Am I the only one fed up with MJB constantly singing other people's songs. Does her catalog mostly consists of remakes?

Who the hell is Young Joc?

Why must Nicki Minaj always bring the Young Money crew on stage with her every time she wins a BET award?

Some Mary J. Blige fan did an open letter about Mary regarding last night's opener:

shaimaryj from Maryluvs.com said:

Let me first start off by saying that this is in now way a diss to Mary, but rather the my personal thoughts as a long-time fan who is less than pleased. After watching last night's BET Award performance numerous times, I felt compelled to say SOMETHING.


Hey Mary,

I have LOVED you since I first heard "Love No Limit" in 1992. I knew that you were going to be something special with the release of My Life in 1994 and realized that you were going to be a certified legend after Share My World in 1997. Then you released Mary in 1999 and testified to not only your staying power, but to your artistry as well. Yes, Mary, I've loved you for a long time now and I'm sure I'll love you for a long time to come.

Whether or not you acknowledge it or not, you fused two genres of music together in a way that no artist before you was able to do. Hell, My Life STILL serves as the blueprint for R&B albums released today. You've become a beautiful woman who has made her name into a brand. Mary, you've built a legacy and will forever hold a place in not only Hip-Hop/R&B, but in all musical history.

With that being said, I have to express my disappointment with your performance on the BET Awards show last night. I got excited as I watched (I get excited anytime you perform) but I realized that alot is "wrong" (for lack of a better word) with where you are now.

You are practically one of the last of the 90's superstars, and dare I say it, the only one who's been consistently putting out quality music while at the same time, showing growth. I won't call any names or dog out your "peers", but IMO, they leave a lot to be desired and show no progress in their artistry or their musical content. Somehow, you're still able to give us not only hip-hop and ghettofabulous, but also rock, elegance, grace, and everything else under the sun.

With that being said, I get it. I understand how your "creative team" has trouble making it all work. It's hard to be all of those different things at once while remaining true to who you are. It's hard being one of 3, maybe 4, from your era and at the same time, being the only one to transcend genres.

Mary, you're like a teenager. A teenager in the sense that neither you nor your "team" know where you fit in. No one is sure whether you're still a child or if you're an adult at this point. It's like this: are you "grown" enough to sit at the table with the Arethas, Pattis, Anitas, & Chakas? ...or are you still "a child" who should be sitting at the table with the Beyonces, Keris, Alicias, & Rihannas? That is the pressing question and one that your team needs to decide on ASAP. There is no middle ground...no teenage table to sit at, because, well...if there was, sadly, you'd be sitting alone.

You started out in 1992 as a trailblazer. Never one to follow a trend, but a trendsetter who set her own bar of standards. As of late, it seems like you're entirely too concerned with what the masses think and that you're either chasing trends for public receival or trying to recapture your "glory years", striving to remain relevant. YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO ANY OF THAT. YOU ARE MARY JANE BLIGE...THE QUEEN OF HIP HOP SOUL. Your name ALONE sells out shows and and warrants respect from your fans and peers alike.

I watched that performance last night and was so terribly disappointed. Not because your performance was awful, but because I know what you're capable of and that was not it. I know you've never been one for a lot of bells and whistles, but you OPENED an award show. I think this was one of those times when bells & whistles would've been acceptable.

Re-watch your performance, Mary. Did you see the crowd? I have watched almost every television performance of yours, been front and center at many of your concerts...I've never seen a crowd less-moved. Sure, they smiled, swayed, and nodded their heads, but out of respect. They know and respect the fact that you're one of a kind...one who can never be duplicated, no matter how many others have tried. You were supposed to give a BIG BANG. You didn't.

Sure, I'm glad you performed old favorites...you were totally right to do that. It's ok to play off of your longevity in the music business sometimes. Shit, you deserve it.

You should have opened with some kind of skit, or maybe even one of the intros from What's the 411 or My Life...had some kind of montage of celebrity & fan praise like you did with Share My World...You had almost a 10 minute spot, enough time to do a medley of 1 hit from each album. I love that you incorporated the dance break from your tour into the show. But bringing Anita Baker out? Love the idea, but wrong time to execute it. I loved Anita Baker before I loved you, but that's not how you open a show...you know better. It was awkward and misplaced. Didn't flow at all.

