Do you hear that sound? That would be the buzz of the world (yes, the entire world) attempting to wrap its mind around and process yet another successful foray into the awards show world by the good people over at Soul Train. Backed by some really big TV cameras owned by BET and Centric, the 2014 edition of the Soul Train Music Awards took place this past weekend at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
Much to the delight of the attendees (and the people on Instagram stalking their favorite stars), the show’s major draw was its insistence on sticking to its roots by taking a decidedly nostalgic walk down music’s memory lane.
Now this Back to the Future romp wasn’t without a few hiccups along the way, but did you really expect anything different? That’s like going to your family reunion, serving unlimited alcohol, and then being surprised when your Uncle Lonnie gets drunk and starts doing the “Bus Stop” shirtless. The point is that things happen when your family gets together … and for better or worse, that’s what made the 2014 edition of the Soul Train Music Awards so special.
Now, the show doesn’t officially air until Nov. 30 on BET’s Centric Network, but that didn’t stop us from highlighting three points in the show that will surely go down in history as unforgettable moments for the Uncle Lonnies of the music industry.
Kool & the Gang makes us all feel old
… That awkward moment when Kool & the Gang receives an award for being in the music industry for 50 years. That’s the moment when you realize that you’re a lot older than you realize. And it’s not that I don’t love everything that Kool & the Gang stands for, but geez … 50 YEARS?!
Jodeci returns … and DeVante has a man bun
We’ve all been waiting for Jodeci to get up on stage and successfully perform without any hiccups … you know like the drunken songs and passing out on stage that they’ve notoriously done over the past few years. But the quartet finally reunited and pulled off a very good performance, slickly weaving their way through some of their classics. (Side note: Jo Jo did fall down on stage, but he kept singing … now that’s progress.)
The only part of their show that left people scratching their heads had nothing to do with the music. Instead, it was DeVante Swing sporting what can only be described as a Man Bun on the top right side of his head.
Yeah, let that marinate for a bit.
Missy Elliot slims down … Lil Kim tones down
While Jodeci’s return was certainly the talk of the town, Missy Elliot and her new body were certainly a close second. While much of Hollywood is content with regenerating their physiques through surgery, Elliot did it the old-fashioned way, dropping 30 pounds thanks to intense Insanity workouts. It was a good look for her.
Surprisingly, Lil Kim also came to the table with a good look, as she cast aside the heavy makeup for a more natural Queen vibe. We’re guessing that motherhood has changed her perspective a bit on her more unfortunate trips to the Mac counter.
But those were just three moments out of countless ones created at the 2014 Soul Train Awards. While we eagerly away the 30th to arrive, let’s take a quick glance at a list of some of our favorite 2014 nominees below:
Best New Artist
August Alsina
Jhené Aiko
LiV Warfield
Mack Wilds
Nico & Vinz
Sevyn Streeter
Centric Certified Award
Avery Sunshine
Kelis
Leela James
Luke James
Robert Glasper
Shaliek
Best Gospel/Inspirational Song
“Help” – Erica Campbell feat. Lecrae
“I Can Only Imagine” – Tamela Mann
“No Greater Love” – Smokie Norful
“Real Love” – Inspired People feat. Charles Jenkins
“Say Yes” – Michelle Williams feat. Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland
“We Are Victorious” – Donnie McClurkin feat. Tye Tribbett
Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“Fancy” – Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX
“Hold On (We’re Going Home)” – Drake feat. Majid Jordan
“Loyal” – Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga
“No Mediocre” – T.I. feat. Iggy Azalea
“Pills N Potions” – Nicki Minaj
“Studio” – ScHoolboy Q feat. BJ the Chicago Kid
Best R&B/Soul Female Artist
Beyoncé
Janelle Monaé
Jennifer Hudson
Jhené
Aiko
Marsha Ambrosius
Ledisi
Best R&B/Soul Male Artist
Chris Brown
John Legend
Kem Pharrell
Williams Tank
Trey Songz
Album of the Year
Beyoncé – Beyoncé
G I R L – Pharrell Williams
Love in the Future – John Legend
Nothing Was the Same – Drake
The Electric Lady – Janelle Monaé
Xscape – Michael Jackson
Song of the Year
“All of Me” – John Legend
“Drunk in Love” – Beyoncé feat. Jay Z
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams
“Hold On (We’re Going Home)” – Drake feat. Majid Jordan
“Love Never Felt So Good” – Michael Jackson
feat. Justin Timberlake
“Loyal” – Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award
“All of Me” – John Legend
(Toby Gad, John Stephens, Dave Tozer)
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams (Pharrell Williams)
“Pretty Hurts” – Beyoncé
(Joshua Coleman, Sia Fuller, Beyoncé Knowles)
“Stay With Me” – Sam Smith
(Steve Fitzmaurice, James Napier, William Phillips,
Sam Smith)
“The Man” – Aloe Blacc (Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sam Barsh, Aloe Blacc, Elton John, Daniel Seeff, Bernie Taupin)
“The Worst” – Jhené Aiko
(Jhené Aiko Chilombo, Mac Robinson, Brian Warfield)
Best Collaboration
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga – “Loyal”
Chris Brown feat. Usher and Rick Ross – “New Flame”
Janelle Monaé feat. Miguel – “Primetime”
Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake –
“Love Never Felt So Good”
Robert Glasper feat. Jill Scott – “Calls”
Toni Braxton and Babyface – “Hurt You”
Video of the Year
“Drunk in Love” – Beyoncé feat. Jay Z (Hype Williams)
“Good Kisser” – Usher (Christopher Sims)
“Happy” – Pharrell Williams (We are from L.A.)
“New Flame” – Chris Brown feat. Usher (Breezy & Mike Ho)
“The Man” – Aloe Blacc (Matty Barnes)
“The Worst” – Jhené Aiko (Danny Williams)
Story by DeWayne Rogers
Images by A.R. Shaw
