BMI Urban Awards: No Michael Jackson, much T-Pain

Two truths could be gleaned from last night's eight BMI Urban Awards ceremony at the Wilshire Theatre. One, it's T-Pain's world, at least for now. And two, Michael Jackson is still an inescapable presence in pop, even when he's a physical no-show. But his brothers made their contributions too.

This annual event honors the most performed songs on urban radio -- the R&B and hip-hop hits with the most juice. T-Pain wasn't the only songwriter pulled up onstage to receive a prize numerous times: Producer Polow da Don could barely get off the podium, and Patrick "j. Que" Smith and Ezekiel Lewis from hit-making Atlanta crew the Clutch warmed it up some too.

But the man who's turned Auto-Tune into a virtuoso instrument ruled the night, not only taking away the songwriter of the year prize, but also adding some infectious verve to an otherwise less-than-thrilling parade of industry types holding up placards and getting their photos snapped.

"I lost 40 pounds!" the Florida-based rappa ternt sanga declared after claiming one of his many prizes. Then, if my ears can be trusted, he said, "Y'all can suck my fat." An odd expression of pride, perhaps. But as a performer, T-Pain is a trickster in the Flavor Flav mode -- he licked and caressed his songwriter of the year trophy quite impishly -- so verbal head scratchers from him shouldn't come as a surprise.

Contrasting with T-Pain's charming silliness was Marlon Jackson's eloquence in accepting the BMI Icon Award for himself and his brothers. Nearly all of the clan showed up for the big moment -- Michael was the only absent sibling -- and there was a lot of emotion in the rows they occupied.

Sister Janet emerged at night's end to present the award to her brothers, looking svelte in a sort of semiformal take on a WAC uniform; she got so choked up that she could barely make it through her speech. Things got even more awkward when youngest Jackson Randy recalled his mom making him wash dishes after he played his first show at the Forum. That's when Marlon saved the day.

Still looking suave at 51 (OK, I admit it: He was my favorite Jackson when I plastered their poster onto my bedroom wall at age 9), Marlon praised "my father's wisdom" in putting together the family band, gave props to Motown and urged everyone to "study peace" before thanking BMI for being the first organization to give props to the Jackson 5 -- as opposed to honoring only their reclusive, notorious, insanely gifted second-youngest member.

It was a gracious speech that completely sidestepped the family's famous troubles. But Jackson's not on the campaign trail, so full disclosure's not really required. And if a few audience members (including this one) squirmed to see the Jacksons getting sniffly as patriarch Joe -- whose reputation, based on gossip, known infidelities and public accusations of abuse from siblings Michael and LaToya, rivals that of the late Ike Turner as one of the worst in pop music -- stood at their center ... well, as every pundit trying to parse the undeniable appeal of pit bull mom Sarah Palin is now quick to acknowledge, families are complicated. Some more than others.

Michael's absence from the ceremony certainly disappointed many, but in a way it was for the best: This was the time for the other brothers to shine and for those present to recall that their breakthroughs as a group made an important mark on pop history, outside of their resident genius' later accomplishments. Watching them respond to this recognition with dignity and pride, I felt strangely grateful to Michael for staying away and letting his brothers bask a little.

The only simple truth about the Jacksons is that they changed the face of black pop by creating a sound that appealed to young kids and created a new crossover market for soul. At the Wilshire, several contemporary artists paid tribute to that sound, but few could actually match its perfection.

The night's musical standout was Keri Hilson, R&B's smartest new ingenue. Hilson, whose debut album comes out in October, put the torch to "Who's Lovin' You," the Smokey Robinson tune the J5 recorded in 1969.

Less successful were Hannah Montana could-have-been JoJo, who seemed uncomfortable sharing a duet of "I'll Be There" with the adorable Lloyd, and "Dancing With the Stars" moonlighter Mario, who had the moves but not the voice to pull off the Michael-penned "This Place Hotel." A finale that brought him together with Ray Jay, Lloyd and Bobby Valentino hit some high points but felt unrehearsed.

That's the problem, though, with Michael Jackson's legacy; the artistic problem, that is. He's often imitated -- Ne Yo does so spectacularly on one track on his upcoming album -- but few singers have the chops or the presence to really match his style.

Which brings us back to T-Pain. His cyborg voodoo style has its limitations, but he owns it. Crooning along to a track in a spectacular purple Baron Samedi get-up to close the awards show, T-Pain didn't worry about hitting the high notes or busting cool dance moves. He just shone, as he was: America's favorite dangerous joker this side of Heath Ledger. And as Flavor Flav would say, it felt aaiiight.

-- Ann Powers

Photo of the Jacksons by Chris Pizzello / Associated Press

Comments

[TheFaze]

Thanks Ann for the roundup of what happened. Being a huge MJ fan, I can totally understand what you mean about him staying away and letting his brothers shine in the spotlight. If he had been there, that would NOT have been the case. I don't know if it was intended or not, and perhaps we'll never know, but it's good to see the MJ's bros get some much-needed recognition for their work and accomplishments. For peeps who don't know much about the work of "The Jacksons," they should check The Essential Jacksons CD, which has a good overview of their work.

[AARTZ1]

im soooo glad ann that you were not bashing MJ for not showing up like other stories have done. Since people are saying the reasons for why he didnt show rang from that he's a quack or that he thinks he's above the rest of his siblings (which, from a professional standpoint, he is). But I think its funny that people comment so much on his absence while Jermaine's was almost an afterthought....thats strange. But oh well. Like you said, even today the media, the public, and the industry have Michael Jackson on the brain and that says a lot more about Michael than most other artists.

[Dawit Bezabeh]

Thanks for professional presentation of the news. It is almost a miracle to hear news with objectivity and truth. This is the way news should be told. This is what people are interested in.

[Maddie]

i have to say MJ is apart of the group and gettin an award for a group all the members should be there but i can totally see where this would get the other bros some spotlight that is much needed for them. they were 4/5 of the group and should be recognized just as much as michael
soo i think it was alright for Mike to not be there
but i cant wait for that new album of MJs! gona be Hottttt! hope it comes out soon : )
lovin the jacksons and mj and janet forever!

[unesupernana]

It speaks volumes about Michael Jackson that so much focus would still be on him when he hasn't produced a full album in 7 years... what comparable artist could get away with that? His body of work is so undeniably honored, that he can do whatever he wants... he's earned it. Thank you for a decent article about MJ that doesn't stoop to the usual journalistic lows.

[Barry G Corker]

Great article. A must keep for the archives!

[Frolab]

How could you leave out the dance tribute by the Jabbawockeez rockin afros!?? THAT was the highlight! check for it on youtube!!