Druski, Teyana Taylor and other Atlanta moments we loved at BET Awards
The BET Awards returned Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Gwinnett County comedian Druski, the show honored the careers of D’Angelo, Teyana Taylor, Sylvia Rhone and Lauryn Hill. Cardi B, Kehlani and other big names hit the stage.
Along with Druski’s hosting duties, here are other Atlanta moments we enjoyed during this year’s ceremony.
T.I.’s opening performance
At 45, T.I. remains the “King of the South.” The Atlanta rapper proved it during his BET Awards opening performance. Wearing all black, he descended on the stage in a floating crown while rapping “Top Back,” a standout from his 2006 album “King.” T.I., backed by a sea of dancers wearing Atlanta Braves hats, later shifted to his most recent hit, “Let ‘Em Know.” The track is the lead single to his final album, “Kill the King,” which dropped Friday.
Druski brings all the skits
Comedic skits underlined Druski’s approach to hosting. At 31, the youngest person to emcee the BET Awards began the show with a rendition of his viral church skit from earlier this year, parodying megachurch pastors and their alleged penchant for luxury.
Later in the show, Druski appeared in whiteface to do a rap cipher with the Atlanta-based DJ Drama, and he hosted an onstage audition of his Coulda Been Records YouTube series, featuring a male rapper with a Brazilian butt lift.
Although the skits seemed a bit uninspired and not as funny as their online counterparts, Druski’s charm still managed to keep the crowd entertained throughout the night.
Teyana Taylor gets her flowers from Janet Jackson
Teyana Taylor was honored with the show’s Icon of the Year Award. The “One Battle After Another” star and Atlanta resident continued her epic year, which includes a Golden Globe Award, and Grammy and Oscar nominations, with a heartfelt tribute from Janet Jackson, who gave her the BET award. Taylor also took home honors for fashion vanguard, video director of the year and best actress.
The multihyphenate, who has long cited Jackson as an inspiration, couldn’t contain her excitement (and tears) at the pop star’s presence.
“Most of my career has been spent building my own dream while helping someone else build theirs, because I believe there’s room for all of us to win,” Taylor said during her acceptance speech.
D’Angelo tribute
Neo-soul icon D’Angelo, who died last year, received a special tribute. The performance, introduced by his three children, Swayvo Twain, Imani and Morocco, featured Ari Lennox, Raye, BJ the Chicago Kid and Atlanta resident Durand Bernarr. D’Angelo’s band the Vanguard led the moment with the tantalizing musicality and sultry soul that encapsulated the elusive artist’s indelible sound.
Mariah the Scientist
R&B singer Mariah the Scientist was among Sunday night’s many winners. The Atlanta native won the viewer’s choice award for her hit song “Burning Blue.” Atlanta-based Christian rapper Lecrae won best gospel/inspirational for his song “Headphones,” which features fellow Atlantans T.I. and Killer Mike. The two awards weren’t televised.