And I know it has to be amazingly overwhelming, but you've got to get over that "nervousness" about you when sharing the stage with a legend like Anita. I can understand being humble, but YOU'RE BOTH LEGENDS. You've shared the stage with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, Chaka Khan, and countless others...always RIPPED IT! Your duets with Aretha & Whitney go down as some of the greatest moments of all time. So why the nervousness with Anita? This isn't the first time you two have shared a stage, and I pray it won't be the last...just not opening a show like the BET Awards.

AND WHY MUST YOU USE PLATFORMS LIKE THE BET AWARDS TO PREMIERE THESE NEW SONGS? Did you see how the crowd sat down once Anita left the stage? Yea...well, they didn't all stand up until she joined you on stage, and that was probably out of respect and the awe of having two great vocalists as yourselves share a stage. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity for some and a dream come true for others. But then to go from mellow and sentimental to "I'm bout to do a world premiere!"??? No, Mary...No. Remember what happened when you premiered "Can't Hide From Luv" on BET back before The Breakthrough? (by the way, The Breakthrough was definitely your last GREAT album. You showed why you reign as the Queen and gave us REAL music. Perfect singles, nice videos...you didn't drop the ball once during that era, can we do that again, please?)

Basically, Mary, the energy wasn't there at all. The energy you give on stage while touring is nothing like that. I'm not sure why that is, but that's what I was missing from last night's performance. Someone in your camp should've said "no." No to opening with Mary Jane (which is one of my favorite songs from My Life). No to Anita Baker coming out to perform "Caught Up In The Rapture". And no to premiering "It Ain't Over."

Find your place, Mary. That's all I ask. Sit down with your "team" and really discuss where you are in your career, and where you'd like to see Mary J. Blige go. It's not often that we get someone like you in this business, and I'm looking forward to what you have to bring for years to come.

I really hope this gets to you. That someone will pass it along or maybe you and Kendu still lurk about on this old message board. I know it can be tough, seeing all of the negative things posted about you on here day in & day out, but some of us still love and believe in you. Some of us still wait by the television on award show nights and DVR special appearances. We've just grown up, as have you, and know the power you have. We're not giving up, and I don't expect you to either.

Signed a loyal Maryluv,

Eric B.

SEANMAN said:

^^WOAH

I know right?

Mary Just got Diddy syndrome that’s all. Jermaine Dupri , Teddy Riley the list goes on. They not OLD but they too old to be following trends or still thinking they still 20.

babybugz said:

Mary Just got Diddy syndrome that’s all. Jermaine Dupri , Teddy Riley the list goes on. They not OLD but they too old to be following trends or still thinking they still 20.

Yeah that's what usually happens when someone of that caliber turns 40. It's hard to keep it up like it's going to last forever. I've no doubt Mary's reached those crossroads by now.

Just now watching the opener with Mary and Anita. Mary should have just sung the hook and let Anita take over most of the song...well nevermind, Mary should have just let Anita take over that song period. Mary's singing was not the best, but then again, I've always felt that she sucked singing live all these years anyway. The whole audience, and I mean the WHOLE audience sitting down after Anita exited the stage and Mary continuing with her cat choking song proves how terrible she was.

Timmy84 said:

babybugz said:

Mary Just got Diddy syndrome that’s all. Jermaine Dupri , Teddy Riley the list goes on. They not OLD but they too old to be following trends or still thinking they still 20.

Yeah that's what usually happens when someone of that caliber turns 40. It's hard to keep it up like it's going to last forever. I've no doubt Mary's reached those crossroads by now.

I used to really like her even some of the later albums I like I think growing pains as far as appealing to the new generation was the last good one.

babybugz said:

Timmy84 said:

Yeah that's what usually happens when someone of that caliber turns 40. It's hard to keep it up like it's going to last forever. I've no doubt Mary's reached those crossroads by now.

