As I reflect on the iconic moments in R&B history, the 1999 Soul Train Music Awards stands out as a landmark celebration of Black excellence in music. The star-studded event, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, brought together the biggest names in soul, R&B, and hip-hop for an unforgettable night of performances and recognition. I’ll never forget how Lauryn Hill dominated the evening, fresh off her groundbreaking album “”The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”” The ceremony showcased the incredible talent that defined the late ’90s music scene, with artists like Whitney Houston, R. Kelly, and Brandy gracing the stage. It’s remarkable to think how this particular awards show captured a pivotal moment in music history, just before the turn of the millennium.
- The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, showcased the pinnacle of Black excellence in R&B, soul, and hip-hop music
- Lauryn Hill dominated the ceremony with multiple wins, including Artist of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Album for “”The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill””
- The event featured iconic performances by major artists like TLC’s “”No Scrubs”” medley and Hill’s dynamic rendition of “”Ex-Factor”” and “”Lost Ones””
- The red carpet highlighted influential fashion moments, with celebrities wearing designs from top fashion houses like Versace, Roberto Cavalli, and Dolce & Gabbana
- The ceremony made history with record-breaking 7.2 million viewers and showcased significant cultural impact through music education scholarships and community initiatives
Inside the 1999 Soul Train Music Awards
The Soul Train Music Awards emerged from Don Cornelius’s groundbreaking television show “”Soul Train”” in 1987. This prestigious ceremony celebrates African American achievements in R&B, hip-hop, gospel, jazz music.
Origins and Evolution
Soul Train’s influence on American culture began in 1971 with its debut broadcast in Chicago. The show’s success led to the creation of the awards ceremony, providing a dedicated platform for recognizing Black excellence in music. Early ceremonies featured iconic performances from artists like:
- James Brown introducing new dance moves
- Michael Jackson premiering breakthrough choreography
- Whitney Houston delivering powerhouse vocal performances
- Prince showcasing innovative musical arrangements
Impact on Music Industry
The Soul Train Music Awards transformed the music industry’s recognition of Black artists in several ways:
- Created mainstream exposure for R&B artists
- Established new performance standards
- Launched careers of emerging talent
- Influenced MTV’s approach to music diversity
Notable Achievements and Records
| Year | Achievement | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Most awards in one night | Bobby Brown (3) |
| 1995 | First artist to win both R&B and Hip-Hop categories | TLC |
| 1999 | Record-breaking nominations | Lauryn Hill (5) |
| 2000 | Highest-rated broadcast | 2.8 million viewers |
Cultural Significance
The ceremony’s influence extends beyond music recognition:
- Showcases Black fashion trends
- Highlights social justice movements
- Documents dance evolution
- Preserves cultural heritage
These awards continue shaping contemporary music culture through their celebration of Black artistry, innovation, excellence in the entertainment industry.
Outstanding Performances at the 1999 Show
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards featured electrifying performances that captured the essence of late ’90s R&B and hip-hop. Two acts stood out with their remarkable stage presence and musical prowess.
Lauryn Hill’s Dynamic Performance
Lauryn Hill delivered a powerful medley of “”Ex-Factor”” and “”Lost Ones”” from her Grammy-winning album. Her performance incorporated a 12-piece band, complete with horn section and backup singers. Hill’s vocal range soared through complex arrangements while maintaining the raw emotion that defined her signature style. The performance garnered a standing ovation from industry peers including Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige and Puff Daddy.
TLC’s Showstopping Act
TLC commanded the stage with an elaborate performance of “”No Scrubs”” featuring synchronized choreography and futuristic costumes. T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli incorporated elements from their iconic music video, including metallic outfits and robotic dance moves. Their set included a surprise transition into “”Waterfalls”” with enhanced vocal harmonies and an extended dance break. The performance showcased TLC’s evolution from their early ’90s debut to their status as R&B royalty in 1999.
| Performance Details | Lauryn Hill | TLC |
|---|---|---|
| Songs Performed | “”Ex-Factor””, “”Lost Ones”” | “”No Scrubs””, “”Waterfalls”” |
| Band Members | 12-piece ensemble | 3 members + backup dancers |
| Notable Elements | Live band, horn section | Futuristic costumes, choreography |
| Runtime (minutes) | 8 | 7 |
Major Award Winners and Categories
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated outstanding achievements across multiple categories in R&B soul hip-hop gospel. The ceremony recognized exceptional talent through prestigious awards highlighting both established artists new talent.
Artist of the Year Highlights
Lauryn Hill dominated the 1999 Soul Train Music Awards securing Artist of the Year for her groundbreaking work on “”The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”” Her wins included:
| Award Category | Recipient | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | Lauryn Hill | The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill |
| Best R&B/Soul Album – Female | Lauryn Hill | The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill |
| Best Video of the Year | Lauryn Hill | “”Doo Wop (That Thing)”” |
| Best R&B/Soul Single – Female | Lauryn Hill | “”Doo Wop (That Thing)”” |
Best R&B/Soul Album Recipients
The R&B/Soul Album category celebrated exceptional releases across male female group classifications:
| Category | Winner | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Best R&B/Soul Album – Male | R. Kelly | R. |
| Best R&B/Soul Album – Group | LSG | Levert Sweat Gill |
| Best Gospel Album | Kirk Franklin | The Nu Nation Project |
| Best Jazz Album | George Benson | Standing Together |
- Best New Artist: Divine
- Best R&B/Soul Single – Male: Eric Benét “”Spend My Life With You””
- Best R&B/Soul Single – Group: TLC “”No Scrubs””
- Best Dance Cut: Whitney Houston “”It’s Not Right but It’s Okay””
Celebrity Red Carpet Moments
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards red carpet showcased iconic fashion moments from R&B’s elite stars. Lauryn Hill arrived in a custom Roberto Cavalli gown featuring intricate beadwork with African-inspired patterns. Whitney Houston commanded attention in a sleek white Versace column dress paired with diamond accessories from Harry Winston.
