BET Awards Performances, The Legends Run It

The BET Awards, which has turned out to be THE awards show for black america, showcased the best of the old that far outshined the new. Highlights of the evening which had more performances than awards, were the living legends that each commanded the stage in their own right. Patti LaBelle’s, moving dedication to the late, great Gerald LeVert was topped only by the spirit wrenching tribute “Wind Beneath My Wings”; sung by his father Eddie, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, and Patti. Each of these artists effortlessly displayed the shear talent that has awarded them respect and longevity in their careers. Pioneering rap group Public Enemy filled the air with an enigmatic power and respect. Diana Ross who received the lifetime achievement award for her over 50 years in the business, said it best. “You don’t have to say the f-word and the n-word or bump and grind to have a career with longevity.” She spoke about how she built her career on having a sense of “class” and worked hard to uphold “high standards”. Hearing these words come out of “The Boss” was very poignant, understanding that she endured the cruelty of the n- word and the lack of respect for black talent, much less black beauty. Her words were like a wise Auntie speaking to her kin. She also made it a point to acknowledge Barry Gordy whom is not often celebrated for creating the Motown legacy that was a catapult for black music.
On a lighter note, other highlights were Erykah Badu, Steve Wonder and Chaka Khan’s tribute to Diana. Erykah's quite comfortable performing “Love Hangover” amongst these giants. Kelly Rowland's performance (thank God her album is Hot!) following Beyonce’s liquid gold, was perhaps saved by the mini Destiny's Child reunion featuring Solange .
I don’t know what 50 Cent was doing, he lip-synced the chorus of his raunchy yet irresistibly catchy new song “Amusement Park”, but barely spit a verse, and spent his performance walking/punking the audience. He closed his show with a shout-out to his Vitamin Water brand. I guess with arms like that, he doesn’t need to perform anymore??…
I must admit, that I missed Jennifer Hudson’s said to be stellar performance with Jennifer Holiday, I am sure I missed an incredible moment. Don Chedle’s acceptance speech for the Humanitarian award was humbling. I bet more than a few people were humbled by his and Diana’s words, as they all tried to voice respect for the groundbreakers toward the end of the unforgettable show.

BET Award Winners

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce - "Irreplaceable"

BEST GROUP
Gnarls Barkley

BEST ACTOR
Forest Whitaker

BEST ACTRESS
Jennifer Hudson

BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST
T.I.

BEST COLLABORATION
Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige - "Runaway Love"

BEST NEW ARTIST
Jennifer Hudson

BEST MALE ATHLETE
LeBron James

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Serena Williams

BETJ COOL LIKE THAT
Gerald Levert

BEST GOSPEL ARTIST
Kirk Franklin

BEST MALE R&B ARTIST
Ne-Yo

BEST FEMALE R&B ARTIST
Beyonce

VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
Birdman and Lil Wayne "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"

Chrisette Michele- Live NYC 6/19

Chrisette Michele has some kinda voice! You've heard it on hooks from Jay-Z's- "Lost One" and Nas's- "Can’t Forget About You" among others. Watch her live performance at an exclusive NYC location on her release date 6/19/07. This jazzy diva sang tracks from her debut release "I Am" in stores now.

If I Have My Way- Live!


Best of Me- Live!


For more on Chrisette Michele check out her page on http://www.SpotlightGrooves.com Read my review of "I Am" then Buy a copy!

Jill Scott & Friends at Radio City Music Hall

Check out pics from Jill Scott's concert at Radio City Music Hall!





Chaka Khan!




Robin Thicke


Musiq

Prince's New Deal- SG.com Exclusive!

Sources confirmed that legendary music icon Prince who recently joinined forces with Verizon Wireless to sell "Guitar", the first single from his upcoming album, has since landed a deal with Columbia Records to release the album entitled "Planet Earth" this summer. Columbia also distributed Prince's 2005 takeover comeback Musicology, which won 3 Grammys in 2005. This man is a master hustler and a template for independent music success. If you haven't see him in concert, you better catch the next one!

Fans can get the free single "Guitar", by trying the song I.D demo, which will be available on Verizon's website as well as YouTube, Revver, and Myspace.

Amel Larrieux- Live at BB Kings NYC

A crowd gathers in casual Springtime elegance although the temperature
outside clearly indicates a sweltering summer to come. The club is
lined heavily with Amel's most loyal fans as they saturate the space
from the tips of the stage to the back of the bar. It's now standing
room only and the slightly airy dimly-lit surroundings continue to
invite R&b soul enthusiasts.
The lights are shut off and what appears to be two tiny Amel Larrieuxs
emerge from stage left, microphone in hand. The taller one is a
spitting image of the songbird.
They begin with the first words of "For Real" when Amel finally
appears beaming with pride, a smile painted sweetly across her cheeks.
The two mini singers are her daughters and the crowd applauses in
excitement and gratitude for the special treat.
Dressed in a comfortably-fitting blue bohemian style dress over an
off-the-shoulder purple 3/4 sleeve top, she sports a shoulder length
version of her wavy hair and very little makeup.
Amel continues with the song, paying close attention to every part of
the stage; every section of the crowd, occassionally directing the mic
to the audience. She moves like water to the music almost as if the
notes pull her in different directions. Amel emits humbleness and
beauty. An infectious wave of cool serenity is apparant, despite the
heat. She sings a handful of fan favorites including "Infinite
Possibilities" and her excitement is contagious. She plays a
unrehearsed vocal hopscotch with her background singers and jokes with
her band as well as the crowd. She is funny and loving, stepping off
the stage at one point to give a hug and making time to acknowledge
shoutouts. (singing them of course)
When it comes time for "Make Me Whole", tears flow from her eyes as
the crowd sings every single word back to her. What can only be
explained as a peaceful and emotional experience, this was a pivotal
point in the performance.
Overall the show was unlike anything I've ever seen before. Live shows
are often just a fraction of what is heard on a cd but when it comes
to Amel Larrieux, you'll be finding it hard to compare the two. It is
a blessing just to hear her sing. It's even more of a blessing to be
in her presence.

Simone Carlene Porter


Excerpts from the show: "Unanswered Questions" from "Morning"

Kevin Michael-A True Original!

I experienced Keivin Michael's debute performance at Joe's Pub NYC on Wednesday, and I have to saw this guy is legit. You know Kevin, he is the new dude with the big afro and laid back style who landed a commercial endorsement deal with Verizon Wireless promoting his first single "We All Want The Same Thing" (Downtown Records). Kevin performed some enticing cuts form his new album (TDB) due out August 28th featuring Lupe Fiasco and production by Wycleff among others. Kevin scat and slide up and down his tales of love, political and self awareness; exuding his impressive vocal range which is drenched in Funk, Soul, Jazz and Gospel. It was so refreshing to see a new voice content on bringing his own energy, not replicating someone elses. Kevin's performance kept you glued to him while he became the music, feelin' his vibe!

Watch Kevin's video for “It Don’t Make Any Difference To Me”.