Vibe.com, September 23rd, 2005
Honorees included LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Notorious B.I.G., the film Boyz N the Hood, Iced T, Salt N Pepa, Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.
Surprisingly, many of the pioneers still resided in their famed ‘hoods although their perspectives paths rarely cross. The gold carpet at certain points looked more like a family reunion, more fitting for the Bronx’s Grand Concourse - with mothers decked out in pink house slippers, plenty of local and unnecessary entourage and lots of B.Y.O.B.
MC Lyte and David Banner served as gold carpet hosts welcoming the Cold Crush Brothers, The Rock Steady Crew, Dana Dane, D-Nice and other random rappers and DJs as they came down the golden causeway seeking to identify themselves as the true pioneers; many of them using the televised event to finally claim their position in the game. Sweet Tee, Pebbly Poo and DJ Jazzy Jeff humbly accepted their recognition.
The journey to Oz came complete with a visit from the Witch of Good Intentions, Wendy Williams whose mission was to separate the men from the boys in true gossip fashion. Her presence was one part authentic as pioneering radio personality and two parts journalist as she herself flocked to Ray J, Nelly and couple Ice T and Coco for footage for her own VH1 television show.
The pre show event also served as one of the first platforms for a reunited En Vogue, including Dawn Robinson to show their reformed unity as they were on hand to perform with Salt n Pepa.
Reverend Run and brother Russell Simmons, sans Kimora, joined in, not only as members of the hip hop royal elite, but they also served as hosts. They were of the few who drew as much applause from on lookers as Nelly and Snoop. The irony of the gold carpet only fortified VH1’s mission to acknowledge the pioneers as their legacy contributes to the successes of today’s marvels like T.I., Common, Kanye West, Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri, all of whom were on hand to pay tribute.
VH1 Hip Hop Honors will air on September 26.
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