It was around the time that Taraji P. Henson, Tyrese and a possibly drunk Ving Rhames took a Baby Boy sketch too far that the BET Awards lost me.
Before that, the show had been riddled with the chuckle-inducing–Aaron Hall trying breathe through his set with Guy; the mildly embarrassing but somehow digestible–Don Cornelius during the O’Jays tribute; and the applause-worthy–Jay Z performing “DOA.”
But the Baby Boy sketch made a show already failing to respectably honor Michael Jackson something that could only careen headlong into coonery. The kind of coonery that brought shame goosebumps to my skin up until Janet Jackson walked out on stage and showed BET and those who participated in this farce what grace and class and simplicity really looks like.
I understand Michael Jackson’s death threw a monkey wrench into their show’s plans. But you know what? Don’t one monkey wrench stop no show. They didn’t have to make some historic adjustment to acknowledge Michael’s passing; they merely needed to honor him; to gracefully acknowledge that his musical contributions were such that marking his passing was far bigger than anything that was scheduled to take place that night.
But they didn’t.
Instead, it was The Niggers Acting Up While Sometimes Acknowledging the Death of a Cultural Icon Who They Claim to Admire and Respect Show
Many spoke words of reverence, but they rang hollow. The energy of the show was of the macabre sort: Death was acknowledged, but not respected. Gravitas didn’t truly enter the building until Janet Jackson walked onstage and reminded people her big brother had died. The mood didn’t respect a legend’s passing until one song was sung in his honor.
But I don’t just lay the blame on BET, a network I’ve long known to expect little of. I found myself puzzled by the artists themselves. Beyonce often spoke of being strongly influenced by Michael, feeling as though she owed her career to him. It seems curious that while she had the time to collect her BET Awards and sing some forgettable medley, she did not have time to honor her idol with a song. She left that to Ciara, a dancer not known for her strong vocal abilities.
Where was Usher? Justin? Maxwell? Alicia? Where were the superstars?
Maybe they all offered to do a real tribute to Michael and BET balked, saying it’s the network’s way or the Santa Monica freeway. Maybe. But I doubt it.
For one night, they could not forfeit their opportunities to shine to honor a man they are quick to say was a driving musical force in their lives? Rather than show us their appreciation and celebrate this man’s work through song, they told us about it ad nauseum because, you know, it’s the thought that counts.
A pop icon who was, at times, the best of us, was dishonored by a network that is, more often than not, our worst.
Perhaps this was a job better left for MTV. Or Vh1. Or CNN. Or anyone else.
68 responses so far ↓
amiye // June 28, 2009 at 11:36 pm
i 100% agree this crap of a show/tribute was a mess and hurtful… i doubt i watch anymore that whole thing was tasteless and i think you’re right maybe they should let the pro’s do the honoring…im very VERY dissappointed in BET
MJ Fan // June 28, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I could not agree more. Very well written.
Angel // June 28, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Bet you wish they let CB perform now, huh?
denise // June 28, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I agree! I know BET had to redo their awards show due to the death of Michael Jackson but what I seen today made me sick to my stomach! I only watched to BET Awards to see the tribute to Michael and what I say was a Hot Ghetto Mess at its finest! I am APPALLAD that they would even called that a tribute! I know MTV will give him a GREAT tribute and they will have CHRIS BROWN in the tribute as well!
mouthsmart // June 29, 2009 at 12:11 am
The Baby Boy rehash went way beyond unnecessary. It might have been better to reschedule the whole thing if they couldn’t get their act together but you can’t blame Michael Jackson’s death for the botched sound and generally lackluster performances – the O’Jays and Jay-Z excepted – both those things happen every year recently. If there’s been any doubt how badly BET has fallen off and outlived their usefulness, MJ’s passing cleared it up.
Kel'e // June 29, 2009 at 1:39 am
All I have to say is I agree! It was complete foolery! And there wasn’t a real tribute! New Edition was horrible and Ciara shouldn’t have been on stage period! They claim they adjusted the show to honor MJ…. but did I miss something!?! Becuz I sure n the hell didn’t see a worth while tribute! Chris Brown should have been there. They shouldve pulled whatever strings necessary to have him present a REAL tribute! And/or Usher as well! BET is a disappointment. I doubt I watch another award show. I’m convinced MTV will do it wayyyyy big and put BET to shame…or shall I say put them to even more shame then they already gave themselves! Straight foolishness….ridiculous and a waste of a few hrs!!!
