2010 Soul Train Awards Recap

My girl Stephanie Abdullah rocked out at this year's Soul Train Awards Weekend in Atlanta. While there, she served as a creative correspondent for CREATIFFCHATTER.com. Check out her lively recap of this year's events.

Creatiffchatter.com correspondent, Stephanie Abdullah

Let’s give it up to BET and Centric for bringing back our favorite award show-The Soul Train Awards! This year’s show features talent you can’t get enough of and others whom you’d like to see more of. Atlanta hosted the show for the second consecutive year, yet this time at the Cobb Energy Center. You take YOUR pick, but the man of the hour for me was El DeBarge! Can we say “come back” of the century??? You gotta tune in for the Soul Train pre-show because El and Faith open with the hot mid-tempo song, Lay With You from El’s forthcoming Second Chance project (in-stores & online, November 30th). His vocals haven’t changed one bit and the man has got to be about 50, when I say FINE as he EVER was-man I was Mrs. James DeBarge back then, but El, right now is what’s up. And how bout, he gave me a “Hey Girl!” I’m still fanning myself. Congrats to you Mr. Eldra DeBarge and Welcome back to where you’ve always belonged-in my Welcome Back Kotter voice-“well the names have all changed since you ran around, but the dreams that remain can’t be turned around. Who’da thought they lead ya-back here where we need you!” I’m just putting it out there, but can we get a DeBarge reunion tour jumping off? I’m just saying!

DL Hughley Hosts BET AWARDS

D.L. HUGHLEY SET TO HOST “BET AWARDS ’08” LIVE
FROM LOS ANGELES’ SHRINE AUDITORIUM ON TUESDAY, JUNE 24 AT 8:00 P.M.*

Alicia Keys, Chris Brown, Kanye West and Young Jeezy Will Join Previously Announced Performers Usher, Lil Wayne and Nelly for “The Hottest Ticket on Television”

Legendary R&B Icon Al Green to Receive BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award
and Celebrated Producer/Arranger/Composer Quincy Jones Set for BET’s Humanitarian Award

NEW YORK — June 3, 2008 — Actor and comedian D.L. Hughley will take the reins as the host of BET AWARDS ’08. Tagged as “the hottest ticket on television,” BET AWARDS ’08 is raising the stakes as the biggest stars in music, sports and entertainment unite under one roof at Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:00 p.m.*. Continuing in its landmark tradition, BET AWARDS ’08 will feature LIVE performances by some of today’s hottest artists, including Usher, Lil Wayne and Nelly.

Newly announced performers include Alicia Keys, nominated for Best Female R&B, Video of the Year and Viewer's Choice; multiple nominee Kanye West (Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration with T-Pain on the single “Good Life” and Video of the Year for the same); Chris Brown, who has locked in four nominations including Best Male R&B, Viewer's Choice and Best Collaboration with T-Pain on “Kiss Kiss”; and Best Collaboration nominee Young Jeezy.

As a member of The Original Kings of Comedy and star of his own sitcom, “The Hughleys,” D.L. has made a name for himself in the world of entertainment. He was most recently seen starring in a one-hour comedy special for HBO entitled “Unapologetic” and as host of “Def Comedy Jam.”

In keeping with the history-making track record of the most highly anticipated night in Black entertainment, BET is pulling out all of the stops in naming this year’s special honorees. Legendary R&B icon Al Green will be in the house to receive BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Joining him will be celebrated producer/arranger/composer Quincy Jones, who will be honored with BET’s prestigious Humanitarian Award for his outreach to young African-Americans through the Listen Up Foundation, a charity which connects youth with music, technology and culture. In addition, Jones helped launch the We Are the Future project, giving hope to children in poor and conflict-ridden areas.

For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments such as Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during James Brown’s tribute; Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan; Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India.Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus’ first lady of funk; Destiny’s Child’s steamy lap dance; the reunion of one of hip hop’s most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year’s touching opening performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday.

BET has once again teamed up with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards® and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast.

BET AWARDS ’08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.

Log onto BET.com for BET On Blast video highlights, photos and continuous BET AWARDS ’08 updates at www.bet.com/betawards.

*All times ET/PT

Party in the "A" with J.D.-BET's Pre Hip Hop Awards Party

Jermaine Dupri along with BET.com hosted the 2nd annual Hip Hop Awards pre-party at his newly opened club, Studio 72 in Tucker, GA. The stars came out to shine:

J.D.
Ci Ci
Chamillionaire
Hell Date's Pierre
Melissa Ford

Writer/Editor Amy Dubois Barnett's Book Release Party

A party was held at SoHo Grand NY for writer/editor, Amy DuBois Barnett's release of GET YOURS!: The Girlfriends Guide To Having Everything You've Dreamed of and More. Celebs and entertainment industry professionals came out to show their support for the release of her book.

Gayle King, Amy Dubois Barnett & Warner Music Group's, Kevin Liles

Kevin Liles & Jaheim

Jaheim (miss you....come back please)

King Magazine's Datwon Thomas, BET's Stephen Hill w/ Kevin Liles

Above photos courtesy of Johnny Nunez/Wireimage

Check out the Barnes & Nobles review of GET YOURS.... below

(Book Review Here)

BET News Presents: Hip Hop vs America

Last week I attended a BET Screening for Hip Hop vs. America, a 3 part BET News special addressing the present state of Hip Hop. A well balanced forum and panel I must say. I believe everyone will hear a representation of their own voice by the one or more of the panelists. Some of the guests will include, recording artists T.I, Nelly, Master P, & MC Lyte, journalists, Kim Osorio, Stanley Crouch, & Diane Weathers, professor Michael Eric Dyson, Al Sharpton, video director Benny Boom and cultural critic Nelson George. Part 1 of the series will air tonight at 8pm.

Air Dates & Times:

Part 1: Tuesday, Sept 25

Part 2: Wednesday, Sept 26

Part 3: Online on BET's ON Blast immediately following Part 2.