Macy Gray’s recent national anthem performance at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game drew mixed reactions Sunday night. As Gray sang, winning team member LeBron James struggled to contain his giggles during the Grammy Award-winning singer’s rendition.
Later, through social media, veteran comedian Marlon Wayans recalled a time he and his brother Shawn performed a parody of Gray’s single “I Try” at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.
If many can remember, the “Still” singer did not appear to be too fond of the Wayans brothers’ satire. With Marlon dressing up as the actress, the two poked fun at her natural hair, infamously comparing it to that of legendary boxing promoter Don King. The “Scary Movie” creators went as far as to compare the “Idlewild” actress’ natural tresses to pubic hair.
Following the presentation before the All-Star game, Marlon shared the throwback video, writing, That National Anthem at the #allstargame2022 reminded me of a sketch we did way back. Love you Macy. I think she still hates me for this one.”
Marlon appeared to revive the memories of his 5.5 million Instagram followers, who flooded his comments section with several laughing emojis. “Best MTV awards host ever. Still have this on VHS,” wrote one fan. Another person commented, “The minute she came out I thought of this sketch.”
A third person praised the vintage clip, noting, “when MTV music & MTV movie awards was actually at it greatest.” “This is one of my favorite sketches. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ARTISTRY,” wrote another social media user.
In her response, the soul singer refused to read from the Teleprompter when she ultimately took the stage that night. “Now that everybody’s seen my bush, I don’t think I need to say anything else.”
Critics called out the “In Living Color” stars, including writer Kristen Baldwin. She called Shawn and Marlon “the sorriest pair of hosts any TV show has ever seen,” describing their sketch “tasteless” in an Entertainment Weekly article.
Gray rose to prominence in the late ’90s, thanks to her uniquely raspy voice and singing style heavily influenced by Billie Holiday. She released several studio albums and starred in successful films. She also has received a number of accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her hit international single “I Try,” which inspired the aforementioned comedic sibling duo.
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