I used to really like her even some of the later albums I like I think growing pains as far as appealing to the new generation was the last good one.

She did have some decent cuts on that one...

Timmy84 said:

babybugz said:

I used to really like her even some of the later albums I like I think growing pains as far as appealing to the new generation was the last good one.

She did have some decent cuts on that one...

I didn’t like it when I first heard it but it wasn’t too bad. I already know I won’t be checking out the new one just judging by her BET performance lol.

alexnvrmnd777 said:

Why does Michael Wright (Eddie King, Jr.) always have to look like a drugged out crackhead all the time? Just sayin'. At least he looked a bit decent with dreads in "Sugar Hill" and some damn sunglasses. He needed one of those "conk" hairstyled wigs to help his look out a bit on the BET awards. Poor thing...he hasn't been in the limelight for so long that he just couldn't contain himself to not babble during the interview.

And where was Big Red and Bird at? Guess they didn't get phone calls to appear. That would had been something else to have the Heartbeats plus Big Red and Bird all up there doing a 5-10 minute skit. Is the guy who played Jimmy Potter still alive?

babybugz said:

Timmy84 said:

She did have some decent cuts on that one...

I didn’t like it when I first heard it but it wasn’t too bad. I already know I won’t be checking out the new one just judging by her BET performance lol.

Yep.

missfee said:

alexnvrmnd777 said:

Why does Michael Wright (Eddie King, Jr.) always have to look like a drugged out crackhead all the time? Just sayin'. At least he looked a bit decent with dreads in "Sugar Hill" and some damn sunglasses. He needed one of those "conk" hairstyled wigs to help his look out a bit on the BET awards. Poor thing...he hasn't been in the limelight for so long that he just couldn't contain himself to not babble during the interview.

And where was Big Red and Bird at? Guess they didn't get phone calls to appear. That would had been something else to have the Heartbeats plus Big Red and Bird all up there doing a 5-10 minute skit. Is the guy who played Jimmy Potter still alive?

They should have had Flash come out and battle Eddie Kang Jr. Where was baby Doll, the two cousins.

missfee said:

Just now watching the opener with Mary and Anita. Mary should have just sung the hook and let Anita take over most of the song...well nevermind, Mary should have just let Anita take over that song period. Mary's singing was not the best, but then again, I've always felt that she sucked singing live all these years anyway. The whole audience, and I mean the WHOLE audience sitting down after Anita exited the stage and Mary continuing with her cat choking song proves how terrible she was.

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

bboy87 said:

missfee said:

Just now watching the opener with Mary and Anita. Mary should have just sung the hook and let Anita take over most of the song...well nevermind, Mary should have just let Anita take over that song period. Mary's singing was not the best, but then again, I've always felt that she sucked singing live all these years anyway. The whole audience, and I mean the WHOLE audience sitting down after Anita exited the stage and Mary continuing with her cat choking song proves how terrible she was.

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

When I looked at the audience during Patti's tribute/acceptance speech/performance, I almost wanted to curse for some reason. 30 years and that's all BET could afford, are you kidding me?

bboy87 said:

missfee said:

Just now watching the opener with Mary and Anita. Mary should have just sung the hook and let Anita take over most of the song...well nevermind, Mary should have just let Anita take over that song period. Mary's singing was not the best, but then again, I've always felt that she sucked singing live all these years anyway. The whole audience, and I mean the WHOLE audience sitting down after Anita exited the stage and Mary continuing with her cat choking song proves how terrible she was.

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

Look who was in the audience, all of them rappers are too cool to show emotion.

LittleBLUECorvette said:

bboy87 said:

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

Look who was in the audience, all of them rappers are too cool to show emotion.

Baby's (who looks like a hood version of Shrek) was standing there nodding his head and rubbing his palms together during Rick Ross' set

Speaking of Rick Ross, that brotha REALLY needs to be sized up for some Spanx because them man titties and that gut made my soul wince

bboy87 said:

missfee said:

Just now watching the opener with Mary and Anita. Mary should have just sung the hook and let Anita take over most of the song...well nevermind, Mary should have just let Anita take over that song period. Mary's singing was not the best, but then again, I've always felt that she sucked singing live all these years anyway. The whole audience, and I mean the WHOLE audience sitting down after Anita exited the stage and Mary continuing with her cat choking song proves how terrible she was.

