This year’s Soul Train Awards was sho’ nuff a party for the grown folks. Not only was the lavish event hosted by our favorite BFFs Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell, but it also featured show-stopping performances by a few of '90s R&B’s finest, including Donell Jones, Jon B. and Bell Biv Devoe. However, the highlights of the show were the performances by Bad Boy’s first lady Faith Evans, who received the Lady of Soul Award, and the always phenomenally unpredictable Erykah Badu, who was presented with the Legend Award. Such prestigious awards are always accompanied by heartfelt musical tributes from both established and up-and-coming artists and this year was no different.
Singer/songwriter NAO paid homage to Ms. Badu with a cover of her hit “Bag Lady” from her sophomore album Mama’s Gun. Accompanied by a single guitarist and an engineer at the soundboard, NAO recorded the track for BET at the legendary Log Cabin Studios in Manhattan. Though the performance showcased the British beauty’s signature and unique sound, she was careful not to do too much with the classic, making it the perfect tribute to a legend who continues to evolve but never strays far away from the authentic soulfulness we first fell in love with.
Watch NAO’s cover of Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady” below and you’ll likely find yourself revisiting Badu’s entire catalog once again. Before you do, be sure to check out NAO’s recently released sophomore album Saturn, add it to your “next up” playlist from your favorite digital platform and then head to her website to find your city and grab tickets for her world tour which kicks off December 18th in Tokyo, Japan.
