On The Scene: BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta

Thursday, August 30, 2018, Atlanta, GA rolled out the red carpet at the Woodruff Arts Center in honor of the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop  Awards where the common statement of the night was, “If Janet Jackson is going to be here, I had to make sure I was in the building!” On this night Janet Jackson was being honored with the 2018 Icon Award, the highest award of the night!

Celebrities from the likes of Evander Holyfield, Lloyd, Keri Hilson, Ciara, Ludacris, Keshia Knight Pulliam & Teyana Taylor joined the evening, starting on the red carpet, all in celebration Janet Jackson. When asked what was their favorite song by Janet Jackson and how she may have influenced their career, everyone seemed to have the utmost respect for Ms. Jackson and was able to call off many songs that she blessed the music industry with!

Lloyd (@curlyheadedblackboy) stated: “’Let’s Wait Awhile’ taught me a lot. When I was younger I was a bit more patient and wanted to be friends and I found out that that’s what it’s all about!”

Keshia Knight Pulliam (@keshiaknightpulliam) stated: “’Rhythm Nation’ I think is everyone’s hands down favorite. I remember trying to get the movements down when I was younger and I’m super excited for her!”

Jade Novah (@jadenovah): “I have a lot of favorite Janet Jackson songs but I love ‘Any Time, Any Place’ because it always gets me in that vibe!”

There was an amazing tribute to the late Aretha Franklin performed by Tamela Mann who brought the house down with a beautiful rendition of “Precious Lord Take My Hand” & “You’ve Got a Friend”.

Of course with the highest honor going to Janet Jackson, there was a plethora of stars who showed up to pay tribute with some of Ms. Jackson’s most popular hits through the longevity of her career. Stars such as Ciara who brought out the 411 Dance Troupe that performed a choreographed tribute by Sean Bankhead, who has gained many accolades for his dances and works closely with Janet Jackson, H.E.R performing “Black Cat” with guitar and singing “Any Time Any Place” , Jussie Smollett performing “That’s the Way Love Goes” , Justine Skye with a amazingly beautiful rendition of “Let’s Wait Awhile”, and Normani keeping the show moving with “The Pleasure Principle”. Teyana Taylor concluded the tribute with a sexy rendition of “I Get Lonely”.

The night was all about celebrating BMI and it’s all encompassing contributions to the music industry! Some other awards of the evening were “I Feel It Coming” being named Song of the Year, Metro Boomin presented with Songwriter of the Year & Producer of the Year and Universal Music Publishing receiving the Publisher of the Year Award!

All in all the night was all about music and being celebrated for that! This celebration is something to be talked about & everyone was excited that Janet Jackson was being honored & in the building!

Written by: Whitney J. (@__whitney.j)