Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: BMI Awards

  • Teyana Taylor Channels Janet Jackson’s Iconic ‘If’ Look

    Get ready to do a double-take! Teyana Taylor, a true artist in her own right, is showing some serious love for a legend. She’s just paid a breathtaking homage to the one and only Janet Jackson by recreating one of her most unforgettable stage looks. This isn’t just any fan tribute; it’s a powerful nod from one icon to another.

    A Legendary Look Reimagined

    For a special feature in People’s World’s Most Beautiful issue, Teyana stepped into the shoes of Janet Jackson, donning a striking military-inspired cream ensemble. This is the exact outfit Janet wore when performing her hit song ‘If’ during her electrifying Janet World Tour, which ran from 1993 to 1995. The resemblance is uncanny, capturing the fierce energy of the original performance.

    Teyana, who styled the look herself with the help of Baba Jagne and Laurel DeWitt, confessed her deep admiration. “Everybody who knows me, knows I don’t play about Janet,” she told the magazine. “I’m still, like, her number one fan.”

    From Fan to Friend: An Inspiring Journey

    Teyana’s inspiration from Janet goes way back. She revealed that seeing Janet’s 1998-1999 Velvet Rope Tour DVD as a child ignited her passion for performing. “When I saw it, oh my God. I knew what I wanted to do when I got older,” Teyana shared. “I knew that I wanted to be an artist.”

    This isn’t the first time Teyana has paid tribute to Janet, having recreated other iconic looks at events like the VMAs and BMI Awards. However, for this particular shoot, she aimed for something “different and unexpected,” showcasing her evolution as an artist and stylist.

    A Friendship Forged in Music

    Beyond admiration, Teyana and Janet have developed a genuine friendship. Teyana shared that Janet’s advice was instrumental when she considered retiring from music in 2020, even playing a role in her decision to return. “She played a big part in why I came back,” Teyana explained.

    Now, Teyana affectionately calls Janet “Jan,” highlighting their close bond. Despite their friendship, Teyana remains a devoted fan, cherishing their connection. “Even though we’ve grown a close bond, I’m still a fan. I don’t take it for granted.”

    Janet’s Reaction: Pure Admiration

    When Janet Jackson saw Teyana’s recreation, her reaction was pure delight. In a video message for People, she expressed her amazement: “Wow, I just have to say wow, Tey. You did it—you captured it; you captured the energy, the mood.” Janet even playfully added, “If only I had looked that beautiful.”

    The outfit—so gorgeous, honey, it’s absolutely stunning. And on top of that, I’m honored. I’m really honored, Tey. Thank you so much. I love it, absolutely love it. — Janet Jackson

    Janet praised the outfit and expressed her deep honor at Teyana’s tribute, solidifying the mutual respect and admiration between these two incredible artists.

    What do you think of Teyana Taylor’s tribute to Janet Jackson? Which iconic music video look should be recreated next? Let us know in the comments!

  • T-Pain Honored with BMI President’s Award

    The 2025 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, celebrated the industry’s top talents. Among the honorees, T-Pain received the prestigious BMI President’s Award, the evening’s highest honor, recognizing his significant contributions to music. GloRilla was also a major honoree, receiving the BMI Impact Award and sharing the title of BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year.

    T-Pain’s Illustrious Career and Acceptance Speech

    T-Pain, a consistent presence in the music industry since joining BMI in 2005, has amassed an impressive 28 BMI Awards, including three BMI Songwriter of the Year awards and recognition as BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year. During his acceptance speech for the President’s Award, T-Pain shared words of wisdom: “Every journey has a beginning, a middle and an end…. Don’t let anyone dictate your time or how fast you get to the finish line. Let yourself be your own time measurement.”

    This latest accolade adds to T-Pain’s extensive collection of honors, which includes multiple GRAMMY Awards, BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and more. He joins a distinguished list of previous President’s Award recipients, such as Benny Blanco, Luis Fonsi, Taylor Swift, and Imagine Dragons.

    GloRilla’s Impact and Songwriter Accolades

    GloRilla received the BMI Impact Award for her role in “leading the way for female hip-hop artists” and her inspiring talent that influences the future of music. Her acceptance speech encouraged aspiring artists to “keep your foot on the gas” and ignore doubters, stating, “don’t let anyone tell y’all what you can’t do because a lot of people told me what I can’t do.”

    Since joining BMI in 2019, GloRilla has earned five BMI Awards and multiple GRAMMY nominations, solidifying her status as a premier rapper. She also shared the BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter of the Year title with Mike Dean and Tay Keith, each co-writing three of the year’s most performed songs. GloRilla’s contributions included “TGIF,” “Wanna Be,” and “Yeah Glo!;” Mike Dean was recognized for “One Of The Girls,” “Popular,” and “Type Sh*t;” and Tay Keith for “First Person Shooter,” “Get It Sexyy,” and “MELTDOWN.”

    Recognizing Top Talent in R&B/Hip-Hop

    The ceremony also honored the top producers and songwriters behind the year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs. Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was named BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year. The hit track, co-written by Lamar, the late Ray Charles, Sean Momberger, and Sounwave, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and became the longest-charting rap song in chart history.

    Sounwave was named BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Producer of the Year for his extensive work, including collaborations with Kendrick Lamar on hits like “Euphoria” and “6:16 in LA,” as well as producing “Not Like Us.” He also has production credits on projects by Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Carter Lang, Metro Boomin, Sean Momberger, and MTech were also recognized as top producers. Sony Music Publishing received the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Publisher of the Year award for representing 23 of the most-performed songs.

    What are your favorite T-Pain songs or moments? Did you agree with the BMI awards handed out? Let us know in the comments below!