BET Hip-Hop Awards & Weekend Remixed
Posted by bigced on October 25, 2007
Written by Isha Edwards
October 2007
“Style. Substance. Swagger.” was the theme for the second annual, BET Hip Hop Awards. Hosted by Katt Williams, the remixed version of the awards followed a series of pre-event parties to include the official BET-Jermaine Dupri bash at the mogul’s club, Studio 72. Actor, singer, producer, Neyo rounded out the fanfare by hosting an exclusive after party (also in conjunction with BET) at his studio, The Carriage House.
According to a BET spokesperson, this year’s awards were an extension of BET News’ Hip-Hop vs. America special, which offered “insights into the state of Hip-Hop today.”
Remaining true to the network’s goal, the BET Hip-Hop Awards reminded attendees of Hip-Hop’s purpose to serve as a voice for people; to address social ills or injustice as well as to influence social change. The powerful affirmations of unity displayed by the artists who attended and the poignant seeds of wisdom from MC Lyte, Cornell West, and KRS-One stirred the audience. While most aficionados are aware of the social and economic impact Hip-Hop has on cultures around the world including Europe, Asia, and Africa, sentiments shared challenged supporters to think higher and direct Hip-Hop positively. Hip-Hop would not be Hip-Hop without controversy. Among the questionable was William’s preference for making a red carpet fashion statement by accessorizing his pink (silk?) suit with a hangman’s noose. Known for his quip and animated personality, the comedian was criticized as well as applauded for standing up and/or showing out.
After introducing themselves, two of the Jena 6, Bryant Purvis and Carwin Jones received a standing ovation. Although their expression of thanks to those who supported their cause (dubbed by one as “fans”) was well received, it was overshadowed by the fact that according to one attendee, the two “looked more like rap celebrities than defendants in a pending case.” Last year’s commitment by BET’s executive vice president for entertainment, programming, music and talent, Stephen Hill, to have more females present in the show, did not translate to the stage (in terms of a performance). In fact, like last year, male artists of the Southern persuasion dominated both the award categories and the performance roster while a variety of female artists and personalities served as presenters. Mr. Clifford Harris Jr.’s absence during his set confused the unsuspecting audience. It did not help that Hip-Hop heavies, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Diddy, The Game, and Snoop sat this awards out. No shows for a second time were rap icons, Doug E. Fresh, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Eve, Ice Cube, Ice Tea, Little Kim, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Russell Simmons, and Will Smith among others.
What they saidRealizing that Hip-Hop has the ability to shape public opinion, attendees provided their take on several topics. On role models and the Jena 6· A lot of people always try to tell a Hip-Hop artist what they gotta be and put them in a box but a lot of them ain’t built to be that role model that people want them to be… [Supporting the Jena 6] is not just a Hip-Hop thing–it’s an ‘us’ thing-Chamillionaire On Hip-Hop going forward· My hope for Hip-Hop is that it keeps growing. [Despite] all the negative that a lot of people are putting on it, it is still growing. Everyone needs to stay on grind, keep it going, and don’t take no for an answer. – Mike Jones
On the impact of Hip-Hop· [Hip-Hop] is bigger than all of us. The world is Hip-Hop-Katt Williams
In line with this year’s theme, nominations for individuals who arguably reflected a sense of style, substance or swagger during the awards are listed below. Since these categories were not included on BET’s award list, feel free to cast your votes or nominate alternatives in the comment section.
STYLE
ChamillionaireCommonKanye West
Lil’ WayneLudacris
Yo-Yo SUBSTANCEChamillionaireDavid BannerKRS-One LudacrisMC LyteMike Jones SWAGGERBig BoiBusta RhymesLL Cool JKeyshia Cole/TrinaNellyT.I.
A celebration of charitable givingTopping off a weekend replete with hobnobbing among music industry elite, was a reflection of leadership, community and social responsibility. On the Sunday following the BET Hip-Hop Awards taping, Atlanta’s V-103 radio personality, Frank Ski, Hip-Hop artist and actor Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, and actor and author, Hill Harper were honored during a private reception for their philanthropic efforts. Martell Cognac’s Discover Noblige made$10,000 contributions to The Frank Ski Kids Foundation, The Ludacris Foundation and MANifest Your Destiny Foundation. Eight other dynamic achievers were honored including Atlanta-based Mercedes-Benz dealer, Juanita Baranco. Bridges summed up the evening best by noting that more of his celebrity peers should champion similar efforts (outreach to communities). Discover Noblige is a charitable traveling cultural experience that honors individuals for their philanthropic achievements. Among other cities, Discover Noblige visited Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles. The traveling exhibition of the brand’s culture, art, and style will also be displayed in Detroit and Chicago. For a list of BET winners visit: www.bet.com/hha
For TICS event pics visit: http://www.theindustrycosign.com/gallery/index.php?gid=153