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

Chile I agree...especially when the gospel stars were up on stage tearing them songs up, the audience acted like they had no idea who these folks were. Even when "The Five Heartbeats" were on the stage, they were fronting like they hadn't watched the movie 2 billion times and can quote most of the movie lines/scenes as well as the dance steps and songs like the back of their hand.

Real Talk: BET Awards Bashing

By Demetria L. Lucas

Some things that are sooo predictable! The snug pants the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover on July 5 (especially if you’re headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Music Festival like I am), and massive post-Christmas sales. You know what else happens every year? The time-honored, Monday-morning tradition of skewering the BET Awards (even after it’s been done in real time on Twitter).

Unfortunately for me, the reception in the Shrine auditorium sucks, so I wasn’t able to keep up with the tidal wave of commentary on Twitter. I had to rely on the peanut gallery of industry insiders (and their plus-ones) sitting around me for my cherished dialogue.

By the time Bey-Bey hit the stage (sorta) via satellite (“live” from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK), I’d come to the conclusion that the audience liked Busta and Chris Brown, especially Breezy’s (hard-won) acknowledgement, “I’m not so good at public speaking.”

I agreed with the crowd that Kelly Rowland finally stepped out of her Destiny Child’s shadow and that Kevin Hart was hysterical as a host. (Those “Real Househusband” skits? *dead on*.) And while there was a collective “Again?” after the second and third times Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled all hit the stage, it was admittedly hard to complain when at least one of that trio is on every current summer anthem.

Did the show have its flaws? Yes. But across the board and on all channels, awards shows are not what they once were. Some would argue that’s because music and its budgets for artists are also not what they once were. Based on the commentary swirling around me and considering the sources (industry types who are the most jaded on the planet), I figured that for once, the show might actually be solidly received.

Of course, I was wrong. Reuters kicked off the anti-BET field day in classic fashion with an article literally entitled “Stars with criminal pasts honored at BET Awards.” The article went on to actually list performers and celebs like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Michael Vick, and recapped what they’d done time for.

Syracuse University professor and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins jumped aboard with, “Lil Wayne & BET Music Channel – The New KKK.” He wasted no time denouncing the network’s numerous nominations for Lil Wayne. “By accelerating, financing and supporting the “Lil Wayne gospel” to a community that is already dying, BET has effectively positioned itself as a new and improved version of the KKK,” Watkins wrote. In the same article, he compared Lil Wayne to cult leader Charles Manson.

Really, fam? I know BET has been every literate person’s favorite gripes for so long that it feels a little “Twilight Zone” not to have something massive to complain about. Admittedly, I have gone hard in the paint against the network in the past (full disclosure: I worked there nine years ago). But the reality is, the network’s come a long way, baby.

BET has stepped up. And we know this. That’s why the complaints this year just sound so… well, petty. Are we really slamming the network for featuring the felonious artists that we’ve made hot by supporting their work? It’s like we’re looking for things to criticize so we can carry out the bond of tradition.

If the celebrities BET featured on the awards show are a real concern, that’s something we should be addressing within ourselves, not the Black network that reflects our musical palette and taste. I know it’s hard to break with tradition, but it’s time to give a little credit where it’s finally due.

Demetria L. Lucas is the Relationships Editor at ESSENCE and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life” (Atria) in stores now. Follow her on Twitter: @abelleinbk

Read more: http://www.essence.com/2011/06/28/real-talk-bet-awards-bashing/#ixzz1QfZ9pMJG

_______________________

Is she serious?

^ Said the same magazine that had Rihanna on their list of most powerful R&B artists. Whatever.

missfee said:

Real Talk: BET Awards Bashing

By Demetria L. Lucas

Some things that are sooo predictable! The snug pants the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover on July 5 (especially if you’re headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Music Festival like I am), and massive post-Christmas sales. You know what else happens every year? The time-honored, Monday-morning tradition of skewering the BET Awards (even after it’s been done in real time on Twitter).

