What Is 2007 Soul Train Music Awards

Overview

The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards celebrated the most influential artists and performances in African American music during the 2006 eligibility period. This annual event, broadcast on BET, highlighted achievements in R&B, soul, gospel, and hip-hop, continuing a tradition that began in 1987.

Hosted by comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, the ceremony brought together legendary performers and rising stars. Held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the show featured live performances, tributes, and the presentation of awards based on both sales data and fan input.

• Beyoncé won Best Female Artist after releasing her hit album B'Day in 2006, which sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
• Marvin Gaye Award for Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Quincy Jones, recognizing his five-decade impact as a producer, composer, and humanitarian.
• Best Male Artist went to Ne-Yo following the success of his debut album In My Own Words, which topped the Billboard 200.
• Gospel Artist of the Year was awarded to Yolanda Adams, a multiple Grammy winner known for her powerful vocal performances.
• The Best Collaboration award was given to Justin Timberlake and Timbaland for their chart-topping single "My Love."

How It Works

The Soul Train Music Awards combine industry metrics with fan engagement to determine nominees and winners across multiple genres. Voting involves a mix of Nielsen SoundScan data, Billboard chart performance, and online fan participation.

• Eligibility Period: Releases between October 2005 and September 2006 qualified for the 2007 awards, aligning with the show's annual cycle.
• Voting Process: A panel of music industry experts selected finalists, while public voting on BET.com influenced final winners in select categories.
• Categories: Awards spanned Best R&B/Soul Album, Best Hip-Hop Song, and Best New Artist, among others.
• Host Role:Cedric the Entertainer guided the broadcast, delivering comedic commentary and introducing performers throughout the evening.
• Performance Criteria: Live acts were selected based on chart success and cultural relevance, with Chaka Khan performing a tribute to soul legends.
• Award Design: Winners received the iconic Soul Train Icon, a gold statue symbolizing excellence in Black music and culture.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2007 Soul Train Awards compared to other major music award shows in format, reach, and genre focus.

While the Grammys emphasize broad musical excellence, the Soul Train Awards focus specifically on African American contributions to music. The 2007 edition highlighted this niche by honoring legacy artists like Quincy Jones alongside contemporary stars like Ne-Yo. Its partnership with BET ensured wide reach among Black audiences, distinguishing it from mainstream award shows.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards reinforced the cultural significance of Black music in the American mainstream. By spotlighting R&B, gospel, and hip-hop, the event preserved the legacy of Don Cornelius, the creator of the original Soul Train TV series.

• Cultural Representation: The awards provided a platform for Black artists who were often underrepresented at mainstream ceremonies like the Grammys.
• Legacy Recognition: Honoring Quincy Jones emphasized the importance of mentorship and historical impact in the music industry.
• Genre Promotion: Gospel and R&B received equal billing with hip-hop, helping sustain interest in traditional Black music forms.
• Artist Exposure: Emerging acts like Amerie and Keyshia Cole gained visibility through nominations and performances.
• Fan Engagement: Online voting allowed audiences to directly influence outcomes, increasing investment in the results.
• Historical Continuity: The event maintained the spirit of the original Soul Train series, which ran from 1971 to 2006.

The 2007 ceremony marked a pivotal moment as it was one of the last held after the original show's cancellation, making it a symbolic bridge between eras in Black music television.