It was a big night and weekend in New York City as The Soul Train Awards came to town for the very first time in its 34-year history. There was no place better to celebrate than at the world-famous Apollo Theater.

Musician Fat Joe said holding the show at The Apollo is epic.

“You know, to match up the Soul Train Awards at the Apollo Theater, Apollo is like one of the most prestigious venues ever in the history of music,” he said. “I came out of here, amateur night at the Apollo. I started here and I've been in the game 27 years. So it’s going to be an epic night.”

Musician JaRule agreed with him.

“I was saying it should have been here a long time ago. This is like a no-brainer. You know, what I mean?” JaRule said.

The Soul Train Awards honors the best in Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop music. In addition, this year marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic show “Soul Train,” also known as the house that Don Cornelius built.

“Don Cornelius, may he rest in peace,” said Fat Joe. “He laid down the foundation and so we gotta carry on the tradition, otherwise people forget where we come from. So you gotta know where you come from to know where you go.”

Two of the biggest names in music, Ashanti and Maxwell, were top honorees of the night. Maxwell received “The Legend” award and Ashanti, “The Lady of Soul” award.

“I’m super humbled, very grateful,” Ashanti said on the red carpet. “You know, this is such an iconic moment for me so I’m just very excited.”

Ashanti was also excited for the females involved in the show. Singer-songwriter H.E.R. entered the evening as the most nominated artist, receiving a whopping eight nominations.

“This is gonna be a great moment. It feels like we're getting back to normal seeing people perform live, you know, so I'm excited especially for all females.”

Ashanti said women supporting women is the key.

“I think women are definitely stepping up, you know, we're becoming more empowered, supporting each other, which is very important, and we're dominating,” she said.

You can see who takes home the top awards and watch the performances on Sunday, November 28 as the show will broadcast on B.E.T.