Unfortunately for me, the reception in the Shrine auditorium sucks, so I wasn’t able to keep up with the tidal wave of commentary on Twitter. I had to rely on the peanut gallery of industry insiders (and their plus-ones) sitting around me for my cherished dialogue.

By the time Bey-Bey hit the stage (sorta) via satellite (“live” from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK), I’d come to the conclusion that the audience liked Busta and Chris Brown, especially Breezy’s (hard-won) acknowledgement, “I’m not so good at public speaking.”

I agreed with the crowd that Kelly Rowland finally stepped out of her Destiny Child’s shadow and that Kevin Hart was hysterical as a host. (Those “Real Househusband” skits? *dead on*.) And while there was a collective “Again?” after the second and third times Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled all hit the stage, it was admittedly hard to complain when at least one of that trio is on every current summer anthem.

Did the show have its flaws? Yes. But across the board and on all channels, awards shows are not what they once were. Some would argue that’s because music and its budgets for artists are also not what they once were. Based on the commentary swirling around me and considering the sources (industry types who are the most jaded on the planet), I figured that for once, the show might actually be solidly received.

Of course, I was wrong. Reuters kicked off the anti-BET field day in classic fashion with an article literally entitled “Stars with criminal pasts honored at BET Awards.” The article went on to actually list performers and celebs like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Michael Vick, and recapped what they’d done time for.

Syracuse University professor and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins jumped aboard with, “Lil Wayne & BET Music Channel – The New KKK.” He wasted no time denouncing the network’s numerous nominations for Lil Wayne. “By accelerating, financing and supporting the “Lil Wayne gospel” to a community that is already dying, BET has effectively positioned itself as a new and improved version of the KKK,” Watkins wrote. In the same article, he compared Lil Wayne to cult leader Charles Manson.

Really, fam? I know BET has been every literate person’s favorite gripes for so long that it feels a little “Twilight Zone” not to have something massive to complain about. Admittedly, I have gone hard in the paint against the network in the past (full disclosure: I worked there nine years ago). But the reality is, the network’s come a long way, baby.

BET has stepped up. And we know this. That’s why the complaints this year just sound so… well, petty. Are we really slamming the network for featuring the felonious artists that we’ve made hot by supporting their work? It’s like we’re looking for things to criticize so we can carry out the bond of tradition.

If the celebrities BET featured on the awards show are a real concern, that’s something we should be addressing within ourselves, not the Black network that reflects our musical palette and taste. I know it’s hard to break with tradition, but it’s time to give a little credit where it’s finally due.

Demetria L. Lucas is the Relationships Editor at ESSENCE and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life” (Atria) in stores now. Follow her on Twitter: @abelleinbk

Read more: http://www.essence.com/2011/06/28/real-talk-bet-awards-bashing/#ixzz1QfZ9pMJG

_______________________

Is she serious?

Oh my god give me a fucking break..

BET has been on a sad downward spiral for a while with no chance of recovery in sight...what is wrong for wanting the best from a channel that is supposed to represent your people. BET should have gotten better since the 80's and 90's not worse.

They deserve every ridicule they get.

lavender1983 said:

missfee said:

Real Talk: BET Awards Bashing

By Demetria L. Lucas

Some things that are sooo predictable! The snug pants the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover on July 5 (especially if you’re headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Music Festival like I am), and massive post-Christmas sales. You know what else happens every year? The time-honored, Monday-morning tradition of skewering the BET Awards (even after it’s been done in real time on Twitter).

Unfortunately for me, the reception in the Shrine auditorium sucks, so I wasn’t able to keep up with the tidal wave of commentary on Twitter. I had to rely on the peanut gallery of industry insiders (and their plus-ones) sitting around me for my cherished dialogue.

By the time Bey-Bey hit the stage (sorta) via satellite (“live” from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK), I’d come to the conclusion that the audience liked Busta and Chris Brown, especially Breezy’s (hard-won) acknowledgement, “I’m not so good at public speaking.”

