The 2021 Soul Train Awards proved to be an immersive experience bathing its viewers in an afterglow of r&b, funk, and soul. Performances were powerful, scintillating, and sexy.
Setting things Off Proper.
Things were off and popping from the beginning, with Silk Sonic moving and grooving the crowd. Their undeniable funky sound, smooth moves, and retro look were picture perfect. Their set was proof it would be a night of incomparable flyness.Silk Sonic has been blazing the stage from the American Music Awards to Soul Train. Although the group didn’t make the show, they found a way to set off the night. They took it back from their 70’s looks to their signature dance transitions.
Hosts Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell kept the fires stoked with their performance. Their showcase reminded the crowd of the music, passion, and purpose that solidified Soul Train as a cultural force. They took us down memory lane with soul classics such as Martha and Vandella’s ‘Dancing in the Streets’ and Jackson Five’s ‘Dancing Machine. And a special performance by El Debarge put a bit of rhythm in our night.
Soul Train Center Stage
Ari Lennox looking exquisitely angelic gave a sultry performance of “Pressure.”
Then the show took a praise break with an uplifting performance of “Yaweh” by Fred Hammond.
Marrzz deliverance of a smooth and melodic hypnotic vocal left us with the assurance no one could stand in the shadow of her orbit.
Leon Bridges brought in the wow factor with some retro bedroom soul reminiscent of singers of yesteryear like Teddy Pendergrass.
And Summer Walker didn’t disappoint with duet partner Ari Lennox. These soulful vocalists gave light to the new age of soul music.
Soul Train Soul Cypher
The Soul Cypher had the crowd vibing with some of the industry’s favorite soul singers and D-Nice on the turntables. The performer’s blending of old-school flavor with a relevant twist was everything. Musiq Soulchild, Jac Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Elle Varner, and Tone Stith’s flawless harmonies were amazing. In addition, their subtle and powerful tribute to Aaliyah was praiseworthy.
Special performances
Ashanti stole the show with some of her greatest hits. Her performance was perfect in every way yet wholly complete with former label mates Fat Joe and one-time duet partner Ja Rule.
Then, an old favorite, Maxwell, signed, sealed, and delivered his performance with matchless swagger. His command of the stage gave everyone a little something-something to remember.
What better way to end than as it started? Silk Sonic left us all ‘Smokin out the Window.’ The 2021 Soul Train Awards was a celebration Don Cornelius would be proud of. It was indeed a night flowing with love, peace, and soul.
