The Urban One Honors took place Thursday, December 5th at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Urban One founder and chairwoman Cathy Hughes and actor Chris Tucker hosted the star-studded event celebrating 40 years of Radio One. The taping will air January 20, 2020, at 8 PM ET on TV One.
The honorees this year included music executive Sylvia Rhone(Lifetime Achievement Honor), recording artist Missy Elliott (Music Innovation Honor), actor and comedian Jamie Foxx(Entertainment Icon Honor), artist Chance The Rapper (Represent Change Honor), Pose actor/dancer Ryan Jamaal Swain (Represent Pride Honor), music executive legend Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant (Represent Opportunity), civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton (Represent Leadership) and actor Billy Porter (Represent Excellence).Â
There were several highlights from the evening starting with a surprise performance from Anita Baker who serenaded Cathy Hughes with “Giving You The Best That I’ve Got” and she had Lalah Hathaway, Billy Porter and Jamie Foxx join her on stage. Lil’ Kim warmly presented the Music Icon Innovation Award to her longtime friend Missy Elliott. Actress Corinne Foxx presented her father Jamie Foxx with the Entertainment Icon Award and he revealed that being a father is his best role ever. A musical tribute to the late James Ingram had performances from Ne-Yo, Eric Benét, Chante Mooré and Al B. Sure!
There were additional performances from Brandy, Wale and new artist Jac Ross. 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 Bearrounded out the show.