Mostly // June 29, 2009 at 3:55 am
I agree wholeheartedly (with the exception of including an anti-Janet Jackson/major-lack-of-natural-talent Justin Timberlake). Hopefully CNN or VH1 Soul will do a proper send of for MJ.
Kym // June 29, 2009 at 8:06 am
Coonery is too kind for what happened last night. I lifted my BET-ban to see what they were going to do and today I need to purge, detox, pray and fast about what I saw. I don’t know if it’s fortunate or unfortunate, but there will be other award shows that will pay great respect to MJ’s career.
JPie612 // June 29, 2009 at 8:11 am
I agree wholeheartedly; I previously quelled some of my disappointment because I thought maybe they only had a few days but it begs the question, “what would it have been if Michael Hadn’t died?” The previously scheduled performances weren’t all that great, less Jay-Z & Maxwell. But I’m with you; why didn’t Beyonce sing “Heal the World”? Where was Usher to do P.Y.T.? I don’t usually expect much from BET but I at least thought they would step up and do something with class and dignity; sadly that wasn’t the case. I pray, like you, that VH1, MTV or another network will put in the time to do a proper tribute to the greatest performer of all time.
The Jaded NYer // June 29, 2009 at 8:22 am
I’ve only seen a few clips & read endless Tweets about the messy tribute, but I have to say, BET is not know for its quality programming, so I’ll most likely tune into the tributes inevitably produced for MTV and the Grammy’s… those will hopefully be nice.
Damon // June 29, 2009 at 8:22 am
Agreed … A simple tribute of words to Michael:
http://thismayconcernyou.com/2009/06/28/on-the-king-of-pop/
Yourhynis // June 29, 2009 at 8:42 am
thank u for this.
bruce // June 29, 2009 at 9:02 am
You guys seem surprised! I blame you for expecting more. Class has gone away from the BET awards show, since all these rappers started coming to stage with alcohol and their pants down to their thighs. If you are going to get upset, then do it at yourself for thinking it would be different this time. Pants hanging off and all the tats all over the body makes this classless anyway. That same shit you guys are complaining about is the same shit that makes Tyler Perry rich. That’s what you like, so don’t get mad now.
Fox // June 29, 2009 at 9:38 am
I don’t know what we were thinking – getting all juiced up over a network who couldn’t see an opportunity in a field of empty space.
Honey D // June 29, 2009 at 9:44 am
I agree with all prior staements, My stomache hurts from all the circus acts that transpired on that stage. I also heard JZ told BET that if CB peformed he and his Angle would not attend. Don’t know how true that was.
Honey D // June 29, 2009 at 9:57 am
One more Comment, shouldn’t Lil Wayne be locked up for letting them little girls on stage during that trash of a performance
Networking Newarker // June 29, 2009 at 10:11 am
Just a quick reminder that all of us need to boycott BET. It’s an absolute embarrassment, and has been for a long time….so what more did you expect?
This was a well-written article by the way, just sorry you had to actually sit through the show to bring the news to us.
Kimberly // June 29, 2009 at 10:25 am
Wow…very harsh comments…Although the awards show had some questionable scenes..I think the producers did a fair job in trying to put something together to honor Michael Jackson. Others mentioned that MTV & VH-1 will probably do a better job…well sure they will because their producers will have time to create a better show….God Bless the Jackson family…
Tiffany // June 29, 2009 at 10:32 am
Let me start off by saying CB wouldn’t have made the show any better…his presence or his absence is a non-issue…
With that out of the way…
I understand that they only had a few days to put something together in tribute, I truly do, but what I saw last night was so not worthy of MJ! If they couldn’t get folks to show up last minute or perform MJ’s legendary music in tribute, they could have simply had a montage with Neyo and Jamie singing (something like what they did at the end of the show). But they should have put it at the beginning of the show…I didn’t want to sit through the foolishness only to get a fraction of what I was looking for in the last 10 minutes of the show.
I was already mad that BET didn’t preempt the stupid movies they show on a regular basis and do some serious coverage or show his videos (and I mean all the music videos! Not just a handful!)…
I don’t know, I was just to mad at the show last night…it had flashes of greatness, but they were so few that I forgot about most of them. I guess the question is, what can I do to change this?
BTW…”Michael Jackson is guns” WTF was that about!
