They soundtracked a generation's first slow dances, sold out arenas while still teenagers, and turned Y2K-era R&B into a global phenomenon. Now, two decades on, B2K's legacy is to receive one of British urban music's highest recognitions: the Outstanding Contribution to R&B Award at the 24th Annual Urban Music Awards.
A special honour for a defining group
The Urban Music Awards has announced that iconic R&B group B2K will receive the Outstanding Contribution to R&B Award at the 24th Annual Urban Music Awards, taking place in London on 15 December 2026.
The special honour will recognise B2K's enduring influence on R&B, youth culture and popular music, celebrating a legacy that has resonated with fans across multiple generations and territories.
From 2000s breakthrough to lasting cultural impact
From their breakthrough at the beginning of the 2000s to their lasting cultural impact, B2K became one of the defining R&B groups of their era, building a global fanbase and helping shape the sound, style and energy of contemporary youth-driven R&B.
The award will form part of a major series of special honours being presented at this year's Urban Music Awards, with five further honourees set to be announced in the weeks leading up to the ceremony.
"Their contribution has genuinely shaped the culture"
"B2K represent an important chapter in modern R&B history. Their music, image, performances and connection with fans helped define an era, and their influence continues to be felt today. As we celebrate the 24th Annual Urban Music Awards, it is important that we recognise artists whose contribution has genuinely shaped the culture."
— Spokesperson, Urban Music Awards
A global ceremony, a global audience
The 24th Annual Urban Music Awards will bring together artists, industry executives, media, creators and music fans for one of the organisation's biggest editions to date, with nominees and honourees representing music markets from the UK, USA, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and beyond.
Public voting is now open across this year's competitive categories, with fans invited to support their favourite nominated artists from around the world. The ceremony will also feature live performances, special presentations and further major announcements ahead of 15 December.
Event Details
24th Annual Urban Music Awards
About the Urban Music Awards
The Urban Music Awards is an international music awards platform recognising achievement across urban music, culture, media and entertainment. Since its launch, the awards have celebrated established icons, breakthrough talent and influential figures from across the global music industry.
The 24th Annual Urban Music Awards continues that mission with a global nominations slate, public voting and a series of special honours recognising artists whose work has made a lasting contribution to music and culture.
Media enquiries, tickets and voting for this year's nominees are available at urbanmusicawards.org — with further honouree announcements to follow in the weeks leading up to 15 December.