Cynthia Wilson, affectionately dubbed “Chaplain of Pop” has built a bridge between theology and popular culture as a blogger for twenty years providing commentary on faith,art, politics and music. Listen to her podcast by clicking the web version link at the bottom of this blog and at the top of the web version after the jump.
There was no mistaking that Hip Hop honor reigned at this years BET AWARDS in celebration of the phenomenally popular genre’s 50th year. It was quite a show as hip hop dance moves provided the flavor and backdrop for classic hip hop tunes as well as new rap artists street beats routines. Many of the new songs stand on the shoulders and are drawn from the legacies of some of the icons who performed on stage last night, including Lifetime Achievement Awardee veteran rapper Busta Rhymes. Rhymes who was enthusiastically received by the crowd and given kudos by some of his stellar friends and fans before receiving his award,including Mariah Carey, Swiss Beats, Janet Jackson.?Busta gave a powerfully memorable acceptance speech followed later in the show by an amazingly energetic performance and tribute. In his speech he gave advice to new artists by sharing the story about his motivation to feed his son. He also gave recognition to recording executive Sylvia Rhône, manager Mona Carter and others in the music business who helped him along the way, making it possible for him to be where he is today.
BET production crew did an outstanding job of merging and ultimately uniting old school Hip Hop icons with some of the remarkable and up and coming young rap artists of today. This was demonstrated throughout the show with performances and cameos by Master P, Ja Rule, MC Lyte, Public Enemy, GrandMaster Flash, etc. I could go on and on. But it definitely seemed like everybody that ever mattered and matters in shaping Hip Hop was in the show in some way, shape, form or fashion.
