B.E.T Awards 2019... here for it or nah?
It has been a minute since BET was able to truly grab my attention with an award show. Normally, it’s just back ground noise as I completed other tasks, but this year it was different. I wasn't just watching for tweetable petty moments, I was truly tuned in for the culture. I don't know if they got new producers or just made a decision to to really do it up this year, but something was refreshed this time. From Regina Hall's epic parody of the Beyonce produced Homecoming Film, to Offset doing a full dance number, to Tyler Perry's motivating speech, to Mary J Blige bringing out the HITZ and the heavy hittas, this years show was worth every bit of my viewership.
So let's recap my personal Top 5 highlights of the night. (For warning, I can not promise there won't be any shady or petty highlights below. I can only be me lol)
1. Regina Hall
DID HER THING! Some of the jokes were only if you were from the DMV area, but still she definitely earned a spot at top hosts for this awards show. I love that they allowed her to truly use her craft and make things fun for the audience. It was a vibe and not a forced vibe the whole entire show. I think tonight really gave people the "stop confusing me with Regina King" finger. We may all be black girls, but we are not the same. This hosting gig truly solidified that for her.
2. Offset and Cardi B
Can we have a real honest moment? I wasn't mad at this slick dance routine that Offset pulled off. It wasn't Chris Brown, but for a rapper, he really got some untapped potential. Cardi B looked good in her Princess Jasmine attire. I genuinely enjoyed the performance, and might I say I wouldn't mind an Offset/Cardi album? A 8 song EP would probably be a banger. Remember I suggested here first (well first for me).
3. Lizzo
"I just took a DNA test, turns out I'm 100% that b*&^h" .... All I could say was YAASSSSSSS. So I had just been introduced to her via a facebook group post, but I had no idea how good of a performer she was. Let me tell you, she did it for girls all around the world. She showed sooo much confidence in her performance, you couldn't help but feel the energy and join the wave.
Even Rhi-Rhi was on her feet for this performance. Then as though singing and dancing wasn't enough, my girl gave us a flute solo! A flute? A flute? Whew chile, talk about next level, I personally don't know anyone with enough wind to do all that dancing and singing and still have enough left to play the flute. I'll wait if you can find me someone doing it. If you haven't already added her latest album to your playlist, you are going to want to go ahead and do it now. You won't be disappointed by her upbeat soulful sound.
4. Tyler Perry
Listen you can say what you want about Tyler Perry, but you can't call the man broke. He truly has a started from the bottom testimony (so fitting that they would play this while he walked up). He is a billionaire but refuses to let that title sit him down. Not only did he build his own studio, he built his studio in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Atlanta. But the story is even greater, because this is where a Confederate Army Base once was. Where there was once a fight to keep out
Let that sink in. Not only did he make it but he provides opportunities for people to cross. He wanted Black Women to know their worth and how important they are. The key takeaway for me came from his interview footage when he talked about being successful. "If you want to make it and continue to make it, Work like you're broke". I felt that on a spiritual level-- Never get comfortable in where you are.
5. Mary J Blige
Mary Mary Mary. Don't get me wrong, I have always been a Mary J fan, but last night really showed me why. First of all, who you know doing their own COMPLETE tribute? It was a little shaky at first (probably just the quick wardrobe change), but she brought hit after hit after hit. She is truly an icon. Still trying to figure out why Rhi Rhi of all people was the one to present her award to her (no shade at all, just don't see the inspo. But who are me to judge?). So not only did she take us back to the 90's, she also gave us all the meme inspired dance moves. Proudly, I might add.
But it was when she brought out the special guests that really got the crowd rocking. First of all she brought out black Lil Kim again! Lil Kim looked good and sounded good (minus needing a few more rehearsals for breathing purposes). Then Method Man Fine self came out and I Lost it! Yes I literally lost it sitting there home alone in my bed. The thought behind this whole performance was everything.
Honorable Mention:
*Burna Boy's Mom: When she came up to accept the award, I had no idea she was going to leave us with a whole message!
She said "Every black person should remember , you were Africans before anything else".
*Nipsey Hussles Family : I don't think that I will ever personally get tired of seeing Nipsey's Family. I love their united front on his behalf. Now many people were confused by Mama Nipsey's speech, but we all have to remember that not everyone is a public speaker.
She wanted to let everyone know her current state of mind and that she hopes everyone else can reach some sort of resolve as well. She is very adamant about making sure people understand her stance on the situation and her feelings. It doesn't always translate over the best but her intentions are pure. BET must have gave her the wrap it notice because she didn't even finish her last thought. Best part was Papa Nipsey basically telling her "Leave Me Be Woman", when she was trying to get him to speak into the mic by grabbing his face.