I agreed with the crowd that Kelly Rowland finally stepped out of her Destiny Child’s shadow and that Kevin Hart was hysterical as a host. (Those “Real Househusband” skits? *dead on*.) And while there was a collective “Again?” after the second and third times Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled all hit the stage, it was admittedly hard to complain when at least one of that trio is on every current summer anthem.

Did the show have its flaws? Yes. But across the board and on all channels, awards shows are not what they once were. Some would argue that’s because music and its budgets for artists are also not what they once were. Based on the commentary swirling around me and considering the sources (industry types who are the most jaded on the planet), I figured that for once, the show might actually be solidly received.

Of course, I was wrong. Reuters kicked off the anti-BET field day in classic fashion with an article literally entitled “Stars with criminal pasts honored at BET Awards.” The article went on to actually list performers and celebs like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Michael Vick, and recapped what they’d done time for.

Syracuse University professor and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins jumped aboard with, “Lil Wayne & BET Music Channel – The New KKK.” He wasted no time denouncing the network’s numerous nominations for Lil Wayne. “By accelerating, financing and supporting the “Lil Wayne gospel” to a community that is already dying, BET has effectively positioned itself as a new and improved version of the KKK,” Watkins wrote. In the same article, he compared Lil Wayne to cult leader Charles Manson.

Really, fam? I know BET has been every literate person’s favorite gripes for so long that it feels a little “Twilight Zone” not to have something massive to complain about. Admittedly, I have gone hard in the paint against the network in the past (full disclosure: I worked there nine years ago). But the reality is, the network’s come a long way, baby.

BET has stepped up. And we know this. That’s why the complaints this year just sound so… well, petty. Are we really slamming the network for featuring the felonious artists that we’ve made hot by supporting their work? It’s like we’re looking for things to criticize so we can carry out the bond of tradition.

If the celebrities BET featured on the awards show are a real concern, that’s something we should be addressing within ourselves, not the Black network that reflects our musical palette and taste. I know it’s hard to break with tradition, but it’s time to give a little credit where it’s finally due.

Demetria L. Lucas is the Relationships Editor at ESSENCE and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life” (Atria) in stores now. Follow her on Twitter: @abelleinbk

Read more: http://www.essence.com/2011/06/28/real-talk-bet-awards-bashing/#ixzz1QfZ9pMJG

_______________________

Is she serious?

Oh my god give me a fucking break..

BET has been on a sad downward spiral for a while with no chance of recovery in sight...what is wrong for wanting the best from a channel that is supposed to represent your people. BET should have gotten better since the 80's and 90's not worse.

They deserve every ridicule they get.

Right. BET apologists just need to shut it. Sorry but the BET of now is nothing like the BET that emerged in the '80s. Nowhere fucking near it.

lavender1983 said:

missfee said:

Real Talk: BET Awards Bashing

By Demetria L. Lucas

Some things that are sooo predictable! The snug pants the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover on July 5 (especially if you’re headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Music Festival like I am), and massive post-Christmas sales. You know what else happens every year? The time-honored, Monday-morning tradition of skewering the BET Awards (even after it’s been done in real time on Twitter).

Unfortunately for me, the reception in the Shrine auditorium sucks, so I wasn’t able to keep up with the tidal wave of commentary on Twitter. I had to rely on the peanut gallery of industry insiders (and their plus-ones) sitting around me for my cherished dialogue.

By the time Bey-Bey hit the stage (sorta) via satellite (“live” from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK), I’d come to the conclusion that the audience liked Busta and Chris Brown, especially Breezy’s (hard-won) acknowledgement, “I’m not so good at public speaking.”

I agreed with the crowd that Kelly Rowland finally stepped out of her Destiny Child’s shadow and that Kevin Hart was hysterical as a host. (Those “Real Househusband” skits? *dead on*.) And while there was a collective “Again?” after the second and third times Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled all hit the stage, it was admittedly hard to complain when at least one of that trio is on every current summer anthem.

Did the show have its flaws? Yes. But across the board and on all channels, awards shows are not what they once were. Some would argue that’s because music and its budgets for artists are also not what they once were. Based on the commentary swirling around me and considering the sources (industry types who are the most jaded on the planet), I figured that for once, the show might actually be solidly received.