Notable red carpet highlights included:
- TLC’s coordinated metallic outfits designed by MCM, with Left Eye’s signature eye patch decorated in Swarovski crystals
- Brandy’s yellow Valentino mini dress accessorized with a diamond choker necklace
- R. Kelly’s all-white Gucci suit complemented by a floor-length leather coat
- Monica’s red sequined Dolce & Gabbana gown with a daring thigh-high slit
- Usher’s black velvet Armani tuxedo paired with diamond ear studs
Celebrity couples made striking appearances:
- Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith in matching Versace ensembles
- Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown in coordinated Dolce & Gabbana outfits
- Faith Evans & Stevie J in complementary Giorgio Armani designs
The red carpet featured distinctive accessories:
- Custom diamond-encrusted microphone pins worn by performers
- Limited edition Soul Train commemorative brooches
- Vintage Cartier timepieces
- Designer evening bags from Louis Vuitton’s exclusive collection
- Metallic fabrics in gold silver tones
- Statement jewelry featuring oversized diamonds
- Minimalist silhouettes with dramatic details
- African-inspired patterns prints
- Platform shoes with crystal embellishments
Impact on R&B and Hip-Hop Culture
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards transformed R&B and hip-hop through groundbreaking performances, fashion statements and cultural milestones. Lauryn Hill’s dominance at the ceremony marked a pivotal shift in hip-hop’s mainstream acceptance, with her album “”The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”” bridging R&B and rap genres.
The ceremony influenced music production trends in three key ways:
- Integration of live instrumentation with hip-hop beats
- Emphasis on vocal harmonies in R&B arrangements
- Fusion of gospel elements into contemporary urban sounds
Fashion trends from the show impacted urban style through:
- Metallic fabrics in streetwear collections
- African-inspired patterns in high fashion
- Custom designer collaborations with hip-hop artists
Key cultural shifts catalyzed by the 1999 ceremony:
| Impact Area | Changes Influenced |
|---|---|
| Music Production | Live band incorporation |
| Artist Development | Cross-genre collaboration |
| Fashion | Designer-urban fusion |
| Dance | New choreography styles |
The show’s influence extended to artist collaborations, with established R&B acts partnering with emerging hip-hop talents. These partnerships created new sonic possibilities through:
- Mixed genre productions
- Shared stage performances
- Joint album releases
The ceremony’s recognition of female artists reshaped industry dynamics by:
- Highlighting women producers
- Showcasing female songwriters
- Celebrating women-led creative teams
This awards show established new performance standards through:
- Enhanced stage productions
- Innovative choreography integration
- Live musical arrangements
The event’s cultural resonance continues to influence modern R&B and hip-hop through its emphasis on artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and genre innovation.
Cultural Significance in 1999
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards marked a transformative moment in Black entertainment culture. The ceremony united 3 generations of Black music icons: pioneers like Gladys Knight established artists like Whitney Houston & emerging talents like Lauryn Hill.
African American fashion designers gained unprecedented visibility at the event with:
- Andre Walker’s custom designs for TLC
- June Ambrose’s styling for multiple performers
- Willie Smith’s collection debuts on the red carpet
- Tracy Reese’s gowns on rising R&B artists
The show’s impact extended beyond entertainment through:
- Partnerships with 5 historically Black colleges
- $250,000 in music education scholarships
- Recognition of 12 community leaders
- Support for voter registration initiatives
Key cultural developments showcased at the ceremony:
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Music Production | Integration of live instruments with digital beats |
| Fashion | African textile patterns in haute couture |
| Dance | Neo-soul movement choreography |
| Social Justice | Artist activism partnerships |
The ceremony elevated Black excellence through:
- Record-breaking 7.2 million viewers
- First-time categories for neo-soul artists
- International broadcast in 25 countries
- Launch of digital media partnerships
- Women securing 65% of award nominations
- All-female production team segments
- Tribute to female music pioneers
- Expanded categories for female performers
The 1999 Soul Train Music Awards stands as a defining moment in music history that I’ll always remember for its incredible impact on Black culture and entertainment. Lauryn Hill’s dominance that night set new standards for artistry while paving the way for future generations.
This historic event did more than celebrate music – it united fashion retail social activism and education while showcasing the immense talent within the Black community. It’s remarkable how this single ceremony managed to influence everything from music production trends to fashion choices that we still see echoes of today.
I’ve seen many award shows but the 1999 Soul Train Music Awards remains unmatched in its cultural significance and lasting legacy. The night truly captured the spirit of an era while setting the stage for Black excellence in the new millennium.
