Some nights you just have to stop and take it all in.
The BET Awards weekend kicked off with a beautiful evening honoring renowned music executive Sylvia Rhone. Organized by Monami Productions and Mona Scott-Young and supported by the Black Music Collective, the night was a love letter to Black music, culture, and the women who shaped it.
For those who may not know, Sylvia Rhone is one of the most powerful and leading executives in the history of the music industry. As president of Epic Records, he has backed some of the biggest names in music, from Beyoncé to Travis Scott. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business, Rhone became the first Black woman to head a major record label when she was appointed CEO of EastWest Records in 1994 – a milestone that paved the way for generations of Black women in the music business. His decades of service to the culture are nothing short of historic, and organizing an evening in his honor is long overdue.
The night featured comments from none other than Missy Elliott, who credits Sylvia Rhone for her music career. Apparently Missy wanted to have her own label, but Ron encouraged Missy to just put out one album – which turned out to be 5! The world is truly grateful to Sylvia Rhone!
Performances from Stevie Wonder, Jozy and Terrell Music kept the night moving – and yes, when Stevie Wonder came on stage, every single note in the room resonated (even when he sang that he didn’t feel like singing).
For the occasion, I wore Althea Mink’s red leather trench coat, styled with Norma Kamali shorts, red stockings, and Steve Madden heels — an all-red moment that felt right for this special night. Makeup was by Latrice Johnson, and hair was styled by Kalief W using Kendras Boutique Hair.
Nights like these are a reminder of why we do what we do. Here’s to Sylvia Rhone, black music, and more magic this BET Awards weekend. 💣
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Photo courtesy: @iamtishhabrenee