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I got two of each: Lupe Fiasco

Tricia Liverpool mingles with the superstars at black music’s most prestigious ceremony in the world – The Bet Awards in Los Angeles

Few awards shows can boast that all the artists they say are attending actually will. The BET Awards is one of them.

Everyone from P Diddy to Tim Campbell, the winner of The Apprentice, was there to soak up a little LA glamour.

The ceremony, hosted by the US station Black Entertainment Television, aims to celebrate the achievements of black music, film and sports stars.

It was held in the heart of LA at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium – the former home of the Oscars – and seems to have gained more respect over the last six years.

As usual, the A-List celebrities chose to run down the red carpet rather than speak to the waiting press.

BODYGUARDS

Janet Jackson and her man Jermaine Dupri were just visible between the swarm of bodyguards who shuffled them inside the venue. P Diddy came with his kids and Busta decided to walk behind the press in an effort to remain unnoticed – but it didn’t work.

Joe, however, did take time out to explain the significance of the BET Awards.

“It’s important to us because it shows you’ve been appreciated for what you’ve done,” he said smiling. “But it’s important to the young kids who wanna be like us, it’s great for them. I used to watch award shows back in the day and they were inspiring to me.”

It was definitely a night where the hip-hop artists got a little classy - Nas and wife Kelis sported matching outfits. And the other hot celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z opened the show with a raunchy performance. She bounced around the stage in a shiny, silver two-piece while he gave her the occasional slap on the backside – squashing all rumours that they are having relationship problems.

The show had a lot to live up to this year, with previous ceremonies boasting surprise appearances from Michael Jackson and all three members of the Fugees, who reunited for one night only. This year’s surprise came from Eminem who made an unexpected appearance on stage, joining rapper Busta Rhymes. However, it was the performance from the ultimate super group - Chaka Khan on vocals, Stevie Wonder on keyboards and Prince on guitar - that had the packed auditorium on its feet.

Awards-wise, it was Mary’s night. She ended Mariah’s domination of the music award shows, by winning ‘Best Female R’n’B Artist.’

“I thank God for each and every one of my fans,” she gushed on stage. “To my husband, that’s my best friend, we do this together. What would I do without him? I wouldn’t be nothing without him and I believe that.”

And as a reward for his first time performing at the event, Prince received the ‘Best Male R’n’B Artist’ award.

Backstage, artists with anything to promote took the opportunity to tell reporters about it.

P Diddy admitted that his Bad Boy label was going through a drought, so he wheeled out two new signings – Young Joc and Cassie – who he hopes will create the buzz he needs.

And despite Lil Kim’s mother Ruby and brother Chris attending the show on her behalf in the hope of picking up the ‘Best Female Hip-hop Artist’ award for her, Missy went home with it.

“I’m having a block right now,” she admitted. “I’m kinda waiting; I don’t wanna just put anything out there. But give me a minute I’ll be right back out though.”

Award show press rooms are a great place to get some exclusives.

Jamie Foxx told us he’s not playing Bob Marley in a film about the reggae singer’s life and Tyrese said – despite what you may think – he’s hustling like everyone else trying to get his new album some attention.

“I’ve been handing it out myself. Everybody in the industry has a CD in their hand. I sat right behind Jay-Z and gave him a CD. I got a few collaborations coming out this week because I’ve been just making it happen.”

KANYE

Kanye West, who picked up two awards, loved the show so much he was filming it with his own camcorder.

“I’m happy I didn’t perform this year. Busta ripped the show crazy, Puffy just killed it with Young Joc,” he says. “This is the best music right here and we gotta keep on giving it.”

Published: 14 July 2006
Issue: 1226

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