*Lil Nas X:
Literally its just something about the old town road that gets the people going. The smooth mix of country with trap, is an instant banger. But more than just one song he really is embodying his country trap roots. He has the boots, vest, and hat to match. He is an inspiration to his generation to continue to think outside of the box and never get boxed in. On top of changing the game, he even got Billy Ray Cyrus to perform at the BET Awards... whew I know Nashville is up in arms about this one.
So after watching it or getting the recap of this years award show... are you here for it or nah?
In case you Missed it, Here are the Winner and Nominees of 2019 BET Awards:
The Best actress
Regina King *WINNER
Regina Hall
Issa Rae
Taraji P. Henson
Tiffany Haddish
Viola Davis
Best actor
Michael B. Jordan *WINNER
Chadwick Boseman
Denzel Washington
Mahershala Ali
Anthony Anderson
Omari Hardwick
Best movie
“BlacKkKlansman” *WINNER
“Creed 2″
“If Beale Street Could Talk”
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
“The Hate U Give”
Album of the year
“Invasion of Privacy” Cardi B, *WINNER “Ella Mai” Ella Mai,
“Championships” Meek Mill,
“Everything Is Love” The Carters,
“Astroworld” Travis Scott
Best new artist
Lil Baby *WINNER
City Girls
Juice WRLD
Blueface
Queen Naija
Best female hip-hop artist
Cardi B *WINNER
Kash Doll
Lizzo
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Remy Ma
Best male hip-hop artist
Nipsey Hussle *WINNER
Drake
J. Cole
Meek Mill
21 Savage
Travis Scott
Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice
“Trip,” Ella Mai *WINNER
“Sicko Mode,” Travis Scott ft. Drake
“I Like It,” Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin
“Middle Child,” J. Cole
“In My Feelings,” Drake
“This Is America,” Childish Gambino
Best Collaboration
Travis Scott featuring Drake, “Sicko Mode” *WINNER
Cardi B and Bruno Mars, “Please Me”
Cardi B featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny, “I Like It”
H.E.R. featuring Bryson Tiller, “Could’ve Been”
21 Savage featuring J. Cole, “A Lot”
Tyga featuring Offset, “Taste”
Best international act
Burna Boy (Nigeria) *WINNER
Aya Nakamura (France)
AKA (South Africa)
Dave (U.K.)
Dosseh (France)
Giggs (U.K.)
Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
Best new international act
Sho Madjozi (South Africa) *WINNER
Jok’Air (France)
Nesly (France)
Octavian (U.K.)
Headie One (U.K.)
Teni (Nigeria)
Best female R&B/pop artist
Beyoncé *WINNER
Ella Mai
H.E.R.
Solange
SZA
Teyana Taylor.
Best male R&B/pop artist
Bruno Mars *WINNER
Anderson Paak
Childish Gambino
Chris Brown
John Legend
Khalid
Young stars award
Marsai Martin *WINNER
Lyric Ross
Caleb McLaughlin
Michael Rainey Jr.
Miles Brown
Best group
Migos *WINNER
City Girls
Lil Baby and Gunna
Chloe x Halle
The Carters
Video of the year
Childish Gambino, “This Is America” *WINNER
Cardi B, “Money” Cardi B and Bruno Mars, “Please Me”
21 Savage featuring J. Cole,
“A Lot” Drake
“Nice for What” The Carters, “Apes**t”
Video director of the year
Karena Evans *WINNER
Colin Tilley
Dave Meyers
Hype Williams
Benny Boom
Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award
Snoop Dogg featuring Rance Allen, “Blessing Me Again” *WINNER
Erica Campbell featuring Warryn Campbell, “All of My Life”
Kirk Franklin, “Love Theory”
Fred Hammond, “Tell Me Where It Hurts”
Tori Kelly featuring Kirk Franklin, “Never Alone”
Sportswoman of the year
Serena Williams *WINNER
Candace Parker
Naomi Osaka
Allyson Felix
Simone Biles
Sportsman of the year
Stephen Curry *WINNER
LeBron James
Odell Beckham Jr.
Kevin Durant
Tiger Woods
BET HER award
H.E.R., “Hard Place” *WINNER
Ciara, “Level Up”
Alicia Keys, “Raise a Man”
Janelle Monae, “PYNK”
Queen Naija, “Mama’s Hand”
Teyana Taylor, “Rose in Harlem”
Photo Credits : Billboard.com , JustJared.com , Bet.com
XoXo,
E
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