Tiffany // June 29, 2009 at 10:36 am
@ Honey D…That was another WTF moment…it was a reflection of the times we live in…
Mike // June 29, 2009 at 10:41 am
I agree on some points, and I disagree on others…
Here is where I absolutely agree…BET absolutely did NOT RESPECT the fact that Michael Jackson died…3 days before! Not 10 years ago…Not even a year ago. I don’t think it was the time to joke and laugh and kee kee it up…UNLESS it was surrounding or in reflection of…THE MUSIC. I honestly think they dropped the ball in celebrating his music…but with that said…the fans also didn’t want to see a memorial show. This was the BET AWARDS, and the network has to also honor the artists that contributed to Black Music in 2008-2009.
My overall feeling is…the tribute was ALL OVER THE PLACE…and the people the got to cover his music…namely Ciara and New Edition…didn’t do it justice. I think they could’ve reordered the show to make it flow a little better. I think that would’ve made a big difference, actually.
But then again I am (we all are) playing the Monday morning quarterback role, right? I think BET did the best job BET could do. Don’t get it twisted…this is not about BET “selling the company to white folks…” BET, and the leaders of the network (which are mostly black) made decisions that, on paper, they thought would be successful. In practice, it just didn’t pan out…maybe the execs are just out of touch with the “average” black experience (go figure)…
Matt // June 29, 2009 at 11:10 am
Well written, on point, and extremely necessary. The masses need to read this…
damadalpha // June 29, 2009 at 11:11 am
FYI: Chris Brown will NOT make or break an MJ tribute!
The Prophet // June 29, 2009 at 11:30 am
Straight up Ghetto !!! In our finest moment !!! God help Us…
BH // June 29, 2009 at 12:04 pm
then we wonder why white people talk about us. BET is the 1st and now probably last black network (lest Oprah executes in fine fashion and diversifies, which I hear is going that route anyway) to ever have presence on TV. It’s embarrassing, disrespectful to us viewers who KEEP BET plugged up, classless, tasteless, and above all, irreverent. As if the only think black people do is sing about doin’ it to young girls. A mere 3o seconds dedicated to 3 male Doctors, or 2 young women that paid their own way to higher education? Really? I thought the awards were about acknowledging achievement in black communities. If the superstars were unable to pay tribute, what’s the point. And, a stronger come back for Maxwell, albeit my loving the performance, would have been a worthy rendition of an MJ song. I love Beyonce, but Ave Maria deserves utmost respect and the BET awards is not the venue for it. She should know that as an artist. Deborah Lee should be ashamed of herself for allowing such debauchery to take place and be seen worldwide. MJ should be rolling in his grave wondering what the hell we REALLY learned from him.
BH // June 29, 2009 at 12:11 pm
and for the record, I don’t watch BET for the very reasons they so very well depicted last night. I wasted 3.5 precious hours only to watch Maxwell perform; and even he could have paid tribute. Major FAIL.
dmomof2 // June 29, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I agree with the bloggers comments – I banned BET from my home for years, but last night was an excellent opportunity for me to talk to my teen daughters about how Black folks should (Tevin C, the Three Doctors, the Mayor) and should not (Ving, Wayne, Beyonce) behave. I am never embarrased to be black, but this crap produced last night was horrifying.
Most of the songs and comments needed to be bleeped for their inappropriate language and content. Lil’ Wayne, Solja Boy What? I am not even 40 and I just didn’t get it. My teens were ashamed of how disrepectful and ridiculous their entire generation looked from some of these performances. But I cannot blame just the young acts. Jamie Foxx WTF! Ving – drunk? Guy, K Sweat and BBD – I held my head in shame. What is wrong with growing as an artist not trying to live in a past?
Oh dear Lord, I am ashamed that folks might think that “that” was the proper way to pay tribute to a man who gave literally his life for music.
I expect more from Ms. Lee’s leadership. (I know I don’t know why I just do).
Jaleesa // June 29, 2009 at 12:47 pm
yo like i dnt noe who tu blame i mean all u cen say is dey tried. i mean dey freakin had 2 days tu put dis together, give BET a break. dey probley hurtin bout mike 2 we all are but just tu say dat dey fucked up da show, i mean yea im not sayin it was perfect but they tried and dat should b all dat matters. cus think about it if mike was still here he would have byn laughin da whole tyme, dey were celebratein mor den honorin but u dnt want tu b so hurt dat u cnt have fun. i think dey was dunin wat mike wanted dem tu u…i noe he would have byn happy wyt how things went. much love tu mike and da fam.
datchickneeks // June 29, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Completely agree!
