Posted, June 25, 2008 - The BET Awards continues to prove why it’s the premiere award show in the game and guess what? It’s STILL growing. Its one thing to dub yourself the hottest ticket on television but it’s quite another to have those words bestowed on you by those that matter most: the viewers.
Those that watched the 9th annual BET Awards live or on TV can attest that the 2008 version of the show has further distanced itself from the proverbial pack.
The competition was so close that each artist nominated could make strong arguments as to why he or she should have walked off with the trophy. This parity made for sincere emotion for those honored as well as a healthy respect for those in contention. The former was best evidenced by Bun B of the group UGK, as he bore a piece of a divided soul in accepting the coveted Video of The Year Award for the group’s ‘International Player’s Anthem.’ Lamenting on the passing of his partner in rhyme, Bun B offered the following on his brethren Pimp C, “It’s hard to do this when my brother’s not here to accept with me.” Adding further, “I don’t care what nobody says, it’s UGK for life.”
Trophy winners aside, nothing captures the essence of the BET Awards as well as a dynamic performance. With hot being the theme, Usher, the evening’s opening act, set the bar well beyond the 90 degree temperature mark in terms of heat with his smash “Love In The Club.” Performances by Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, Young Jeezy, Nelly and Rihanna were as impressive.
Best Gospel Artist award winner Marvin Sapp’s performance was inspirational, projecting images of Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the backdrop of his stage set during his searing rendition of ‘Never Would’ve Made It.’ Alicia Keys, winner of the Best Female R&B Artist, expertly blended her old school flavored ‘Teenage Love Affair’ with key cameos from some of the artists she admires most: SWV (‘Weak’), En Vogue (‘Hold On’) and TLC (‘Waterfalls’.)
T Pain, with the motif of a ringleader in a circus, showed why he was the leading BET Award nominee, as he was the glue that held together hits for Flo Rida (Low), Rick Ross, (I’m The Biggest Boss) and DJ Khaled (I’m So Hood Remix featuring Big Boi and Ludacris.) Lil Wayne, shut it down literally with selections from his platinum-in-a-week disc the Carter III. Joined by T-Pain, they debuted their recently announced union T-Wayne and breezed through the hottest records on the streets right now, ‘Lollipop’ and ‘A Milli.’
All great moments but Al Green proved that he can still rumble with the best as a performer with flawless execution of his classics ‘Let’s Stay Together’ and ‘Love and Happiness.’ For a man that professed on wax to be tired of being alone, having to bask in the love of John Legend, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Maxwell, the guests at the Shrine Auditorium and millions watching at the crib, Al Green should never feel alone again.
Not to be pigeonholed as a celebration of music, Quincy Jones, the prototype for the Super Producer, was honored for his lifelong and worldwide commitment to the betterment of the world.
With all of this excitement packed in the swift span of 3 hours, I’m ready to begin the countdown to the BET Awards ’09!