During Grammy Week, when the music industry converges to celebrate excellence, artistry, and influence, one standout experience delivered something deeper than a party: Pen, Pad & Beats: Grammy Week Edition at Rhythm Room LA. Produced by Swan7 Productions, the event fused live music, songwriting legacy, and cultural storytelling—creating a space where community mattered as much as credits.

At its core, Pen, Pad & Beats is a celebration of the writers, producers, and creative architects behind the hits—the “behind-the-scenes” names who shape the soundtracks of our lives. This Grammy Week edition carried that mission with intention: honoring creators, amplifying the culture, and building bridges between regions and generations.

Pen, Pad & Beats Grammy Week 2026 red carpet. Photo Credit: Steven D. Hill.

Honoring the Architects of Sound

This year’s honorees represented a spectrum of Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning talent—creators who have helped define eras and move culture forward:

  • Sean Garrett: Known throughout the industry as a “The Pen,” Garrett was recognized for his massive impact on modern R&B and Pop over the last two decades.
  • Lil Ronnie: Brought pride to the Los Angeles stage, representing his ongoing contributions to R&B and Hip-Hop from the early 2000s to today.
  • Slikk Muzik: A Dallas-area powerhouse whose artistry continues to resonate with global audiences.
  • Dos Dias & DIXSON: These artists underscored the event’s commitment to recognizing not only mainstream success but also artistic excellence and momentum

In an era where music moves at the speed of a scroll, Pen, Pad & Beats pressed pause long enough to honor the craft and the people who keep the art form evolving.

The Band That Made the Night Feel Alive

A signature element of Pen, Pad & Beats is its live component. The night was powered by TREWAY and The Now Generation, delivering the kind of raw musical energy that reminds you why live performance still matters. Their sound anchored the room, creating the connective tissue between generations of artistry.

This live instrumentation reinforced the event’s larger message: music isn’t disposable content—it’s a living language. To keep the energy seamless, DJ Jam-X curated the vibes throughout the evening.

Pen, Pad and Beats fireside chat. Photo Credit: Steven D Hill

Dallas Showed Up—On Purpose

One of the most meaningful storylines of the evening was the undeniable presence of the Dallas creative community in Los Angeles. The “Big D” didn’t just attend; they led:

  • Swan7 Productions: Led by producer and brand strategist Swan Lee, the team delivered a polished, culture-forward experience that reflected Dallas’ growing reputation for high-level creative production.
  • Slikk Muzik: Represented the city as a Grammy-winning Producer and Musician, bringing regional credibility to a national spotlight.
  • Steven Hill: The photographer captured the evening’s most pivotal moments, proving that visual storytelling is a key pillar of the Dallas network.
  • Label Me Exclusive: Transformed the venue with floral décor and design elements, proving that Dallas creatives bring excellence to every aesthetic detail.
  • Brandon Ro: As co-host, Ro provided the presence and authenticity needed to keep the night engaging while spotlighting the honorees.
  • Taye Hyder: Founder of Top Tier Beauty, Hyder served as the official beauty brand and makeup artist for Swan7 Productions. Her work highlighted how Dallas excellence extends into beauty, branding, and content presentation.

“In a city like Los Angeles, the Dallas presence wasn’t just noticeable—it was strategic. This event proved that Dallas creatives aren’t only attending major industry moments; they’re building them.”

Craftsmanship and Community

The evening was supported by Maker’s Mark, a partner aligned with the spirit of the night: honoring the process, the patience, and the people behind the final product.

In today’s world, where attention spans are short and headlines are heavy, events like Pen, Pad & Beats create a necessary space to reflect and celebrate. Music is more than entertainment—it is therapy, protest, and identity.

The Impact: Legacy and the Next Wave

The lasting impact of Pen, Pad & Beats isn’t just in who was honored, but in what was built. Relationships were strengthened, and Dallas creatives gained significant national exposure.

As Grammy Week evolves, this event stands out by doing something rare: it honors the art and the artist, the legacy and the next wave. With Dallas talent leading the charge, the message is clear: culture doesn’t belong to one coast—it belongs to the voices and stories worth celebrating.

For Dallas Weekly, this is more than a recap. It’s a reminder: when Dallas shows up, it leaves a mark.