While co-hosting a special screening of Prince’s Purple Rain in association with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences earlier this week, writer/director Reginald Hudlin hinted that last night’s (Aug. 31) “The Black Movie Soundtrack II” at the Hollywood Bowl would be “the sickest show ever.”
And the concert did indeed notch some memorable high notes as Common, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson and more brought to life the rich, diverse and vibrant legacy of black cinema and its music. Or as AMPAS president Cheryl Boone Isaacs so aptly pointed out before the show started, “We’re here to celebrate the ways in which black movie music matters.”
For the top five moments of ths show, visit Billboard.com/Hip-Hop.