Very nice post.
I had to blog about this one earlier as well, I have no idea what BET was thinking. They had the whole world watching and that is the best they came up with? Instead of doing a half-assed (if you could even call that half) why not keep the show the way it was and then do a whole 2 hour special a week later?! Grrrrr. So annoyed by it all.
http://datchickneeks.wordpress.com
Ryan G // June 29, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Ok. Does BET get an excuse because of short notices to those who think the show was horrible…NO. Why because even though the BET awards has only been airing for 9 years, the people backstage haven’t been in the industry for only 9 years so…NO. Now do ‘I’ think it was a good show overall…NO. Do I think it was a good show for the short amount of time to re-do a whole show…YES. Now…I think they should have done basically an extended lifetime achievement video like the OJays, gave an award and invited the whole Jackson family to except it on behalf of MJ, and got all the rights and everything straight before hand, right after his death, to do a tribute show in late Aug., Sept., or early Oct. I feel…better yet I know that people and us ‘black’ people would’ve have understood why BET couldn’t have done an elaborate tribute at the awards show because of time constraints. Instead of ‘slapping’ something together at the last minute and it not be “GREAT”, people would have understood and respected the more elaborated achievement video and award. As black people I felt that BET thought “THIS IS MIKE! HE WAS BLACK! WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING “FIRST” BEFORE MTV OR VH-1, OR ANOTHER NETWORK!” and basically it backfired. I feel that the pride of black people and BET wanting so bad to be the “FIRST” network to do something for MJ backfired. If you think someone like MJ should deserve an over the top tribute and he should, like a 3-5 hour long special! Why would you jeopardize a GREAT tribute if you “WERE NOT” trying to brag and boast about being the first by rushing it. Now another tribute HAS TO, AND WILL be redone. For the sake of BET and a “BLACK NETWORK” I hope BET does it, because if they don’t all of that extra work will go down the drain…a complete failure…Why? Because the next tribute for MJ will be “PLANNED” and you better believe it will be “GREAT!”
Lastly, If you “BET” had the manpower, skills, and talent, to rewrite a show for the circumstances together in less than a week. Stop and think how fast you all could’ve did what I mentioned above, brought the rights to his music, make a theatrical commercial for the “PLANNED” tribute to be shown at the BET awards, and get a proper tribute together in the next 3 months!!! (And even maybe with the help of MTV, VH-1, or whoever), but…no we as Black people couldn’t put the pride to the side.
CAI // June 29, 2009 at 1:10 pm
BH, I couldn’t agree with you more. I can’t believe that a scant 10 minutes out of the entire spectacle that was BET awards was spent honoring real- life heroes. The entire show was full of nothing but shuckin and jivin. Only now we have no massa and we’re the ones doing ourselves in. BET’s propensity toward showing us in the most coontastic light imaginable is beyond me.
It wasn’t just that they disrespected Michael Jackson. They disrespected their audience, which was now comprised of many who are not Black because they were expecting to see a true MJ tribute. It’s several hours later, a brand new day, and I’m still angered and disheartened by what I saw last night. I should have never broken my BET boycott. I’m just glad that there are so many of us who are angry. I knew it was on and poppin when I went on Facebook and had friends post precisely the same sentiments as I did when I had them. Go to Twitter and you’ll see more of the same. SMH.
shawn d. // June 29, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I thought that BET did a fair job in the tribute. Based on the comments above, I do agree with most of them. But definetly not whole-heartedly. What do people expect? For EVERY artist that performed last night to perform a Michael Jackson song? I don’t think so. That’s simply unrealistic & not conveying the essence of the BET awards. I thought Jamie Foxx and Ne-yo did an excellent job representing Michael Jackson. Jamie Foxx kept the charisma alive by his humor & compelling voice. . . although it was slightly murdered by the performances of Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, New Edition & Drake. Ving Rhames was unquestionably drunk. Beyonce did an excellent job; however, it was innappropriate to the tribute. Kerry Hilson tried, but she did a little too much that made her look foolish. Nevertheless, in general, the BET Awards paid tribute to Michael Jackson by doing various things, although it was kind of all over the place. The New Jack Swing R&B performance was nice, as well as the tribute to the OJs. Before most of the commercial brakes, people came up to the mic & remembered the good in MJ . . . which I thought was nice. In the end however, the BET awards had to keep on its agenda.
