Who run the world? Girls.
With hip-hop being a male-dominated industry, the accomplishments of female artists who have pioneered the industry are often forgotten. But not Monday night. After a six-year hiatus, VH1's Hip-Hop Honors returned with a star-studded program dedicated to female rappers. “All Hail the Queens” was special, mostly because it was a departure from the lack of recognition that women have typically received during the show’s existence.
"Women been hip-hop, women are hip-hop and women will always be hip-hop," Eve, the show’s host, declared at the show’s opening.
In a word, the night was epic. Here were some of the hits and misses of the show’s return.
Hit: The fact that the room was filled with some of the most influential female artists from the past three decades: Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Lil' Kim, Rah Digga, YoYo, Da Brat, Eve, MC Lyte, Remy Ma, Trina, Monie Love, Nikki D, Sha-Rock, Sweet Tee, the Lady of Rage, Suga T and Ms. Jade.
Miss: Nicki Minaj's noticeable absence from the show’s lineup.
Hit: The show’s opening with one of Black Lives Matter's co-founders, Alicia Garza, and writer-activist Darnell Moore, calling for justice and unity in today’s society, as well as silencing critics.
Miss: Lil' Kim making an awkward mention of current police violence and how we need to come together as a “community.”
Hit: Faith Evans introducing Lil' Kim’s tribute and also poking fun at her age-old “beef” with the emcee.
Miss: Amber Rose awkwardly singing along to Salt-N-Pepa’s “Let’s Talk About Sex” to promote her new show.
Hit: Teyana Taylor completely BODYING her Lil' Kim rendition.
Miss: French Montana’s contribution to the Lil' Kim tribute. Seriously, who keeps inviting him to perform at these shows?
Hit: Diddy making a surprise appearance to honor Lil' Kim and celebrate her birthday.
Miss: Someone actually letting Rich Homie Quan perform Biggie Smalls' verse to “Get Money” and him forgetting the lyrics to one of the most popular verses of all time.
Kimberly Wilson is the social media editor at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.