2018 marks an end of an era. After 35 years in the game as a solo artist, Anita Baker is hanging up her mic and retiring from music for good. As the songstress is traveling nationwide on her final tour, she took a break last night (June 25) and attended the 2018 BET Awards where she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the network.

The eight-time Grammy winner was honored with performances by 2018 BET Awards host, Jamie Foxx, R&B singers LedisiMarsha Ambrosius, and gospel extraordinaire Yolanda Adams, whose rendition of Baker's classic "You Bring Me Joy," left the 60-year-old in tears as she watched from the audience.

After being presented with her award by Tyler Perry, Baker encouraged all of the artists in the room to continue and hone their craft as well as reaching out to older artists for mentorship.

"I would ask that the music be allowed to play, that singers are allowed to sing, and rappers are allowed to rap, and poets are allowed to rhyme," she said. She went on to thank people who were instrumental to her career, including Tom Joyner, former BET programming president, Stephen Hill.

After taking the rest of June off, Baker will resume touring in July starting with St. Louis, MO on July 21. You can get tickets to that show, as well as view her full itinerary here. In the meantime, check out the tribute below.

 

Watch Jamie Foxx perform "Same Ole Love (365 Days)," "My Angel" & "Giving You The Best That I Got." 

Watch Yolanda Adams perform "You Bring Me Joy."

Watch Ledisi perform "Sweet Love"

Watch Marsha Ambrosius perform "Caught Up in the Rapture"

2018 BET Awards Red Carpet

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