Black Excellence: The 10 Things We Hate About the BET Awards
5. Tributes – This Is Not Your Chance to Reignite or Elevate Your Career
Issue: It feels like BET has created a roster of performers dedicated to the tribute. Melanie Fiona, Brandy, Tyrese, Ginuwine, Tank, and, on occasion, Chrisette Michele are the go-to artists. However, they come off as opportunities for artists who are experiencing a gravitational pull toward ending up as average artists to prove they’ve still got it. Or a chance for exposure for new artists who need the exposure that comes from being highlighted under different circumstances.
Solution: There’s a buffet of artists from which to choose! Are artists really that busy that they can’t participate in a tribute to our greats? Note: Although Monica amazed during her Whitney Houston performance (Brandy appeared on steroids or experiencing a major sugar rush), in a perfect (read: our) world, the tribute would’ve went like this: Return from the commercial, all lights are off, solo spotlight on Emily “Cissy” Houston, and simply allow a mother to give a bittersweet public goodbye to her iconic and beloved daughter, the late Whitney Houston. Period.
I absolutely agree with the dress code concern…granted these are artist who express themselves both lyrically with the aid of art HOWEVER a white tshirt and tanks which are non artistic attire worn at one of the most important events viewed on television which represents Black Culture are not acceptable award attire no matter the genre. NO im not saying suit and tie, but I am promoting our black culture to exude a lot more than what was viewed at the 2012 BET Awards… 2Chainz = Approved Big Sean = WTF!