Over the weekend, the BET Soul Train Awards gave Erykah Badu her roses while she’s still kickin’ to receive them. In front of an in-person and television crowd of millions, the beloved soulful singer accepted the award show’s Legend Award with poise, grace and her signature carefree spunk.
SZA, who many have compared to Ms. Fat Belly Bella in terms of musical sound and ethereal nature, presented the award to the living icon, literally bowing down as she took the stage.
In the speech, not only did Erykah give thanks to her family for always being her backbone throughout her career, but specifically to her mother for fostering her light. “I reflect you in every way,” she said to her smiling mother, as Erykah’s three children Seven, Puma and Mars beamed beside her.
She credited the fellow artists in the room for being her inspiration and encouraged them to keep at their art before switching to a more somber tone when addressing an absent Diddy. “I went to send love and peace out to Puffy’s family and children,” she said. “We’re with you brother, we’re with you.”
She also dedicated her award to her “dear friend,” the late jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove.
Erykah Badu thanks her soul family for their support, her mother for beating greatness into her, and for the growth that she’s found along the way. #SoulTrainAwardshttps://t.co/mEEGRsXc7N
— BET (@BET) November 26, 2018
Later on during the show, Badu treated viewers to a performance of her bonafide classic hit, “Tyrone.” Watch her full acceptance speech here.
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