The 2018 Soul Train Awards fed the musical bellies of all those in attendance and watching from home. Hosted by real-life besties Tichinia Arnold and Tisha Cambell, the award ceremony highlighted the best in soul music, while also honoring those of yesteryear.
One of the evening’s most talked about moments was the soul cypher. With past Soul Train host Erykah Badu on the turntables, and Robert Glasper tickling the ivories, singers BJ The Chicago Kid, Luke James, Queen Naija, and Kelly Price serenaded the crowd by showing off their vocal prowess.
The first Soul Cypher took place in 2015. Badu DJ’d, with Philadelphia pianist Omar Edwards providing melody for singers Chrisette Michelle, K-Ci, Lalah Hathaway and Gerald Levert. The cypher received praise from many and quickly became an integral part of the award ceremony.
A year later, Tyrese, Ne-Yo, Angie Stone, and Gladys Knight sang for the audience and last year’s soul cypher included Bilal, Fantasia, Mali Music, and Faith Evans.
Watch this year’s crop of singers prove their weight in melody below.
Watch these soul legends come together to bless us with their passionate energy in the 2018 #SoulTrainAwards Soul Cypher! – Presented by #DreamInBlack from @ATT. #ad pic.twitter.com/M9ckvycTqK
— BET (@BET) November 26, 2018
READ MORE: Erykah Badu On Maintaining The Integrity Of R&B With The Soul Train Music Awards