What put the icing on the cake for me was Janet Jackson’s appearance & the duet with Ne-yo & Jamie Foxx. I thought that summed up the MJ tribute.
Mike // June 29, 2009 at 1:19 pm
OK, that show…last night…was NOT just a reflection of BET, y’all. Come on. You know better than that. It was a reflection of mainstream Black music. PERIOD. Don’t act all surprised and startled that Souljaboy was on the awards…because he’s on the radio every 23 minutes…some of YOUR children are calling to request his song played…and buying his album. Let’s calm down and back up from BET…in regards to the music. They are only reflecting what WE (loosely) are listening to and supporting…through concert tickets, album sales, webhits, etc. BET is not the devil y’all. Surprise surprise. This has nothing to do with “Massa” or coonery…it has everything to do with the downfall of black urban radio…moreso than anything…
Mike // June 29, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I agree that it was disappointing but did have some funny parts. But overall, I was expecting more. I stayed up to watch the whole thing because I was expecting a big MJ finale with a bunch of artists doing a medley of MJ hits. But it never happened. Some performances I had to just shake my head at and wonder, “Why is the hell…” was Soulja Boy. Why does the talentless boy rapper get so much props? What was Beyonce singing? Do a song that people know, or that means something, or an MJ song. I didn’t know what that was. And what was up with Lil Wayne and Drake’s performance. Why in the hell was a bunch of young girls on stage dancing to “I wish I could love every girl in the world”. That was a little sick. And finally, I was like, “is Jamie Foxx and Ne-yo the only two dudes that can sing MJ songs?
Ryan G // June 29, 2009 at 1:38 pm
And one more thing I don’t think it right to bash the other acts REMEMBER this was the BET AWARDS 09 SHOW FIRST! NOT A MJ TRIBUTE FIRST, people need to understand that before bashing all of the other performances not dealing with MJ. If anything get mad at BET for “TRYING” to mix in a tribute to MJ with music out now. I feel it is not the artists fault.
Erika // June 29, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I haven’t seen the show yet, but this seems to sum up all the disappointment, embarrassment and outright anger friends have expressed about this tomfoolery. BET has no excuse. None.
The BET Awards Fiasco - An Open Letter - Jack & Jill Politics // June 29, 2009 at 3:36 pm
[...] lack of class always appalls so I offer this slice to you. Read his whole recap entitled ahem: Dear BET: What The F^@k Was That over at his personal blog. It was around the time that Taraji P. Henson, Tyrese and a possibly [...]
Brittney // June 29, 2009 at 4:15 pm
“THAT WAS MESS UP BET”
MICHEAL JACKSON IS AN LEGEND AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS, THE LADY THAT OWN BET NOW SHE MUST DON’T KNOW MUCH BOUT MJ CAUSE, SHE COULD HAVE SHOWED HIM MORE RESPECT THEN THEY DID INSTEAD OF THAT LITTLE PIECE AT THE END. SHE SHOULD HAVE HAD MJ SONGS IN BETWEEN EACH PERFORMANCES.
“GOD THE MAN JUST DEAD HAVE SOME RESPECT”
Rudacious // June 29, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Shit sucked…
dr // June 29, 2009 at 5:22 pm
BET Awards? It was certainly a poor display of respect for a man who certainly without peer led the way for all of those who were sitting, standing, talking and acting a fool. It was certainly an embarrassment and a shame that BET and those participating showed such dishonor to Michael Jackson and to those of us posed to watch. I could not believe the language, the dress, the lack of class that was exhibited time and time again on that show. Jamie Fox set the tone for ridiculousness. Thank you Janet Jackson, Ojays, Ne-Yo, Maxwell and a few, very few, others who showed respect and sensitivity to the great contributions that Michael Jackson made. To the others, shame, shame on you!
Clarissa // June 29, 2009 at 5:38 pm
i know…i know.
i was so lost at the Baby Boy sketch (mainly because I haven’t seen it, and after last night, don’t want to.
i’m so upset at the lack of respect people had. i started to boycott the network. i hope people follow and do the same.
