Hosted by NAACP Image Award-winning Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer Tank, the 27th Annual Trumpet Awards took place at Cobb Energy Center on Saturday, Jan. 19.

Honorees included T.I. “Tip” Harris, Robert Townsend, MC Lyte, JD McCrary, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Dapper Dan & Tim King.

GRAMMY Award Platinum recording artist Ashanti, GRAMMY  Award-winner India.Arie, rappers Da Brat, Lil’ Mama, YoYo, Keyshia Cole and more performed.

The Living Legend/Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to actor, comedian, film director, and writer Robert Townsend. With a multi-faceted career spanning over 40 years, Townsend is best known for roles in “Hollywood Shuffle,” “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Parent ‘Hood,” “Meteor Man” and more.

In addition to his professional work, Townsend is also an active humanitarian, working with the UNCF, NAACP and numerous organizations on a variety of projects.