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Thanks to Jumaane N’Namdi, owner of G. R. N’Namdi Art Gallery with locations in Chicago, Detroit, and New York and Linda Fils-Aime, of Linda Fils-Aime Reality (www.LindaFilsAime.com) for making it possible for me to cover the 2007 BET Awards.  The Main Event is exactly what the BET Awards has become.  Your boy William G. McCray, III was so fresh and so clean working the red carpet in a soft pink Valentino Suit with a black and white checkerboard print Ralph Lauren, Purple Label shirt and a black, white, silver Cravat with a pair of black and white Prada shoes and rose tinted Burberry shades.  Of course I was verifying the true essence of style and class--you would not have it any other way.  The first BET Awards without the presence of founder Bob Johnson and not even a mention of his name. The show was just as good and the weekend of events has stepped up tremendously.   A weekend packed with brunches, parties, and dinners leading up to The Main Event, the big deal started on Sunday with a luncheon at the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood.  An afternoon hosted by music businessman Kevin Liles was called “Make It Happen”.  It seemed to have been a great afternoon that was immediately interrupted with T.I. attacking Chaka Zulu, Ludacris’ manager and brainchild of many rappers and Disturbing The Peace music label, which under has guidance has achieved great success.  Out of nowhere while many of us were still eating and enjoying the program T.I. appeared to have leaped in the air and landed down on Chaka punching him in the face and grabbing at his throat.  After running to get a closer look at the brawl Chaka did get a good lick in on T.I., born Clifford Harris while trying to get up from the table.  Harris seemed to have gotten the best of Chaka due to his being seated at a table when the two exchanged heated words, which led to the attack.  Normally most of the Atlanta stars act like family and are very supportive of each other, but not this time.  Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, who was also seated at the table got up and walked out while the fight ensued, keeping it from turning into an all out brawl. 

Ding, ding, ding, the weekend had officially opened and promised to be eventful, but careful to not destroy the big night in Black Entertainment.  The attacked was said to have been unprovoked and Chaka was forced to defend himself.  “It is a shame that things like this continue to happen especially with the backdrop of an event that was about benevolence and charitable works.  I’m thankful that all issues have been resolved.”  A-list of power broker attendees of Young Joc, Musiq, Twista, Brandy, Omar Epps, and my girl, Amorosa all witnessed the unfortunate melee.  Ludacris and Chaka arrived about three hours late and the altercation happened.  Seems the rumors are true that T.I. and Ludacris have been beefing for awhile and things got worst after Ludacris’ “War With God”, which did not name anyone in his vicious diss.  “Watch What You Say”, was released by T.I. and made similar attacks.

Although, it was interrupted by a bad fight between two of the high roller invited guest the weekend proceeded without a flaw.  On the Monday night prior to the award show BET unveiled a premier event.  Dinner with the Chairman and CEO of BET Debra L. Lee as a star studded night at Boulevard 3 on Sunset in Hollywood.  Who’s Who in the music and entertainment business was in attendance.  The elegant evening was preceded with a reception in the atrium of the venue as the big names in the business arrived and greeted each other prior to dinner.  No more than about one thousand individuals feasted on a meal that still tickles my palate.  Starting with Blackened Shrimp, Yellow Gazpacho, Southern BLT Salad, followed by Blood Orange Sorbet to cleanse our palates and prepare us for the delightful main course of Braised Boneless Shortribs Garnished with Yam Chips, Blue Cheese Bread Pudding, Sautéed Fava Beans and Carrots, and Baked Roma Tomato.  I would be remised to not mention the incredible concert by Lyfe Jennings followed by the incomparable Erykah Badu.  Dessert was served on the courtyard while Nick Cannon worked the wheels of steel.  T.I. was in attendance after making his boxing debut, but was on his best behavior along with his girl.  L.L. Cool J, Gabrial Union, Tank, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tyrese, Sanaa Lathan, Busta Ryhmes, Nas, Tracey Edmonds, who was solo all weekend, Nelly and Asanti were in attendance together and made it very obvious they are still a couple again.  Robin Thick, Ne-Yo, Takau Jones, L.A. Reid, and former “106 ‘n Park” host, A.J. Calloway all made up the ensemble of attendees to tip their hat to the new chick in charge at BET--while dancing and partying on into the night.  Eventually the Queen of Hip Hop arrived at the party, who was late due to her being honored earlier that same evening by ASCAP.  Mary J. Blige appeared and was the only star that night that seemed to have attempted to keep some distance between herself and the other A-List attendees with the help of her publicist and over protective husband Kendu Isaacs.  The close of the evening only got better when I attempted to retreat to my room at the Beverly Hilton when a hostess approached me with a gift that made me weak.  She handed me a huge black shopping bag containing a gift certificate to Melrose Beach Spa for a complimentary 30 minute facial or Swedish Massage, a Three Day Pass to Equinox Fitness Club, a Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic gift certificate, a Evian Brumisateur mister, an Akademiks iPod case, a pair of Trotter Shell sunglasses, a jacket, and finally a huge black wooden box lined in velvet and satin containing a pair of jeans resting on a black stain pillow all complements of Roca Wear.    

