Anyone see the 2003 Essence Awards last week? Mary J. Blige was the recipient of the evening's first award. I thought that was fitting considering the role model and inspiration she has been for alot of women, and Essence being a magazine for black women. She looked vibrant and mmm...mmm good when she went up on stage to accept her award. Queen Latifah received an award, as well as, Radio DJ/pioneer Tom Joyner.

One of the highlights of the show was Lionel Richie{om Joyner's homeboy from Alabama}walking out on stage to perform for Tom Joyner and the audience. The song he performed was "Easy"...then another surprise...The Gap Band performed "Burn Rubber On Me"...And yet another highlight...New Edition {minus Bobby Brown}performed "If This Isn't Love". Also Jill Scott recited poetry and Erykah Badu and Common performed briefly.

Mos Def received an award...and the mother and father of the great gospel singing group The Winans received an award...


Oh yeah...the lovely Beyonce performed at the ceremony.

If there is a thread already out here on this...I sincerely apologize for starting another one.


Peace
SouthernBrother aka BRO915

I only watched the Essence just to see Mary's tribute. Very touching speech baby had a long way to go and get her dues. Its good to see that she's finaly getting her props since she's considered 2 be one of the most misunderstood artists from the 90's.

What struck me was just how bad New Edition sounded. Plus the house band sucked! They had The Gap Band sounding like Tom Jones. Shit, Paul Shaffer's band is funkier than those cats they had at the Essence Awards.
[This message was edited Tue Jul 1 15:15:44 PDT 2003 by intha916]