The 2009 Hoodie Awards: Representing the 'Common Man' in a Special Way

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but the world needs to know about how Steve Harvey stepped his game up and brought his Hoodie Awards to Sin City last weekend.

For the seventh anniversary of the ceremony -- honoring leaders in the business, education and spiritual sectors of the inner city -- Harvey & Co. not only presented the event at MGM's Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino but also sold it out to full capacity.

Yes, 12,000 seats of the Mandalay Bay Events Center (the same megavenue that held concerts for Britney Spears, Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz ) were occupied for a four-hour-plus show that featured an array of talent, including an opening act by Broadway's 'The Lion King' and performances by Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild and the one and only Teena Marie.

So what are the Hoodie Awards?

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Think the Academy Awards for post office workers, a commencement for the people who make life easy (and, in some cases, greasy) in urban neighborhoods (aka "the Hood"). That's barber shops, beauty parlors, car-detailing operations, soul food establishments and even high schools.

"This is the greatest awards show on Earth because, finally, we're taking the initiative to honor the common man," Harvey told BV Newswire. "You know, I've been receiving awards for years, and when I come to work and when I walk in, I get a round of applause. Well, [there are] people in our neighborhoods who have been working tirelessly for years and years without any recognition, without a round of applause. And it's time for them to get their shine on."

Hoodie Awards producers even rolled out a blue carpet for their nominees, who flocked to the West Coast's real capitol of lively entertainment from cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Nashville and Washington, D.C.

And Harvey, who hosts one of the top-rated syndicated morning radio shows in the country, corralled some of his celebrity friends for the festivities, too. Tyler Perry, Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd, Wayne Brady, George Wallace, Judge Greg Mathis, Tommy Davidson, Gina Ravera, Adelle Givens, Steven A. Smith, Terrance J. & Rocsi, Anthony Hamilton, KJon, LaVell Crawford and Charlie Wilson were on hand to present awards.

"I just want to say that we care," Hoodie Awards creator and executive producer Rushion McDonald said during an emotionally charged acknowledgment from Harvey toward the end of the show. "We really, really do care."

"This awards show is about how much we care, and how we try to motivate people to be more than what they think they can be," the sought after TV and radio producer (who is also Harvey's business manager) continued as the audience erupted in applause. "I'm from the neighborhood, and I know some advertisers say, 'Hoodie Awards? That's so ghetto.' Well, you know somebody from the ghetto, because you're from the ghetto. And guess what, I'm proud to be from the 5th Ward in Texas, because I had to start from somewhere. And I know where I'm at now and I know where I'm trying to take my people. And I'm looking back and reaching back and I'm dragging all of y'all with me."

And corporate America has answered the call, too, as Perry noted during his presentation of the corporate leader award. Blue-chip giants such as Ford, Kodak, Prudential and State Farm sponsored this year's show.

Harvey revealed that one way he would build on Hoodie's success would be to broadcast it on a national scale: television. "That's the one thing I think Rushion and I are shooting for. ...They got enough reality stuff on TV. I mean, why not put something on there that's reality and positive?"

And as far as the title, how will it go over with the masses?

Harvey ponders the thought.

"Yeah, some people might not get it," he answered. "It almost takes a person to come [to it] to really understand it. You really have to see it. The name doesn't give it any justice. The name doesn't scream out the message. But I think we're headed in the right direction. They didn't get Tyler Perry at first either."

True indeed.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Steve Harvey and his younger frat brother Terrance J (of '106 & Park') step to George Clinton's 'Atomic Dog' during 'The 7th Annual Hoodie Awards.'

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What Happens In Vegas
It's no secret, people love to gamble. And the premier destination to do it – big – is Las Vegas, Nevada. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, over 37.5 million people visit the west coast capital of fun each and every year. Boasting 17 of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S., it's obvious that there is more to do in Sin City than win and lose money. BlackVoices.com give you an inside look at some of the hottest spots to stay, play, eat and treat yourself in the most populous city in America. Check it out.

Best Overall Las Vegas Restaurant: Le Cirque in The Bellagio
To say that this restaurant is in a league of its own would be an understatement. The Maccioni family's iconic restaurant has dominated the world of French cuisine in Manhattan for 35 years and the exquisitely decorated, intimate dining room -- where you can view Bellagio's famed water show -- is just as legendary. The service at Le Cirque is impeccable and it matches the morsels. To get your money's worth, we'd suggest sticking with Le Cirque's signature dishes – Salade de Homard, a delicate lobster salad appetizer, Escargot and the Filet de Loup de Mer, a perfectly cooked filet of Seabass wrapped in crispy potatoes. This is a meal you'll never forget and worth every penny. Plus, what's a Vegas trip if you don't go all out. Website: Le Cirque in The Bellagio Average check: $98 for an appetizer, entrée and dessert.

