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Opening with the recognizable refrain from Kanye West‘s “Bound 2,” “I know you’re tired of lovin’, of lovin’ / With nobody to love, nobody, nobody,” Charlie Wilson was officially in the building at the BET Honors Monday night (Feb. 23), taking the stage to perform in front of the night’s honorees including Usher.
He provided his tried and true brand of soul, but first paid respect to West, who all but helped revive his career by collaborating with him on “Bound 2″ and reintroduced the legend to the younger generation. “I love you, Kanye, you’re the best,” Uncle Charlie said with an air of genuine appreciation in his voice. “Thanks for putting me on.”
Dressed in a velvet tuxedo with a matching pocket square, white shirt, black tie and shades, the crooner looked exactly like the old school player he is. He performed in front of a montage of fireworks during the first song of his set, then prepared to leave the stage but did an unexpected encore of the Gap Band classic, “Yearning For Your Love.”
Wilson stepped off the stage and walked to the front row to give West a big hug before getting the rapper to come to the stage and kick a quick impromptu freestyle. Yeezy dropped a few dope rhymes off the top of the dome. He hilariously ended his appearance by rapping, “Got me going crazy though and they ain’t even pay me though,” before going back to his seat and giving wife Kim Kardashian a hug.
Uncle Charlie’s indelible performance was definitely an honor to witness. West, who received the Visionary Award at the ceremony, delivered a moving acceptance speech centered on personal expression and the damaging effects of racism.
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