July 2002 BET

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by Monikka Stallworth BET What a show! What a fabulous show! BET really came correct this time. (What a dilemma for Aaron McGruder.) For all the haters and non-believers, (and I’d venture to say that we’ve all had our concerns regarding BET at one time or another), the 2nd Annual BET Awards was most assuredly a slam-dunk for Black Entertainment Television on every front. Held at Hollywood’s Kodak theater and honoring the achievements of African-Americans in music, film and sports, the star-studded, “live” telecast was certainly redemption for the nation’s leading 24-hour network targeted towards African-Americans. BET showed and proved just what we are capable of accomplishing (and enjoying) so long as we are united. And I’m not just saying that because they fed us a slamming meal and provided beer and wine backstage. Nor am I saying it because the media gift bags were splendid. And I’m not saying it because they were actually more organized behind the scenes than the Oscars. I am inclined to give BET its props because they absolutely deserve them. Lets begin with thebrilliant sets and lighting design that rivaled that of the Oscars, the Grammy’s and the MTV Awards. As a matter of fact, BET upped the ante for all awards shows to come. The performances were outstanding. I’d never heard of B2K, but they did their thizel! Bow-wow, Nelly, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Angie Stone, Earth, Wind & Fire…geesh! - we are just so dang gifted and talented! And every artist was happily giving their best and shining like the stars we love. The show’s energy was exceptionally positive (except for Suge Knight’s – but, you can’t take the ghetto out the – you know the saying). Black love and unity prevailed in an atmosphere that didn’t seem at all too sophisticated to shake what their momma’s gave ‘em, to hoot and holler, and sing along. But who wouldn’t be moved to dance and sing along with Earth, Wind and Fire or Chaka Kahn? All this, and the show never veered off of its classy course. The audience’s participation created an authentically effervescent mood. And Steve Harvey, donned in an understated black suit with the necessary sheath of shimmer, was a spirited host. He infused perfect comedic timing and improv the show moving and fun. And finally, India.Arie received her just due! It was an evening to be proud of and proud we were. When Leon said “I never thought I’d see all of this for us”, we all agreed. This year’s BET Awards showcased an endless array of black talent, young and old – and brought out our best from the world of sports and entertainment, and even politics. Where else can you get Snoop Dogg and Johnny Cochran to share a podium? Steve Harvey elaborated on the qualifications of a Lifetime Achievement Award saying that the recipient ought to “have had something out on 8-track!” Earth, Wind and Fire has stood the test of time and deserved the honor. And it was an honor to hear them. Phillip Bailey sang “Reasons” as if it was the first time and he killed it! Was I the only one tickled by the guitar player with the red, fringed suit and press n’ curl? What a group! Jill Scott and Angie Stone sang along with Chaka Kahn from the audience the way any black girl would. And the entire audience sang along with Steve Harvey when he tried to belt out an Earth, Wind & Fire classic. The show was a celebration. And oftentimes, like church up in the joint. Speaking of which, did Mary J. Blige feel it or what? She was on the verge of the church jig up there with Ja Rule and they were like a modern day…. Ashford and Simpson, just short of “Ceefus & Reesie”. Soul was in the air and it was thick. Backstage, such a cozy atmosphere was created that when the celebs came back for their media interviews, they were open. Happy. Shed were the egos that typically spoil the fun. Comedian Chris Rock blessed us with an impromptu comedy routine, Will Smith shared some anecdotes from his childhood and offered intimate details of his preparation for the role of Muhammad Ali (see “Did You Know” for details), LL Cool J offered words of inspiration, Jahiem sang for us, Jill Scott gave words of wisdom, we thanked India.Arie and she thanked us, Angie Stone broke off some sisterly knowledge, Usher proved himself quite charming and clever, Robert Johnson polite and humble, Steve Harvey got spiritual, Laila Ali insisted that her success and our success has “everything to do with having a strong black man in your corner”, Mike Bibby maintained an air of quiet humility and gratitude, Tweet kept it real and positive, Lisa Ray kept it professional. And the funny thing was, the funny thing was that the room was filled with black media outlets and my personal feeling was that black love was in the air and it inspired the best in us all. The evening proved what BET is capable of and also, that black folks are a gold mine of creativity and mobility. (Now if they could just parlay all of that into their daily broadcast.) And the nicest surprise was the after party. It was not quite the groupie fest you’d imagine. Fly wannabes abounded, but they were in the minority. It was quite an affair and an evening to relish in, to be proud of, to even use as a guidepost for where and what we ought to be moving towards. Unity! Go BET!