Performance critiques could not have gone unnoted and some quite frankly were so painful they required drugs far stronger than Advil.  T.I. was not as good as he could have been to me or I might have been extremely critical of him due to his attacking my friend Chaka Zulu two days before.  Additionally, his piss poor apology that was more of a diss than a sincere “I am sorry.” T.I.’s charade was nothing more than an overcast on the entire evening.  50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, allowed the world to know he is not as hard and fearless as he would like to make people think.  The rapper was at least 20 feet off the floor on a rafter when he almost fell and had a melt down right on stage when his special effects came to a halt.  Not exactly the reaction one would have thought a guy that had been shot nine times would have when facing danger, guess 50 is not that hard after all.  To save face he took off his shirt and attempted to pull down his pants.  Ne-Yo, the sex addict was good as usual along with Ciara.  Terrence Howard, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, and Katt Williams all were synonymous with the excellence their names have come to mean in their respective fields.  P. Diddy and Keyshia Cole were show stoppers with their performance of one of my favorite songs “Last Night,” and with an addition of a not so Lil’ Kim was hot.  I thought I would only see a tambourine played in church, but Eve has made the instrument hot with Hip Hop.  Her performance of her new hit was a show stopper.  Although, with Eve’s looks it does not take much to bring down the house.  Don Cheadle received the BET Humanitarian Award for his efforts in Darfur and his fundraising for the AIDS epidemic in Africa.  Cheadle was one of the most sincere and gracious men to be honored and seemed to really understand that his gift is not for him.  BET also honored Diana Ross, the icon of Motown style with the BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her four decade long, accomplished career in popular music.  The diva was presented her award by her five children after Chaka Khan and Erykah Badu performed some of her classic hits.  Diana looked amazing in a red gown at 63 years-old, she gave a great speech, but most importantly she informed the audience that you do not have to use profanity or be distasteful to have longevity in your career.  Miss Ross accepted her award gave words of wisdom threw her long thick mane off her shoulders like only Diana can and walked directly to her limo and never looked back. 

The party did not stop there, but continued on into the night with a star studded after party at the Roosevelt Hotel.  Your boy worked the red carpet again over at the late night spot where the most interesting thing happened.  Tyrese arrived along with Ginuwine and Tank, the three men were referred to as triple threat.  Not sure what the problem was with Tyrese, who did not want to do any interviews and one of his security guys said act like you just received an important phone call.  When Ginuwine and Tank seemed to be eager to talk to the press and was asking him what he was doing by just walking straight into the party.  However, Tank did stop, but by that time I was so pissed with Tyrese’s piss poor behavior that I declined to interview Tank or Ginuwine, but not until after I reminded them that they needed the media and not the other way around.  Additionally, I encouraged them to remind their overly excited friend that it was not long ago that he was the unknown boy that was discovered singing on a Coke commercial and if he keeps beating his live in girlfriend he may relive those days sooner than he thinks.  Most of the A-list BET Awards attendees and participants attended the after party that was flowing buffet of wonder cuisine and drinks into the wee hours of the morning. 

Well, it seems that a number of pastors are taking their ministries beyond the confines of the walls of their local assemblies and attempting to impact the world.  Bishop Paul S. Morton is such a man, having overcome a number of personal challenges and losing everything to Hurricane Katrina he is now ready to embrace the next dimension.  The bishop’s week long conference was a success and picked up where Bishop T. D. Jakes, Megafest left off.  Jakes canceled his family festival due to near half million dollar loss suffered in his last attempt that did not have the numbers as he had in years past.  Bridging Christian principles with business and economic growth simultaneously during the week long event—Bishop made it clear that he wanted to purchase a multi-million dollar facility and that his long time friend and member, Tyler Perry and given the first 20,000 in cash to finance the vision.  Additionally, he will build a world headquarters in New Orleans.  In spite of gas prices climbing, members of the 2,000 plus church organization ran down to the alter with their offerings in hand to support their leaders vision.  Paul Morton seems to have nine lives and a serious ability to bounce back quickly from tragedy by overcoming colon cancer, a nervous breakdown, and the loss of everything to the vicious storm.    His wife, Debra Morton unveiled her perfume entitled Blessing In a Bottle at a reception during the weeks events.  Do not sleep on the Morton’s and their ability to understand spirituality and business.  BeBe Winans, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Bryon Caig, and William Murphy all gave musical offerings throughout the weekend. 

According to my “Street Committee”…A number of things that went on backstage of the BET Awards that most people would like to go unmentioned, but I have to inform you.  Eddie Levet seemed to have been very angry that some white photographers were not interested in taking his photograph backstage in the press room after he received an award honoring his late son Gerald Levert.  “What is wrong with you white boy,” Eddie yelled.  “Take my damn picture white boy,” Eddie said slurring while pointing at the white men that just sat looking at him with blank looks on their faces.  “Well, f*ck you then, bye,” Eddie yelled while running out of the room, everyone was in shock with surprised expressions on their faces in regard to what we had witnessed.  It has been rumored for years that Eddie had been involved with drugs, but it was clear that something was wrong with him on that night that did not have much to do with him grieving the loss of his son.  While on the red carpet I ran into Ray J and I had to seize the opportunity to question him about his alleged relationship with Whitney and all of the problems his sister, Brandy is facing as a result of the car accident.  After complementing me on my BET fit Ray J said that he was doing the best he could during this very difficult time he and his family is going though.  “I love her music and it has been great working with Whitney,” Ray J said smiling.   But he never affirmed nor denied if he was romantically involved with Whitney Houston.

While in LA it was a great deal of talk about Shemar Moore and his being nude at a gay beach.  I am not so sure about there being a gay nude  beach in LA, but he says he and  his girlfriend went skinny dipping.  The actor finally had the chance to do something that he has always wanted to do and was thankful that the water was not cold.  Moore is adamant that he is not gay, but that he does not have any problem with anyone and their personal choice.  However, Shemar was not apologetic about his being nude in public at all nor did he seem to have a problem with the photos being passed around of him in his birthday suit.  In fact my friend Shemar was so calm it makes me wonder if this was not a publicity stunt to get in the public eye.  Moore is also rumored to be facing a DUI charge and allegedly has the same judge as Paris Hilton.  Now all of this is just a rumor and I am still checking, but if he does have the same judge he might want to be on his best behavior at all times until his court date.