#MelaninMagic: Kandi, Mona Scott Young, Brandy,…
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Five melanin magic makers stepped into the highlight in New Orleans, as household, pals and fellow stars gathered to rejoice their gentle and legacy.
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
ESSENCE Black Women In Music returned Sunday and honored Brandy, Missy Elliott, Kandi Burruss, Monica and Mona Scott-Young for their inventive contributions to music and tradition.
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
Hosted by Anthony Anderon, the afternoon was stuffed with heartfelt homages, shock tales and shifting moments as the star’s friends mirrored on each honoree’s lasting affect.
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
Among the standout tributes, Teyana Taylor launched Missy Elliott and thanked her for “making different the standard”…
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Sherri Shepherd celebrated Kandi Burruss for gifting the world hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “No Scrubs”…
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and Tyrese told a deep cut story about “The Boy Is Mine” while honoring his longtime pal Brandy.
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
“When I think about the essence of a woman, I don’t think about perfection,” Brandy said after accepting her honor. “I think about becoming. I think about rising. I think about surviving seasons that no one applauds.”
Reflecting on the peaks and valleys of her decades-long profession, the Becoming creator said there have been seasons when she questioned whether or not her voice still mattered. Yet, she said those quieter moments grew to become alternatives for non secular growth.
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“While I thought I was hidden, God was building me; building my spirit, building my character, building my compassion, building my patience,” she said.
Describing every music as “a prayer” and every stage as “an altar,” Brandy inspired the viewers to embrace life’s detours.
“Don’t mistake delay for denial. Don’t mistake silence for absence. Don’t mistake hits and misses for failure,” she said. “Your story is still being written.”
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Missy Elliott echoed that message by turning the highlight toward group, reminding attendees that success is supposed to be shared.
“When God gives you a gift, it’s not to just harbor it,” Missy said. “It is to share it.”
The hip-hop icon applauded the ladies acknowledged alongside her, saying it was gratifying to see artists from her era finally obtain their “forest,” not just flowers, after many years of groundbreaking work.
She also mirrored on Monica’s unwavering assist during one of the most troublesome intervals of her life, recalling that when sickness made it troublesome to write, Monica merely told her, “Give me the pen. I’ll write the words down.”
Missy also praised presenter Teyana Taylor, recalling the first time she heard Taylor sing in the studio.
“I said, ‘This girl is a star,’” Missy remembered. “Sometimes we don’t even see these things in ourselves until somebody comes along.”
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Kandi Burruss, meanwhile, mirrored on the importance of sharing the stage with ladies she has admired throughout her profession.
“I’m thankful to be accepting an award and being recognized with so many people that I truly love, like Mona Scott-Young and Missy Elliott,” Kandi said.
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And the event reached an emotional crescendo when Monica accepted the Luminary Award just one month after the passing of her father. As beforehand reported Monica’s
“It’s only been a month since I lost my father,” she shared. “I say it with joy because I know what awaits us on the other side.”
Monica mirrored on rebuilding her relationship with her father, a journey that finally allowed her to introduce him to Michelle Obama before his passing. She also celebrated reuniting with Brandy onstage the evening before at ESSENCE Fest, describing their renewed partnership as one constructed on “different minds, but aligned hearts.”
She closed with a message that completely encapsulated the spirit of the afternoon.
“When you think ‘luminary,’ you think light,” Monica said. “My goal is that no matter where I am; mentoring, loving, singing or simply showing up; bringing the light is important.”
The event also included appearances from LeToya Luckett, DaVinchi, Tamar Braxton, Teedra Moses and Dawn Richard.
See more ESSENCE Black Women In Music pictures below.
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The post #MelaninMagic: Kandi, Mona Scott Young, Brandy, Monica & Missy Elliott Honored For Their Light & Legacy At ESSENCE Black Women In Music appeared first on GWN.
