VH1
The 2016 “VH1 Hip Hop Honors” returned live last night for the first time since 2010. Hosted by rapper Eve, it showcased a slew of female powerhouses in the genre. At the event, dubbed “All Hail The Queens,” there were tributes to — as well as performances by — Queen Latifah, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliot and Salt-N-Pepa.
Queen Bee took in a tribute performance that included French Montana, Teyana Taylor and Lil Mama.
Twitter especially raved about Taylor.
Teyona Taylor kilt it hands down !
— Dej (@BeenDej_) July 12, 2016
Brianna Smith pointed out the singer’s wig that was left on stage after the energetic performance.
Y'all peep Teyona Taylor's wig laying on stage ???
— Brianna Smith (@BriannaCobain) July 12, 2016
Lil’ Kim also performed a hits melody with Dej Loaf and Rich Homie Quan. But the most notable moment came when Quan – decked out in a Coogie sweater – forgot the lyrics to The Notorious B.I.G.’s verse on the Junior Mafia track, “Get Money.”
Quan’s gaff had Twitter in a humorous uproar.
#HipHopHonors Somebody teach Rich Homie Quan the lyrics plz! Biggie just turned over in his grave!
— Mr C'mon Son!!!! (@MrEdLover) July 12, 2016
I'm just gonna act like Lil' Kim didn't perform with Rich Homie Quan. #HipHopHonors pic.twitter.com/i6ZVwIP25l
— Kevin Simmons (@TheSkorpion) July 12, 2016
It also spurred the hashtag, #RichHomieKaraoke.
IRV GOTTI IN DA CLUB GETTING TIPSY #RichHomieKaraoke
— Pooch Flair (@Poochda63) July 12, 2016
User @homegirl_flexin gave her take on how Quan might perform Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
Momma say, momma saw, Moroccan sauce,
Momma say, momma saw, in Arkansas ??♩ #RichHomieKaraoke— Bae Finkle (@homegirl_flexin) July 12, 2016
Missy Elliot’s tribute performance came from Fantasia, Monica and Tweet, who each sang “Free Yourself”, “So Gone” and “Oops (Oh My)” before wrapping up with “Lady Marmalade.” The songs were all originally produced or performed by Elliot, who sang along to each performance.
Twitter user @TAJrani praised Fantasia for her vocal skills.
I just almost passed out due to Fantasia's vocal prowess, so y'all come peel me off this floor. Thanks. #HipHopHonors #AllHailTheQueens
— taj rani (@TAJrani) July 12, 2016
And Sherri Williams was in awe of Missy’s musical impact.
Come on 'Tasia!!! Do it Monica!!! Go 'head on Tweet!!! @MissyElliott got a #HipHopHonors & an R&B one too! Her impact on music is legendary
— Sherri Williams (@SherriWrites) July 12, 2016
Salt-N-Pepa were previously recognized by Hip Hop Honors in 2005, but they were also a part of this year’s lineup. Their tribute featured host Eve, Ashanti, Dreezy and Keke Palmer singing their timeless hits.
Twitter praised the tribute.
me, during that entire salt n pepa tribute. & yes for ashanti. #HipHopHonors pic.twitter.com/Csij2ZGp26
— The Latifah (@TheLatifah) July 12, 2016
Queen Latifah was the last performer of the night, but she did not walk away from the show before making a statement on racism. The MC couldn’t ignore the latest police brutality events that ended fatally for Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.
“It’s so much going on out here in the world,” she began. “I just really appreciate a night that we can just pause and celebrate something that’s really great.”
“I’m hoping that we can somehow manage to channel all of these emotions that we have in a positive way,” she continued. “I don’t care how much things I have, or Puff has,” Latifah said, referring to soon-to-be-retired Diddy, who surprised Kim with a birthday cake on stage. “If I go outside and try to hail a cab and he passes me for the white woman standing right there, that racism is still alive and kicking. And we have to change that. And I’m not blaming the white lady, she needed a cab, too.”
She added, “I’m just saying we need to change this attitude.”
Fitting of her plea for unity, Latifah closed the show with her 1993 Grammy Award-winning song, “U.N.I.T.Y.”
She performed with Rah Digga, Monie Love, The Lady of Rage, Da Brat and YoYo in a widely praised melody.
BIIIIIITH THIS QUEEN LATIFAH LINEUP IS FIYAH!!! #HIPHOPHONORS
— Kevin Simmons (@TheSkorpion) July 12, 2016