Michael // June 29, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Ugh…I completely agree. We were subjected to watching tasteless buffoonery for almost four hours. I wrote about this awards “show” earlier today:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11484-Boston-TV-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Dear-BET-You-Should-Be-Embarassed
Laura // June 29, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Personally I think one of the reasons that we had such serious coonfoolery is because somewhere in Beyonce performance contract no other male or female of higher music integrity are allowed share the same program with her. I know that sounds crazy but think about it. What would you think of Beyonce’s performances if you can have likes of Alicia Keyes, John Legend lining up the show. Beyonce is always the show stopper the centerpiece. Artists of Keyes or Legend integrity will expose the Beyonce hype machine.
djevoke // June 29, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I’m so glad I didn’t lift my BET ban for this, I was tempted as some of you were to lift it for the tribute but, I was spinning a tribute set to him last night…Thank GOD from what I read here…what a disgrace to not give a decent tribute to the man that shaped Pop music, what a shame to not remember the time we fell in love with MJ, what a waste of air space BET is…I hope this will be their downfall, FINALLY!
Karl Rabbit // June 29, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I was embarrassed to be Black last night. Jamie Foxx was the perfect idiot and there was so much foul language that I was embarrassed for the kids in the same room as I.
I was not at my own home, but I can’t fathom why the parents allowed their kids to stay. I was so turned off my the network that I left before Janet came out. I will watch the encore performance by Maxwell and turn it back on to see Janet. Somebody(s) at BET should be fired!
isonprize // June 29, 2009 at 8:30 pm
oooh, I am so glad I found an on-line link and didn’t PAY to see that hot mess.
I haven’t watched BET in years, but since they ADVERTISED IT as a tribute to MJ, I thought I’d give it a shot.
WHEW!! The only performances that were decent were the Neyo, O’Jays, JayZ and Maxwell. And only Neyo’s was in tribute to Michael.
Why did Zoe mention that Nichelle Nichols was in the bathroom? WHY???
What did Beyonce have on?? What?
Why were young girls on stage with Lil Wayne. In fact, why was he on stage at all. Somebody needed to beat his Lil Ass!!
Jamie was crass and tasteless the whole evening, I just couldn’t believe him in the final song. WHY does he think he’s sexy?
New Edition, BBD, Guy, Ciara, Beyonce, ALL THEM children shoulda sat down.
The production values were even worse than they were back when I watched it a few years ago, and they were pretty horrible then.
They know how rappers are. What happened to the seven second delay? Way more than a “damn” got thru. WAY more.
I had no idea what was going on with Taraji. That was Ving Rhames? Wow. “Michael Jackson is guns?” WTF? Seriously, what was that all about?
WHY couldn’t they print some cue cards LARGE enough for Don Cornelius to read? Damn.
Whew. That show was a HOT MESS. Damn shame. I’m not sure how or why Janet came out on stage. I’m not so sure I couldv’e done it.
B. // June 30, 2009 at 2:48 am
I knew it was bad when a older white guy I know confessed to me he had been watching and asked me today, “What was Beyonce wearing?”
It was horrible. Pure unadulterated niggatry. I was expecting BET to come out with guns blazing for the King of Pop. This would have been the moment to show the world just how much Mike meant to the network and black music, the moment for all the MJ swagger jackers to polish up their skills and at least TRY to show what they claim to have soaked up from watching him electrify for so many years. Instead, they put a bunch of coons on stage, trained the cameras on them and aired the shitshow all over the world.
One of the elders needs to pull a switch off the tree and tear Debra Lee’s hindparts up! (Where is Cicely Tyson when you need her?) She oughta be ashamed for calling this abomination a “tribute.” Every year she gets on stage and makes some strange, disconnected speech and invariably, I wonder if she even knows where she is. This year’s show was an utter embarrassment and like another poster mentioned, I am so glad I was watching a bootleg Internet stream and not some cable service funded by my paycheck. Tasteless, poorly produced (as always), inappropriate. There are so many paths BET could’ve taken. They chose the road which required no effort.
SquarePeg // June 30, 2009 at 7:14 am
I turned on the television with trepedition as to what I might see on BET, since it changed its format to All Rap, All the Time. The beginning of the show with a homage by New Edition to Jamie Foxx’ sketch begin the show in a positive light, but from that point, it began going downhill quickly.
Since I am not a fan of rap, and do not keep up with the “rap stars” I was not familiar with many of the performers and unfortnately, I did not miss a thing coming from these talentless and clueless individuals, Jay-Z included. I don’t think I was alone in trying to not only understand what they were saying, were they speaking English? Or, I could not comprehend the meaning of what they were saying. Had I written the so-called lyrics of these songs down trying to understand, they still would not have made any sense.
