Let’s Talk Award Shows!: 2020 B.E.T Awards Pt.1

The world may be in a very unfortunate place with all the protests, virtual meetings, and social distancing issues but that surely didn’t stop B.E.T from putting on an amazing show! Throughout the performances, performers followed social distancing guidelines and expressed their feelings regarding the world's racial injustice issues. Artists of all types went out of their way to make the B.E.T Awards remarkable, regardless of the tough circumstances. Many were honestly impressed with organizers of the popular award show for putting on such a high quality program even though the rules of social distancing would be enforced. However, others exclaimed the show was boring. When interviewed, directors of the program stated that they just couldn’t go without doing it due to the fact that music is the only thing holding people down during these trying times. With that being said, let’s get into a few of the most memorable parts of the 2020 B.E.T Award Show.

Roddy Ricch

This talented new Compton rapper earned his spotlight with the catchy tune of his new song ‘The Box’. During his performance, he showcased his vocals as well as his ability to play piano, which not many of his fans knew much about. Not only did he perform amazingly, he even showed his people that he was serious about making a change in the world. As he sang catchy melodies, videos of protests were shown behind him. He also wore a jumpsuit covered in the words ‘Black Lives Matter’.

John Legend

We all know John Legend always comes prepared to grace us with his beautiful voice. However, this time he brought more beautiful black singers along with him. Legend performed the song ‘Never Break’. The performance was very significant due to the fact that it began with the sound of police sirens. The lyrics were also very significant because they indicated that although black people have been through a lot they won’t let their struggle break them.

Masego

Masego is a well rounded artist who does just about everything from singing, rapping, and playing almost every instrument. The singer gave a great performance to his song ‘Queen Tings’ that focused on Black Queens and how amazing they were. Throughout the song, Mesago mentioned several beautiful black Queens in the industry such as Lupita, Regina, Sharon Leal, and Danai Gurira. He even had a beautiful black singer supporting him on background vocals.

D Smoke & SIR

Compton rapper D Smoke shared the stage with his beautiful mother & talented brother SIR to relay the message of the world's unfortunate circumstances.However, the B.E.T awards wasn’t the artists first time speaking on issues that have taken place in our world. “Poor babies fighting depression. They writing them essays to graduate with no stage on Zoom?“ the rapper said while standing in front of a video that displayed pictures of Black Jesus. It was evident that he was making connections to both events of Covid-19 and protests. The family even ended the song with the lyrics “All Black everything, Praise Black Jesus”. The lyrical performance was everything!

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion, a Houston rapper, obviously put much effort into her performance. The setting & one of the songs she performed were both influenced by amazing black male rappers. Furthermore, Megan took on the performance by dancing in front of a ‘black lives matter’ fist, as well as a sign that marked the words. She even went as far as adding a hint of rock sound at the end of her song, which showcases that black people are capable of anything! The performance was absolutely stunning and her stage presence and perky personality added to the greatness even more.

Da Baby

I must say so myself, the beauty in being black is the level of intelligence and ability to have wide eyes in an unlikely situation. This rapper is known for his vulgar lyrics and catchy cadences, but don’t let that confuse you! He is very intelligent and he proved that through and through during the 2020 award show. Da Baby began with a rhythmic rap about the way the system treated the black community. During the rap, he stayed in the position in which George Floyd was killed, which many are commending him for. It was absolutely powerful. As the performance continued, he began to sing his song ‘Rockstar’ featuring Roddy Ricch. The setting was absolutely amazing and filled with cop cars and beautiful black people with masks on and shirts supporting their brothers and sisters. Many wore shirts with the name Breonna Taylor on it. Da Baby ended his performance with the voice of a crying young girl who was angered with the way her family is treated.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson, also known as the Princess of Soul, graced the award show with her vibrant vocals once again. Her tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was marvelous. She began the performance with a softer song and her graceful fingers on a piano. She continued to end the performance with the song ‘Young, Gifted, and Black’ which will forever shine heavy light on black culture. The background singers and Hudson took the audience straight to church with their angelic voices.

Keedron Bryant

This young black man went viral around the time our forever black brother George Floyd was killed, with a heartfelt song about black lives. “My people don’t want no trouble, we’ve had enough struggle”, the 12 year old sang. He took on the internet instantly. Many were angered by the fact that a boy so young had to sing about the issues going on. “Make it stop” the social media users begged. Bryant sang the song just as he did in the video. The young boy wore black as his melanin glowed in the light.

Public Enemy, Black Thought, Questlove, Nas, YG

As most of you may know, the B.E.T Awards isn’t complete without a cypher! Therefore, in honor of cyphers they included a performance of the song ‘Fight the Power’ with many rap geniuses. Throughout the performance there were videos of protesters shown and many people wearing masks.

Anderson Paak

While many others have altered their lyrics just for the issues going on in the world, Anderson Paak has many other songs that mention these things. During his performance, he recited his lyrics while standing in front of a black lives matter fist that had many victim names on it. He even went as far as making his face look as if he were beat up. The lyrics consisted of words about Covid-19 as well as racial injustice. Paak went on to mention lyrics about wearing a hazmat suit to protect himself from tear gas thrown during protests. These lyrics stood out to me more than ever.

Wayne Brady

Last but not least! What better way to end this blog than by talking about the world's King of Rock & Roll, Little Richard. If you ask me, the tribute performance by Wayne Brady was absolutely stunning. As usual, he brought a lot to the table with his great acting and vocal skills. The performance was filled with lots of high energy. The energy was perfect to honor the King of Rock and Roll! May he Rest In Peace.

Awards

Humanitarian award- Beyonce

Album of the year- ‘Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial’ by Roddy Ricch

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist- Lizzo

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist-Chris Brown

Best Group-Migos

Best Collaboration-Chris Brown Ft. Drake ‘No Guidance’

Best Male Hip Hop Artist-Da Baby

Best Female Hip Hop Artist- Megan Thee Stallion

Video of the year- Dj Khaled Ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend ‘Higher’

Video Director of the Year- Teyana “Spike Tee” Taylor

Best New Artist-Roddy Ricch

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/ Inspirational-’Just Me’ by Kirk Franklin

Best Movie-Queen & Slim

Best Actress- Issa Rae

Best Actor-Michael B. Jordan

Young Stars Awards- Marsai Martin

Sportswoman of the Year- Simone Biles

SportsMan of the Year- LebBon James

B.E.T HER Award- Beyonce Ft. Blue Ivy, Wizkid, & SAINT Jhn 'Brown Skin Girl’

Viewers Choice Award- Megan Thee Stallion Ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign ‘Hot Girl Summer’

Best International Award- Burna Boy(NIgeria)

Viewers choice Best New International Award- SHA SHA(Zimbabwe)