There is no doubt that Beyonce has been having a great year with the success of her recent album Lemonade and stirring up controversy with her “Formation” music video. “So, here I am, and here you are”.
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Almost two months after the tragic passing of the legendary performer, a star-studded line-up of R&B performers, including Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, the Roots and Sheila E., came together at the awards to pay their respects to the “Purple Rain” singer.
After Madonna’s highly criticized Prince tribute at the 2016 Billboard Awards, BET set out to deliver the tribute that they felt Prince truly deserved. Acknowledging Prince’s incredibly deep catalog, the awards show held a smattering of tributes throughout the night ranging from close associates of the man, like Sheila E, Janelle Monae and The Roots to contemporaries and fans like Stevie Wonder, Bilaal and Maxwell. She hinted that people need to take this election seriously.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, BET had quietly and without explanation removed D’Angelo’s name from its last press release before the show, dated June 23.
As for her red carpet look, the “Tightrope” songstress dawned a black and white striped sequin jumpsuit from Sass & Bride.
“I want to thank, first of all, her husband and her daughter”, Tina said onstage. Best Group went to Drake & Future, while Drake won once again for Best Male Hip Hop Artist as well as his appearance on Rihanna’s “Work”, which was named Best Collaboration. Proving, if proof were needed, just how influential his music was, the tributes featured new artists as well as more established musicians and Prince’s peers.
Samuel L. Jackson received the lifetime achievement award and was introduced by Spike Lee.
“That brother is right and he’s true, and when you hear what he said, make sure you vote and you take eight more people with you to vote, OK?”
Laila Ali speaks about her father, the late boxer Muhammad Ali, during a tribute at the BET Awards on Sunday.
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They said Western-backed Abbas, who lost control of Gaza to Hamas in fighting in 2007, had expressed satisfaction.