Listening to the TJMS on Monday, I realized why this format was used to honor Michael. Appareantly Jay-Z threatened to pull all of his “performers” if Chris Brown was allowed to entertain us. I say good riddance.
This was awful on so many levels; from allowing one mediocre rapper to dictate the content of your show, to acually allowing these people to grace a stage as talent. It was beyond disgraceful, it was disrespectful, something I don’t think these people even realize.
When I heard that Beyonce refused to change her musical selection to honor Michael, it only reinforced my perceptions of this diva as someone who could not have held the shoes of performers like Aretha, who she dissed, Chaka Kahn who should have performed, or any number of performers who would have put her in her place. Why has it become a necessity to have Beyonce perform at every awards show? Give someone else a chance!
Where were the people who actually worked with Michael through the decades, where were they?
As others have said, hopefully, someone will take a little time, plan, invite people who actually worked with Michael and do a classy, relevant, and spirit-filled homage to this man.
This was not it.
SquarePeg // June 30, 2009 at 7:19 am
To Jalessa:
Try Hook on Phonics. Read a book.
Good grief!
Deidra // June 30, 2009 at 8:40 am
Any writer who uses the term “coonery” loses the right to make social judgments. I am deeply offended that you are perpetuating one of the ugliest racial slurs that has ever existed. Your ignorance shines far more brightly than your social commentary.
Shanique // June 30, 2009 at 10:07 am
How about Jamie Fox advertising his tour every five minutes, that was pretty annoying. And remember he went to the top row of the theater and the people knocked the camera man over.
Debbie // June 30, 2009 at 11:56 am
A better name for that whole disgraceful BET Awards show, it should have been called the black minstrel show. I was at home and could have crawled under the couch. If this is the best BET could do then they should not have done anything. I will say Janet was classy, Papa Joe was self promoting. Next time if there is a next time BET need to … Read Moredecide if they want to portray black people in a positive way, or just change their name to Ghetto Show where all the has beens can get a chance to act a fool!
Erika // June 30, 2009 at 12:22 pm
coonery describes ignorant behavior that perpetuates harmful stereotypes about the taste and educational level of blacks. i’m not sure i see a problem with using the word to describe such acts, but…the comment you made, Debbie does give me pause. since there are other words that aren’t racially charged which describe the same deplorable actions, should we not use them, instead?
» Fiasco on BET // June 30, 2009 at 1:06 pm
[...] is part of an excellent article about that fu*ked up fiasco that took place on Sunday night on BET (Black Entertainment [...]
Hassan // June 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm
To be blunt, you have to call a spade a spade. I can see the value in having an extensive vocabulary, but sometimes, succinct is spot on. To say the show was crass or low brow doesn’t fully convey what was happening; the perfect storm of blissful “I’ve-come-so-far” ignorance and decorum of a Southern funeral (no shots at the South, I just know how we get down) was put on display for not just a regular BET audience, but instead the world. The best descriptor of what took place is in fact, coonery, if for no other reason than “niggery,” “niggerdom,” “niggerishness,” or even “niggerocity” are slightly harsh, if not completely made up, haha. I think the younger gens need to know their history, and not just a segment of it, lest they doom themselves to re-enact this night when Beyonce or Lil Wayne or whoever is annointed as their MJ passes in the future.
Top Posts « WordPress.com // June 30, 2009 at 6:11 pm
[...] Dear BET: What the F^@k Was That? It was around the time that Taraji P. Henson, Tyrese and a possibly drunk Ving Rhames took a Baby Boy sketch too far [...] [...]
In CO // July 1, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I didn’t see the whole show, because unlike another writer, I refused to lift my ban on BET for this very reason. With the 24-hr news cycles and internet news sites, the clips of the show were inescapable, so I ended up seeing quite few clips of the show. Your comments and recaps have confirmed for me what I already knew: the room was full of self-aggrandizing talentless celebs saying how much they “loved” Michael. Jamie Foxx? Give me a break. You would think an Oscar winner would know better. And Jay-Z is washed up; if it wasn’t for Beyonce no one would have even known he was there. I did see a clip of her “tribute” to MJ…how is that a tribute when she didn’t sing any of his songs?
Lil Wayne? The last time I checked, MJ didn’t inspire thuggery and endless tats.