Best Overall Deal: Rio's World Buffet and Village Seafood Buffet
At the new Village Seafood Buffet, for $38 per person you can feast on everything from sushi, lobster, crab, fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and lots more. Talk about a bargain meal. And you won't wait too long for the favorites as lobster gets refreshed every ten minutes. Meanwhile, the Carnival World Buffet, which has long been voted the best buffet in Vegas, offers over 300 dishes so there's truly something for everyone under Rio's roof. Website: Village Seafood Buffet Average Check: $20

Best Trendy, but Affordable Dinner: Stack at The Mirage
Sure, the Mirage offers up the likes of big name restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen and Carnegie Delicatessen, but Stack is a hot, new trendy spot that remains reasonably priced. Start at the restaurant's lively bar with a signature cocktail like the Cantaloupe Mojito and then move back to the more intimate dining room for your meal. Try the Hot Rocks appetizer, which is a tray of thinly sliced, marinated sirloin that you cook tableside on a hot stone. Some of good picks include Stack's take on Pigs in a Blanket, the humongous Bone-In 24 oz Cowboy Steak, and the delectable Seabass with Lobster Risotto. Sides such as the Truffle laced Parmesan Crunchy Steak Fries and the Adult Tater Tots are also noteworthy. Website: Stack at The Mirage Average Check: $50

Best Laid Back Meal: BLT Burger
Chef Laurent Tourondel opened the follow-up to his popular New York burger joint at the Mirage Resort and Casino and it stays pretty packed. Though most may try out the signature BLT Burger, which is dressed in a special sauce, we'd suggest getting the Kobe Slider Trio, which includes a miniature BLT Burger. But the Colorado Lamb burger, enhanced by tasty mint-cilantro yogurt sauce, cucumber, olives, tomatoes and red onion, is most pleasing to the palet. Throw in some chili cheese fries, the enormous 5 spice Chinese chicken salad and a spiked milkshake and you're sure to leave satisfied. Just don't forget to take the Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding home...you'll thank us in the morning. Website: BLT Burger Average Check: $22

Best Celebrity Chef Restaurant: Table 10
Las Vegas has no shortage of celebrity chef restaurants but one of the top ones comes courtesy of Food Network's most colorful personality, Emeril Lagasse, who has recreated his New Orleans staple in the heart of the Palazzo Resort. And even though he's not manning the kitchen, he's trained the cooks on how to pull off some his signature dishes, like his seafood gumbo with andouille sausage and the new New Orleans Oyster Fritters with Rockefeller dipping sauces. The personable staff oozes Southern charm and is friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly attentive. If you're able to luck up on a special like the Coca-Cola duck, and Lagaasse's Baked Trfuffle Mac and Cheese will surely be happy you stopped by. Website: Table 10 Average Check: $100

Best Non-Vegas Restaurant in a Vegas Casino/Resort: Sushi Samba
Sushi Samba at the Palazzo is the Vegas outpost of one of New York's hippest spots. Sin City's version, however, has a private room called Sugarcane, where intimate performances from the likes of folks like Andrew Dice Clay takes place. With a cocktail menu twice the size of its food menu, lots of bachelorette and bachelor parties make this an early evening stop for small plate snacks -- like the filet and jumbo prawn Robatas and sushi specialties like the Samba strip roll and the Capoeira roll -- before hitting the Strip hard. Website: Sushi Samba Average Check: $55

Best Pre-Show Dinner: Joe's Stone Crab
Situated in the legendary Forum Shops at Caesars, this Miami-based chain is located at the perfect spot to do a little shopping pre-dinner, nestle into a cozy booth for a filling meal and then skip a few steps to the Coliseum at Caesar's Palace, once long-time residency for Celine Dion and now home to the iconic music legends Cher, Elton John and Bette Midler, who alternate weeks at Caesar's. The eatery's namesake stone crabs are to die for but another recommendation is to try side dishes like the fried asparagus and the cottage fried potatoes. Website: Joe's Stone Crab Average Check: $70

Best Splurge on Lunch: Sensi at Bellagio
You're reminded you're in an AAA Four Diamond Award-winning establishment once you pass the hostess stand and make your way to the intricately designed booths surrounding the four glass-encased kitchens that sit in the middle of the restaurant and dole out Italian, Asian, American and seafood specialties. That's Sensi. And the fare doesn't disappoint either. Sample it all and pass around such delights as the Crunchy Thai Shrimp Wraps, the Clay Pot Chicken Special and the Lobster salad. Website: Sensi at Bellagio Average Check: $80

Getting to Las Vegas and getting around once you get there could pose a dilemma but we've found a way to save you both time and money with Virgin America's flights to Las Vegas and the Monorail's efficient and cost-effective transportation throughout the Strip. Go ahead and treat yourself, you're in Vegas, after all.