2018 BET AWARDS RECAP

Award shows aren’t what they used to be. As a child, I used to be so excited to watch the BET Awards. With performers like Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child and hosts like Will and Jada and Chris Rock, it was a must-see event. I still remember, like it was yesterday, Monique’s iconic "Crazy in Love" performance that had us all laughing non-stop and feeling empowered at black women’s limitless capabilities.

However, for many years now, awards shows have stopped being exciting because our favorites rarely attend or perform. Besides that, today's award shows are lackluster for the following reasons -

1. Social media has given us unlimited access to our favorite artists. We can now see Beyoncé and Rihanna every day of the week, thanks to Instagram! Whereas in the past, we had to wait for these red-carpet moments at award shows to see them. 
2. Artists go on-tour more frequently now due to its increased importance as a revenue source in the streaming age. Awards shows are not the only way for us to see artists perform. We can check them out on tour or watch high-quality videos of their performances on YouTube without having to endure the struggle performances of other artists less gifted than our favorites.
3. Sheer lack of performance skills. There are too many artists out now who don't have a modicum of performance talent; this is due in large part to labels trying to save funds and not investing in the development of their artists. Many performers can't even provide viewers with the bare minimum, let alone give theatrics. 

Nevertheless, as black people, we must support the BET Awards because most of the mainstream awards pay us dust. They use us to bring in viewers, but when it comes time to give out awards, we only win in genre-specific categories coded racially or win nothing at all for being unapologetically black. For example, Jay-Z's 4:44 album received 8 Grammy nominations but he still left empty-handed. A complete paradox is how the individuals nominated the most at the Grammys were black, yet those artists took the most Ls. BET has always given us a platform. Best of all, we never had to beg them, so we must support BET.

Here are my thoughts on the show:

New talent thrived on the main stage.

H.E.R sounds even better live than she does on her records. I loved her and Daniel Caesar's cover of Lauryn Hill's classic "Nothing Even Matters." I didn't expect her instrument of choice to be a guitar, but that brings something fresh to the table in comparison to her contemporaries. H.E.R is one of the best out right now, and I'm excited to see where she goes. I also like her because I had the idea for a secret singer who disguised her identity with sunglasses back in 2012. It shows me that I have some forward-thinking ideas of what's next for music

Miguel's vocals were so angelic and fit perfectly with his all-white ensemble and stage design. 

J. Cole nourished our soul with his profound lyrics. The performance's introduction was strong. J. Cole is a skilled performer. He can command the stage without a sea of people from his entourage on it or him having to move around aimlessly.

Meek Mill, I appreciate the message of his performance. He used his platform well.

Janelle Monáe selected great songs to perform.  "I Like That" and "Django Jane" are EVERYTHING!

Anita Baker's tribute was okay. I thought it could've been better with more performers. Yolanda Adams did wonderfully. I like Marsha, but I felt she didn't stay true to Anita’s vocal stylings, which is imperative for a tribute performance.

Sir and the band killed it. I didn't like how BET disrespected new talent by cutting them off with commercials. If you're giving artists a platform, show their entire performances.

Ella Mai's vocals, while apparently an acquired taste, were also on-point. It's a shame that BET didn't put her on the main stage, although I'm sure it was because they booked her before the song grew in popularity, or at least I hope that's the case.

Snoop Dog, showed the new-age rappers how to perform. I had never heard his gospel music, but I like it. He’s showing young rappers how to evolve while staying true to yourself and your roots.

Other Thoughts: I wish there was more of a cross-cultural showing. Let's bring more continental African, Black British and Caribbean artists on the main stage.