Shame on BET for continuing to perpetuate the stereotypes that continue to shine a negative light on our people. And Pitts? The word “coonery” is absolutely correct in the description of events. It is what it is.
jrd // July 1, 2009 at 9:47 pm
amen and amen
Ashley // July 1, 2009 at 11:08 pm
As much as I dislike Chris Brown and his latest antics, those people who are saying CB doesn’t matter to a MJ tribute, youtube his World Music Awards tribute to Mike and the tribute he did to Mike at one of his concerts. There isn’t anyone who can trully imitate the King of Pop or match his voice, but CB comes awfully close.
Tiffany // July 2, 2009 at 8:51 am
As one of the people who said that CB is a non-issue, I agree with the fact that he can definitely do a great imitation. I’m just saying that he isn’t so spectacular that he would make or break an MJ tribute. There are too many talented performers out there to think otherwise.
Phyllis_52 // July 3, 2009 at 10:50 am
I agree 100%. It was if they really didn’t have time to sit back and remember what positive Michael gave to us. No one mentioned all of the charities that he donated to, when he came to DC when a little girl got attacked by a Pit Bull. He was the only celeribty (?) that came to see her. There were many other things that Mike done that was not mentioned. The singers were really not worth listening to. I understand they were hurt and still in shock but most of them was about themselves and their awards. What goes around comes around. Even if they just sat there showing one of Michael’s Tours would have been alright with me. They really didn’t know Michael even his father. Where did we go wrong with these people are we the one at fault for making them think that they are all that. Miss u Mike with Love.
Phyllis_52 // July 3, 2009 at 10:56 am
Since BET was brought by this White company alot of its shows and awards has been lacking what we are really use to. The last BET award show that I enjoyed was when Monique MCed. Since then it has been a terrible mess.
Michael Jackson Tribute Gone Wrong… [BET Awards] « When I Write // July 3, 2009 at 11:27 am
[...] Foxx not knowing if the camera was live or not ~ too busy between performances. Yup, that about wraps it up… SMH Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Video: T-Pain Tribute To Michael [...]
Rebecca // July 3, 2009 at 11:52 am
OMG! Who wrote this article because whoever wrote it was on point. If this is what they call a tribute then they should’ve just continued with their previous plans. I totally agree with this article 100%. The show was a total sham. Michael deserved so much more. I just hope that MTV or VH-1 gives Michael the proper tribute because he is a musical icon and there will be no one on this earth as great as he was. He will be missed so much.
Mike // July 3, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I agree set the race back 100 years with that one and probably gave those who have never tuned into BET before, but did so to honor Michael another bad perspective of blacks!
There should be a proper tribute produced by Quincy Jones, Diana Ross and someone else with credibility who has quality in mind and DOES NOT include half the idiotic performers that appeared on BET.
NECESARRY // July 4, 2009 at 5:23 pm
B.E.T. IS DRIVING BY VIACOM…A WHITE OWNED COMPANY THAT SEE’S MONEY AND NOTHING ELSE..WELL THE IGNORANCE OF OUR PPL. THEY KNOW WHAT BLAKS LIKE..AND THEY FEED US THAT SHYT UNTIL WE THROW UP… BUT ONLY TOO ASK FOR MORE! SO LISTEN B.E.T…YALL BASTARDS HAVE THE MONEY…ALL U FUKN IDIOTS HAD TOO DO TO SHOW MICHAEL JUSTICE…HAVE A WHOLE SEPERATE SHOW! FIND ALL OF THE CLASSY RESPECTABLE TALENTS IN TODAYS MUSIC AND HAVE THEM TO DO IT RIGHT! THE LAST THING YOU BITCHES DID RIGHT…..”VIDEO SOUL WITH DONNIE SIMPSON”!!!
Embarrassed // July 6, 2009 at 4:26 am
To the original comment – I agree with your opinion whole heartedly. I remember back in the 80’s when BET was classy television for minorities or anyone else who enjoyed watching the network. Now most of the shows are a big joke showcasing the ignornance and sterotypes of some African Americans. I refuse to watch BET for that reason and the only way I saw the awards was because the girls at the group home where I work was watching it.
Oh yeah the awards show……what a horrible mess! Thank God for Janet Jackson who added class to the show for the few minutes that she was on stage! BET should have had a seperate show honoring Michael Jackson’s achievement and contribution to the music world, his love for people, and the affect that he had over people all over the world.
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