The ATL’s enigmatic Dungeon Family members, Big Boi, Big Gipp and
Cee-Lo, along with super-producer Dallas Austin, and artsy newcomer
Janelle Monae delivered a “funkdafied” musical tribute for BMI Urban
Music Awards 2009 Icon honoree George Clinton. The reverent clan blew
the roof off of New York City’s Frederick P. Rose Hall with their
electrified act. Cee-Lo delivered “One Nation Under a Groove” and
Janelle Monáe performed “Flashlight.” Not to be outdone, Dallas Austin,
Big Gipp and OutKast’s Big Boi did a medley of “(Not Just) Knee Deep,”
“Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk),” and “Up for the Down
Stroke.”
Clinton’s sidekick and the Parliament/Funkadelic’s amazing bassist
Bootsy Collins performed “Atomic Dog.” The musical wizard and original
funkmaster was at a loss for words and promised a return to music to
reclaim the throne.
The evening’s other honorees included: hip-hop luminaries Lil Wayne and
T-Pain, who shared the prestigious Songwriter of the Year prize, as
Polow Da Don and Kanye West both won Producer of the Year titles. Song
of the Year honors went to Jordin Sparks’ “No Air,” written by Erik
Griggs, while Universal Music Publishing Group garnered yet another
Publisher of the Year crown. –yvette caslin