Of course, I was wrong. Reuters kicked off the anti-BET field day in classic fashion with an article literally entitled “Stars with criminal pasts honored at BET Awards.” The article went on to actually list performers and celebs like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Michael Vick, and recapped what they’d done time for.

Syracuse University professor and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins jumped aboard with, “Lil Wayne & BET Music Channel – The New KKK.” He wasted no time denouncing the network’s numerous nominations for Lil Wayne. “By accelerating, financing and supporting the “Lil Wayne gospel” to a community that is already dying, BET has effectively positioned itself as a new and improved version of the KKK,” Watkins wrote. In the same article, he compared Lil Wayne to cult leader Charles Manson.

Really, fam? I know BET has been every literate person’s favorite gripes for so long that it feels a little “Twilight Zone” not to have something massive to complain about. Admittedly, I have gone hard in the paint against the network in the past (full disclosure: I worked there nine years ago). But the reality is, the network’s come a long way, baby.

BET has stepped up. And we know this. That’s why the complaints this year just sound so… well, petty. Are we really slamming the network for featuring the felonious artists that we’ve made hot by supporting their work? It’s like we’re looking for things to criticize so we can carry out the bond of tradition.

If the celebrities BET featured on the awards show are a real concern, that’s something we should be addressing within ourselves, not the Black network that reflects our musical palette and taste. I know it’s hard to break with tradition, but it’s time to give a little credit where it’s finally due.

Demetria L. Lucas is the Relationships Editor at ESSENCE and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life” (Atria) in stores now. Follow her on Twitter: @abelleinbk

Read more: http://www.essence.com/2011/06/28/real-talk-bet-awards-bashing/#ixzz1QfZ9pMJG

_______________________

Is she serious?

Oh my god give me a fucking break..

BET has been on a sad downward spiral for a while with no chance of recovery in sight...what is wrong for wanting the best from a channel that is supposed to represent your people. BET should have gotten better since the 80's and 90's not worse.

They deserve every ridicule they get.

CO SIGN

HotGritz said:

Am I the only one fed up with MJB constantly singing other people's songs. Does her catalog mostly consists of remakes?

What's wrong with that? Several of the songs Luther Vandross & Elvis Presley was popular for were remakes. Many jazz singers material consists primarily of covers (or "standards").

lavender1983 said:

missfee said:

Real Talk: BET Awards Bashing

By Demetria L. Lucas

Some things that are sooo predictable! The snug pants the day after Thanksgiving, the hangover on July 5 (especially if you’re headed to New Orleans for the ESSENCE Music Festival like I am), and massive post-Christmas sales. You know what else happens every year? The time-honored, Monday-morning tradition of skewering the BET Awards (even after it’s been done in real time on Twitter).

Unfortunately for me, the reception in the Shrine auditorium sucks, so I wasn’t able to keep up with the tidal wave of commentary on Twitter. I had to rely on the peanut gallery of industry insiders (and their plus-ones) sitting around me for my cherished dialogue.

By the time Bey-Bey hit the stage (sorta) via satellite (“live” from the Glastonbury Festival in the UK), I’d come to the conclusion that the audience liked Busta and Chris Brown, especially Breezy’s (hard-won) acknowledgement, “I’m not so good at public speaking.”

I agreed with the crowd that Kelly Rowland finally stepped out of her Destiny Child’s shadow and that Kevin Hart was hysterical as a host. (Those “Real Househusband” skits? *dead on*.) And while there was a collective “Again?” after the second and third times Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled all hit the stage, it was admittedly hard to complain when at least one of that trio is on every current summer anthem.

Did the show have its flaws? Yes. But across the board and on all channels, awards shows are not what they once were. Some would argue that’s because music and its budgets for artists are also not what they once were. Based on the commentary swirling around me and considering the sources (industry types who are the most jaded on the planet), I figured that for once, the show might actually be solidly received.

