)." "Starships" also won Song of the Year.

Machine Gun Kelly took home the award for the BMI Social Award. Hit-Boy won Producer of the Year.

Ray J co-hosted the event with BMI president and CEO Del Bryant and vice president Catherine Brewton. Others in attendance included Busta Rhymes, Sean Kingston, Mannie Fresh, Bridget Kelly, Trina, Jay Sean, Future, L.A. Reid, Juelz Santana and more.