If you were just a twinkle in your parents’ eye during the 1990s, you’re probably tired of hearing about how the era was superior in terms of music, fashion and cultural influence.
But get this: the saying goes, “no idea is original under the sun” but ’90s Hip Hop did just that in terms of bringing newness to the forefront. The influx in nimble lyricism. The commercial validity. The cutting-edge clothing companies that created entrepreneurship within the culture. The list goes on and with each passing decade, it makes longtime rap fans yearn for the supposed good ‘ol days.
VH1’s Hip Hop Honors went the extra mile in saluting the revered generation with the 2017 edition, shot on Sunday night (September 17) in Los Angeles on Paramount’s storied lot. Subtitled “The 90’s Game Changers,” the network paid special tribute to the likes of Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Hype Williams, Mariah Carey and Martin Lawrence. Fellow legend Missy Elliott kicked off the show with a rousing performance of her 1999 hit, “She’s a Bitch” — complete with the infamous black makeup that was highlighted in the music video.
Stars and fans alike turned out to the set in their classic ’90s apparel (that still manages to hold relevance to this day). Blac Chyna stunted in a Rapunzel-length golden weave with the gold bangles to match while Don Benjamin channeled a Tommy Boy; decked in a Hilfiger jumpsuit with the red and white Scottie Pippen Air More Uptempos; The Colonel took it back to his No Limit Army fatigue days and Faith Evans and Rocsi Diaz laced their perfect frames in the finest of Versace fabrics.
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This year’s host, Girls Trip star Regina Hall, cracked jokes on stage, much to the delight of Pharrell, DJ Khaled and his son Asahd, Kelly Rowland, Monica, and Da Brat, who were sat on the street designed sidelines.
Presenter T.I. made sure to champion his homestead southern roots (which were notoriously snubbed for respect throughout much of the decade) and that included giving a nod those at the bottom of the U.S. who had been affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Trick Daddy and Trina repped Miami and did VH1 a solid by boldly affirming that Love & Hip Hop: Miami won’t be the one to miss.
Surprises were aplenty but perhaps the most GIF-worthy moment came courtesy of Teyana Taylor, who managed to pull off an impressive 90s-inspired routine with a broken foot.
At the event, Love & Hip Hop creator Mona Scott-Young told HipHopDX, “When you think about what the 90s meant to Hip Hop, it was a shift. It’s when Hip Hop really exploded. It was doing what it was doing but that’s when the world became aware. That’s where all of the different regions start to come up and cement their place. That’s when I felt Hip Hop really became a global phenomenon.”
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VH1’s Hip Hop Honors: The 90’s Game Changers airs tonight at 9/8c. Take a look at some exclusive flicks down below ahead of the broadcast.
Photos by Maury Phillips and John Sciulli/Getty Images for VH1/Viacom