Of course, I was wrong. Reuters kicked off the anti-BET field day in classic fashion with an article literally entitled “Stars with criminal pasts honored at BET Awards.” The article went on to actually list performers and celebs like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Michael Vick, and recapped what they’d done time for.

Syracuse University professor and social commentator Dr. Boyce Watkins jumped aboard with, “Lil Wayne & BET Music Channel – The New KKK.” He wasted no time denouncing the network’s numerous nominations for Lil Wayne. “By accelerating, financing and supporting the “Lil Wayne gospel” to a community that is already dying, BET has effectively positioned itself as a new and improved version of the KKK,” Watkins wrote. In the same article, he compared Lil Wayne to cult leader Charles Manson.

Really, fam? I know BET has been every literate person’s favorite gripes for so long that it feels a little “Twilight Zone” not to have something massive to complain about. Admittedly, I have gone hard in the paint against the network in the past (full disclosure: I worked there nine years ago). But the reality is, the network’s come a long way, baby.

BET has stepped up. And we know this. That’s why the complaints this year just sound so… well, petty. Are we really slamming the network for featuring the felonious artists that we’ve made hot by supporting their work? It’s like we’re looking for things to criticize so we can carry out the bond of tradition.

If the celebrities BET featured on the awards show are a real concern, that’s something we should be addressing within ourselves, not the Black network that reflects our musical palette and taste. I know it’s hard to break with tradition, but it’s time to give a little credit where it’s finally due.

Demetria L. Lucas is the Relationships Editor at ESSENCE and the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: Your Go-to Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life” (Atria) in stores now. Follow her on Twitter: @abelleinbk

Read more: http://www.essence.com/2011/06/28/real-talk-bet-awards-bashing/#ixzz1QfZ9pMJG

_______________________

Is she serious?

Oh my god give me a fucking break..

BET has been on a sad downward spiral for a while with no chance of recovery in sight...what is wrong for wanting the best from a channel that is supposed to represent your people. BET should have gotten better since the 80's and 90's not worse.

They deserve every ridicule they get.

Exactly. I can't help but to think that this chick wrote this bullshit article just to cement her paycheck for next month.

The woman who wrote that article must be one of those we don’t need any more black men in jail women. Smh

bboy87 said:

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Look who was in the audience, all of them rappers are too cool to show emotion.

Baby's (who looks like a hood version of Shrek) was standing there nodding his head and rubbing his palms together during Rick Ross' set

Speaking of Rick Ross, that brotha REALLY needs to be sized up for some Spanx because them man titties and that gut made my soul wince

missfee said:

bboy87 said:

I know I'm not the only one who feels that way BET Awards has the absolute worse audience. They have no energy, no emotion.......Patti Labelle can't do it all

I want to see people in the audience dancing, feeling the music.

Then you got the hoodrats who got their outfits from "Keisha's Fashion Outlet" that morning sitting up there lookin' a fool....yo ass is sitting next to legends and stars, act like yo ass go some sense

Chile I agree...especially when the gospel stars were up on stage tearing them songs up, the audience acted like they had no idea who these folks were. Even when "The Five Heartbeats" were on the stage, they were fronting like they hadn't watched the movie 2 billion times and can quote most of the movie lines/scenes as well as the dance steps and songs like the back of their hand.

everyone looked a H.A.M. i can't believe i sat through about 3 hours watching.

then it was so many AWKWARD MOMENTS the whole show it was painful.

babybugz said:

The woman who wrote that article must be one of those we don’t need any more black men in jail women. Smh

Probably got a little change from BET to defend 'em.

LadyLuvSexxy said:

babybugz said:

The woman who wrote that article must be one of those we don’t need any more black men in jail women. Smh

Probably got a little change from BET to defend 'em.

That alleged whore Debra Lee probably paid her to write it I bet. I almost got sick when I saw Patti praising her...FOR WHAT?!

I don't think we have BET in the UK, and by the sounds of it, thank fuck!

Why do you subject yourselves to that shit every fucking year? and moan and complain too?

Any given year, It's a given it's going to be shit, i know that just from reading on here every year.

Stupid.

[Edited 6/30/11 17:28pm]