June 30, 2004 @ 1:13 pm

2004 BET Awards: It's a Wrap

by: Patrick Taliaferro

BET showcased their urban entertainment prowess last night when the 2004 BET Awards live broadcasted from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The night was filled with electrifying performances, and those wacked-out water cooler moments from the likes

The show opened with a soul-stirring rendition of "Jesus Walks" performed by Kanye West, backed by a 32-member choir, drummers, dancers and countless candles. Everyone was on their feet by the time the immaculate Yolanda Adams came onstage and wailed the songs chorus with the "College Dropout." Comedian and show hostess Monique didn't hurt for attention either. Armed with a team of voluptuous dancers, Monique kept the crowd in stitches, as she imitated Beyonce's now infamous booty dance. She later teased "Y'all skinny girls, y'all real nervous right now." Later Outkast performed their hit "Roses," while glammed out in outrageous outfits declaring that "people vote" in the upcoming elections. The night slowed down after a video memorial to Barry White was broadcast, followed by India.Arie performing a touching yet tweaked cover of "Georgia on My Mind" as a tribute to Ray Charles. Afterwards Jay-Z reclaimed the stage with ?uestlove of the Roots and Sheila E. on drums, Rick Rubin on the turntables and Kid Rock and Dave Navarro on guitar all performing "99 Problems." Janet Jackson followed with an awe inspiring but overly clothed performance of "All Night." As always "Damita Jo's" choreography was on point and highlighted by a surprise appearance from Elephant Man. The show reached its creative crescendo with its ode to 25 years of hip hop on wax. Everyone was surprised when rap pioneers The SugarHill Gang moved the crowd with "Rappers Delight," they were followed by Melle Mel and crew with the ever relevant "The Message." And MC Lyte represented for the ladies with "Paper Thin." But it didn't feel like the 80s until The Get Fresh Crew (Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh) took it back with hits like "Lodi Dodi" and "The Show." Then everything got political when Public Enemy began "Fighting the Power" over a sea of raised fists. Everyone turned to the Lord when Smokie Norful took the show from the clubs back to the church with his performance of "I Need You Now." In what seemed to be the best entrance ever, funk purveyors Rick James and Teena Marie performed "Fire and Desire" before presenting the award for "Best Female R&B Artist." After Beyonce's acceptance speech, Rick James proved why he is a pop culture icon, by going back on stage, and announcing to the world "I'm Rick James, B*tch!" Ludacris turned his single "Splash Waterfalls" on its ear by adding Mermaids and an aquatic adventure screen. He was later joined by his group DTP, for a jook joint style send up to "Stand Up." They were followed by a united G-Unit, who highlighted each member with the group's "Stunt 101," Young Buck's "Let Me In" and finally Lloyd Banks' "On Fire." That both groups' performances were highlighted with scantily clad women and awesome set changes and designs while the aforementioned classic rappers relied more so on their music's messages, reveals just how much hip-hop has changed. Things got serious when Steve Harvey and his perfect hair presented The Isley Brothers with a "Lifetime Achievment Award." The tribute included a video trip down memory lane before the Isleys took to the stage to perform classics like "Shout" and "Contagious." Afterwards actress Angela Bassett presented Danny Glover with the "Humanitarian Award." Danny, who was sticking with the nights' theme, encouraged viewers to use their voice and vote. The show was closed with a tricked-out performance of Usher's "Yeah." Things went bananas when Usher performed a horizontal dance sequence, all while glinding through Jackson-esque moves. He closed the show with a smoothed-out version of his current radio mainstay "Burn." Winners included Beyonce, Outkast, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Usher, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, LeBron James, and Serena Williams.

Article tags: 2004, BET, Awards, It's, Wrap