Johnny Gill is giving Beyoncé major props for her video "Love on Top."

What some artists call plagiarism, Johnny considers a tribute.

When Bey debuted "Love on Top," many people immediately thought of New Edition's "If It Isn't Love" music video. Both videos were set in a dance studio; both videos starred a boy band, and they each featured high-energy dance moves.

"How cool was that?" Johnny asked S2S after having watched "Love on Top." "That was so cool."

Johnny thinks Bey and her backup dancers did a great job of capturing New Edition's essence. In his opinion, it's why she is one of the greatest living performers.

"There's no more Michael Jackson," said Johnny, "but I think she's a beast to begin with." Johnny told S2S that the world, although very taken with Beyoncé's command of the stage and studio, hasn't fully realized that she's a legend in the making.

He said, "It's such an honor to have someone who knew, and knows, her history and to be aware of where it all started."

—Sonya Eskridge

Here's more:

Beyoncé debuts 'Love on Top'
EXCLUSIVE: Johnny Gill 'not sure' about reality TV