Man, let me tell you, Night 2 of the virtual NAACP Image Awards pre-show was straight up dope! It was a lit celebration of Black excellence across music, media, and literature, with some of our favorite heavy hitters like Cardi B, Don Lemon, and SZA racking up some serious wins. This is more than just another awards show; it’s a monumental platform for showcasing incredible talent and influence within the Black community, setting the stage for what’s bound to be an unforgettable main event.
First off, can we talk about Cardi B? The Bronx bombshell cleaned up, no cap, snagging three **NAACP Image Awards** on Tuesday night. She was crowned Outstanding Female Artist, and her latest album, ‘Am I the Drama?’, earned the top spot for Outstanding Album. And her track ‘ErrTime’? That joint took home the prize for Outstanding Hip-Hop/Rap Song. Before this impressive haul, Cardi had only one Image Award under her belt for ‘Rhythm & Flow,’ so these wins are a huge testament to her undeniable growth and impact in the music game. She’s not just a rapper; she’s a cultural phenomenon, consistently pushing boundaries and delivering hits that resonate far and wide. It’s truly inspiring to see her continue to conquer.
Then there’s the legendary journalist, Don Lemon, who proved he’s still a powerhouse in the ever-evolving media landscape. He scored two trophies for his eponymous talk show, ‘The Don Lemon Show,’ in the podcast categories for News and Information and Society and Culture. For real, seeing a veteran like Lemon pivot so successfully to digital platforms like podcasting shows where the industry is headed. His show, alongside Michelle Obama’s ‘IMO’ podcast, pretty much dominated, taking home four of the five awards presented in that medium. It’s a legit win for independent digital content and highlights the increasing influence of podcasts in shaping public discourse and bringing diverse voices to the forefront.
Of course, you can’t talk about major wins without bringing up Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Lamar, who was already a big winner on Night 1, added two more awards to his collection on Tuesday, including Outstanding Male Artist. He also shared the Music Video/Visual Album award with SZA for their Grammy-winning hit, ‘Luther.’ That collaboration was pure magic, a match made in musical heaven that was absolutely on point. It’s a powerful reminder of how these artists continually elevate their craft and create art that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting cultural mark. Their synergy is just *chef’s kiss*.
And speaking of lasting cultural marks, our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama, continued her impressive post-White House run of excellence. Her podcast, ‘IMO,’ co-hosted with her brother Craig Robinson, picked up awards for Outstanding Podcast in both Lifestyle/Self-Help and Arts, Sports and Entertainment. Plus, her latest book, ‘The Look,’ which delves into her style evolution, took home the award for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography on Night 1. It’s highkey awesome to see her continued influence in literature and media, always empowering and inspiring. She’s a true icon, and her commitment to uplifting others through her work is something we all admire.
On the film front, Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated period vampire thriller, ‘Sinners,’ started its awards journey strong, nabbing prizes for Outstanding Soundtrack and Original Score. With a massive 18 nominations, this film is definitely one to watch. Coogler, who blessed us with ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Creed,’ has a track record for delivering powerful, thought-provoking cinema, and ‘Sinners’ is shaping up to be another fire addition to his impressive resume. It’s exciting to see a visionary like him continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, especially in a genre like a vampire thriller, which often benefits from fresh perspectives.
The NAACP Image Awards, now in its 57th year, has always been more than just a glitzy event; it’s a crucial institution that highlights achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, as well as those who promote social justice through their creativity. It’s a vital platform that often provides recognition where other mainstream awards might fall short, celebrating diverse narratives and groundbreaking talent that truly represent the mosaic of American culture. The fact that it’s a multi-night, virtual affair for some categories also makes it super accessible, letting fans tune in and celebrate these victories from anywhere. It’s a modern approach to honoring tradition.
This year’s awards also made history by venturing into new territory, like the gaming world. Berlin Edmond Jr., famously known as @Berleezy, snagged the top prize for Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech. This is sick! It shows the NAACP Image Awards are lowkey staying relevant and recognizing the evolving ways Black creators are making waves and influencing culture, not just in traditional entertainment but also in digital spaces that are shaping the next generation. It’s a huge step forward for representation in an industry that’s often overlooked in mainstream awards.
And let’s not forget the special honorees who are set to receive their due during the main ceremony. Viola Davis will get the Chairman’s Award, Colman Domingo the President’s Award, A$AP Rocky the Vanguard Award for fashion (he’s always been a style icon, for real), and Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant will receive the prestigious Mildred Bond Roxborough Social Justice Impact Award. These individuals are pillars in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of excellence and activism that the NAACP champions. Their contributions extend far beyond their craft, influencing society and inspiring change.
With more winners to be announced and the main show hosted by Deon Cole airing live on BET and CBS, the excitement is still building. The ‘Bel-Air’ series also led TV nominations, proving that there’s a wealth of incredible content showcasing Black talent across all mediums. This whole week is a powerful affirmation of the diverse and dynamic contributions of Black artists and leaders. It’s a moment to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the immense talent that continues to enrich our world. We’re highkey ready for the rest of the show!
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