What Is 2000 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards

Overview

The 2000 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards celebrated the achievements of women in African American music, spotlighting excellence in R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop. Hosted by comedian and actress Mo'Nique, the event took place on September 22, 2000, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California.

Organized by Soul Train founder Don Cornelius, the Lady of Soul Awards began in 1998 to highlight the contributions of female artists in genres historically dominated by male voices. The 2000 edition was the third annual ceremony and was broadcast on BET, drawing significant viewership among urban audiences.

• September 22, 2000 was the official date of the 2000 Lady of Soul Awards ceremony, held during a pivotal year for R&B music.
• Destiny's Child dominated the night, winning Best R&B/Soul Single for "Say My Name" and Best R&B/Soul Album for The Writing's on the Wall.
• Whitney Houston received the Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a rare public appearance during a transitional period in her career.
• Missy Elliott won Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video for "She's a Bitch," showcasing her innovative artistry and visual storytelling.
• Angie Stone earned recognition as Best New Artist for her debut single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," launching her solo career.

How It Works

The Lady of Soul Awards were structured to recognize female talent across performance, artistry, and influence in Black music. Nominees were selected by an advisory committee, with winners determined by a combination of industry input and fan voting in select categories.

• Best R&B/Soul Single: Awarded to the most impactful song based on chart performance and cultural influence, such as Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" in 2000.
• Best R&B/Soul Album: Given to the female artist whose album demonstrated excellence in production, songwriting, and commercial success during the eligibility period.
• Best New Artist: Honored emerging talent, with Angie Stone winning in 2000 after her soulful debut resonated with critics and audiences.
• Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video: Recognized innovation in visual direction, with Missy Elliott winning for her futuristic "She's a Bitch" clip.
• Best Gospel Album: Celebrated excellence in gospel music, awarded to Yolanda Adams for her 1999 album Mountain High... Valley Low.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Whitney Houston in 2000, acknowledging her global impact on music and performance since the 1980s.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of major winners and categories from the 1998–2000 Lady of Soul Awards reveals evolving trends in R&B and hip-hop.

The table highlights how the awards adapted to shifting musical landscapes, with Destiny's Child symbolizing the rise of girl groups in the 2000s. Meanwhile, the consistent presence of BET as broadcaster underscored the network's role in promoting Black music culture.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Lady of Soul Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also reflected broader cultural shifts in the music industry. By focusing on female artists, the event provided visibility and validation during a time when women were shaping the sound of R&B and hip-hop.

• Whitney Houston’s Lifetime Achievement Award reasserted her status as a vocal icon amid growing media scrutiny of her personal life.
• Destiny's Child’s sweep signaled the commercial dominance of harmonized girl groups, influencing acts for years to come.
• Missy Elliott’s win highlighted the growing importance of music videos as artistic statements in the digital age.
• Angie Stone’s breakthrough demonstrated the industry’s recognition of neo-soul, a genre blending jazz, soul, and introspective lyrics.
• BET’s broadcast partnership expanded the awards’ reach, helping to solidify its place in Black entertainment history.
• Don Cornelius’s legacy was reinforced through this event, as he continued to champion Black artists long after Soul Train’s original run.

The 2000 Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards remains a significant moment in music history, capturing the power and diversity of women in Black music at the turn of the millennium.