The Source Awards Used To Be Lit—Here Are 13 Photos To Prove It

In 1999, Outkast appeared on the award show and accepted the award for artist of the year. 

That same year, the late Kobe Bryant stopped to pose for a picture with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez who died in 2002. 

Da Brat got flashy on the red carpet with a Guess jean jacket and a red bra while rocking an eclectic braided hairstyle. 

Known at the time as Lil Bow Wow, the young rapper took the stage to perform. 

DMX performed at the 2001 award show and stood with his arms above his head to mimic the letter "X."

Lil Kim sported a blonde wig with a sheer jumpsuit on the red carpet. 

Rap duo Youngbloodz posed on the red carpet in 2000. 

Destiny's Child wowed fans with their coordinated diamond outfits. 

But what's a 2000s award show without Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz.

Nelly appeared to have live animals on stage with him while he performed one year.

Busta Rhymes and Vivica Fox, who were co-hosts of the award show, stood on stage together. 

JAY-Z accepted the award for Artist of the Year with what appeared to be a cigar in his hand.

And Master P tore the house down alongside the No Limit Records crew.

The Source Awards served as a platform for artists to be themselves unapologetically, and its return is long overdue.