Some of the biggest names in film, television, and music gathered recently for a star-studded affair at the annual Urban One Honors at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The event was hosted by Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes and actor Chris Tucker and commemorated the 40-year legacy of Radio One. The show will premiere on January 20, 2020, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, at 8P.M./7C on TV One.
This year’s honorees included: veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone (Lifetime Achievement Honor); Grammy Award-winning recording artist and producer Missy Elliott (Music Innovation Honor); Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx (Entertainment Icon Honor); Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper (Represent Change Honor); and, actor/dancer and star of “Pose,” Ryan Jamaal Swain (Represent Pride Honor).
Special recognition went to music executive legend Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant (Represent Opportunity), civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton (Represent Leadership), and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Porter (Represent Excellence).
Highlights from the evening included:
A surprise performance by Grammy Award-winning icon Anita Baker, who not only serenaded Cathy Hughes with “Giving You the Best That I Got” but also had Lalah Hathaway, Billy Porter, and Jamie Foxx to join her on stage.
Actress Corinne Foxx presenting the Entertainment Icon Honor to her father Jamie Foxx, who, during his acceptance speech, remarked that his best role ever is being a father.
Rapper Lil’ Kim‘s heartfelt presentation of the Music Innovation Honor, which brought honoree Missy Elliott to tears.
A special musical tribute to the late, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, James Ingram, by Ne-Yo, Eric Benét, Chanté Moore, and Al B. Sure!
Additional performances from Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar Brandy, Grammy-nominated rapper Wale and new artist Jac Ross brought the audience to its feet. Special appearances by Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins, III, veteran radio personality Tom Joyner, entrepreneur and TV personality Ray J, rapper/radio host Da Brat, TV host Egypt Sherrod, comedian George Wallace, and Reach Media/Radio One personalities Russ Parr, Willie Moore, Jr, Dyana Williams, Darlene McCoy, and Little Bacon Bear rounded out the show.
“It is with great humility and gratitude that I acknowledge our sponsors, staff and attendees at our second annual Urban One Honors at the MGM National Harbor. We are totally aware that our 40th anniversary would not be a reality without your love and support,” said Hughes.
Ford Motor Company served as Presenting Sponsor of the event and presented a special backstage pass segment hosted by TV Personality Tai Beauchamp, featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters. Ford also sponsored the Entertainment Icon Award.
Check out the gallery below:
DaBrat with Billy Porter Brandy + Chance the Rapper Kathy Hughes + Clarence Avant Miss J Keena Wells +
Chef JernardAlgebra Blessett Tai Beauchamp Freddie Jackson Phyllis Yvonne Stickney Egypt Sherrod Sylvia Rhone Jamie Foxx + Corinne Foxx Kenny Burns, Ne-Yo, Al B. Sure + Eric Benét
Photo Credits: Urban One, Inc.