See pictures from the Soul Train Music Awards on my sister site http://www.truelinkmagazine.com/ .
R Kelly opened the show with a few of his classic tracks ranging from "Bump and Grind" to "When a Woman's Fed Up" performed in front of a live band before playing his new hit"When a Woman Loves". He was dapper in a classic tuxedo with a red pocket puff.
Anyone who was questioning whether or not he still had the classic R Kelly flavor definetly has an answer now. To top off his performance he performed the original version of the 1950's hit "When a Woman Loves A Man" by Percy Sledge with dancers dressed in poodle skirts and varsity sweaters.
(Sidenote Tom Joyner totally butchered Kid Cudi's name. #I'm Just Saying)
Taraji P Henson and Terrance Howard hit the stage with their amazing chemistry, hailing each other with compliments. Taraji transformed her vibrant personality into a "wicked" witch onstage and cast a spell on Terrance while tripping over her long elegant gown. But no worries, Terrance was only banished to the back of the audience. The two got a little competitive after that challenging each other to a dance competition.
See pictures of the duo at www.truelinkmagazine.com
Raven Simone looked radiant as she helped present the Soul Train Award for " Song of the Year" which went to B.O.B for "Nothing On You featuring Bruno Mars. Unfortunately B.O.B was unable to attend but Bruno Mars accepted for the both of them.
See pictures of Raven Simone at http://www.truelinkmagazine.com/
Terrance and Taraji hit the stage once again in their dancing gear and their back up dancers. Taraji killed it dancing to 'Whip My Hair" while Terrance did the stanky leg, but they both broke it down to Luda's "How Low".
See these hilarious photos at http://www.truelinkmagazine.com/
(Side note these commercials for "The Game" are really making me wish January would just get here.)Neyo set a smooth tone with his performance of in his usual suit while paying homage to Michael Jackson with the white socks and a few classic MJ moves.
(Side note Why did Terrance Howard have a television remote in his hand when he announced Michael Baisden to the audience?)
We got an in-depth glance at the woman behind the voice as we watched Anita Baker reflect on her life as a true diva and musical genius. Mary J Blige payed homage to Anita Baker through a brief video tribute which was followed by Chrisette Michelle, Tamia, Goapele, Faith Evans,and Kem accompanied by Rachelle Ferrell on the piano channeling some of Miss Baker's energy while performing a few of her classic hits. While giving her speech she said her "highest honor" was the fact that all of the music that was performed was life, un-edited, and with a live band. El DeBarge hit the stage with his Anita Baker tribute following her speech while she danced onstage to her own song.
See pictures of the Soul Train Music Awards at www.truelinkmagazine.com
(Sidenote Genuine and Sole looked amazing together as usual.)
Eric Benet shocked us with a short performance of his new single "Sometimes I Cry".
And the award for best new artist goes to....Melanie Fiona who by so many's suprise beat artist like Nicki Minaj and B.O.B! I mean that was a well deserved shocker!!!!
Erykah Badu's performance was truly art. I mean there are really no words for it as usual with Ms. Badu.
OMG....Wolf Blitzer learns the "Dougie" from Doug E Fresh and right after accepts an award on Eminem's behalf...only on the Soul Train Awards.
(Sidenote that was a lame commercial for Usher's cologne I mean come on now, what was that? #Imjustsaying)
So back from the commercial break and we have the black character (so what if I don't know his name) from Family Guy announcing Cee Lo. Though we weren't really sure when the animation ended and the performance began, we definetly enjoyed Cee Lo's set.
I am definetly digging these blast from the past with a semi-performance from Tank. Look out his new single 'Emergency" and expect his album sometime in March. SWV was also fly, fabulous, and fancy while announcing Jasmine Sullivan's arrival to the stage. And oh did she blow us away with her soulful voice with a little help from Doug E. Fresh. What an honor to have a rap pioneer beat box during your BET performance. Check out her new album Back to Me.
See pictures from the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards at http://www.truelinkmagazine.com/
The winner of the Centric award is Janelle Monae with her bad self.
Mr. Ron Isley takes home the award for the Toyota Soul Train Legend Award. He spoke about some of his greatest influences, collaborating with R. Kelly, and his new little baby Ronald Jr. He even graced us with a "spontaneous" performance. Which included a our favorite Mr. Big classic "Contagious" and R Kelly had to drop by for that one. The night ended with Mr. Big and Cee Lo performing "Shout".
