Cousins! A time was most definitely had this weekend in celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop at the 2023 BET Awards! From epic performances, fan favorite award wins, legendary reunions, and viral moments; “Culture’s biggest night,” was one for the books!
Airing live on Sunday, June 25th at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles celebrities like Summer Walker, Lil Meech, Lola Brooke, Ice Spice, Latto, Eva Marcille, Michael Blackson, Lance Gross, Queen Naja, Ari Fletcher, Jess Hilarious, Bow Wow, Lil Boosie, JT, and more kicked the night off serving looks on the exclusive pink carpet.
The show opened up with a quick freestyle from Lil Uzi Vert where he name-dropped fellow rapper Ice Spice. “ I got a nice wife/ wig came off twice/ she got a little fro/ she looks like Ice Spice.”
He continued by delivering a hyped performance for his hit single ” Just Wanna Rock”.
Child star turned chart-topping songstress Coco Jones took home the first award of the night as she won best new artist. Atlanta, Georgia native Latto was named best female hip hop artist, while Teyana Taylor’s mother face-timed her on stage to let her know she was named director of the year.
Fellow Migos members Offset and Quavo took audience members, as well as viewers at home breath away as they reunited for a special tribute performance in honor of the late Takeoff.
Ice Spice took us to The Bronx with an onstage backdrop duplicating the New York City style bodega and Fordham Road/ Jerome Ave 4 train subway staircase, dedicated to her hometown. The 23-year-old performed her hit singles, ” Munch ( Feelin U)”, “Princess Diana” and “In Ha Mood”. Glorilla switched it up with a sexy and sensual all-red performance as she hit the stage delivering looks and choreo.
The show honored the 50th year anniversary of Hip Hop with Hall of Famer DJ Kid Capri on the ones and twos. In celebrating the overall influence of Hip Hop artists such as Big Daddy Kane, The Sugar Hill Gang, Crime Mob, Remy Ma, Fat Joe, Trick Daddy, The Ying Yang Twins, Ja Rule, Styles P and more hit the stage to shine a light Rap music continuous impact.
Pattie LaBelle delivered a tribute to fellow songstress Tina Turner where she stumbled on a few of the lyrics to the late singer’s hit song “Simply The Best”. It has been stated that she had trouble reading the teleprompter.
Busta Rhymes received his flowers and accepted the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Marlon Wayans and Swizz Beatz. He proceeded in performing a string of his legendary hits alongside his best friend and hype-man Spliff star.
The 51-year-old also shined a light on his roots while educating those who may not know the influence Jamaican culture has on Hip Hop. Bringing out Reggae and DanceHall artists such as Daps, Spice, Skillibeng, Cutty Rank, and more; Busta had the entire theater jumping. The Brooklyn, New York native also brought out fellow rappers Coi Leray, Bia, and Scar Lip.
Coi Leray rocked an outfit that represented fellow female Hip Hop artists.
As the night’s festivities continued, Ray J confessed his love to his wife Princess Love. He confirmed that they’re still together and that he is doing more listening and practicing patience. In true Ray fashion, he delivered a quick PSA by saying that he peeped the fly guys trying to get close to Princess within her DMs. ” She’s MINE”.
Ice Spice and Lil Uzi Vert flicked it up as they sat in the front row next to each other as well as his girlfriend JT. During the award ceremony, the couple got into a little lover’s quarrel where the City Girl member tossed her cell phone at his head and called him either a groupie or a goofy.
Despite social media users’ speculation that JT had gotten jealous of Uzi being a little too chatty with Ice, a representative of hers says the Miami, Florida native had gotten frustrated after losing her seat.
G-Herbo shinned a light on the importance of mental health while also highlighting the impact he’s created within the Black Community over the years in committing to making a change.
BMF actor Lil Meech was caught in the middle of the award show resting his eyes as the camera scanned the audience.
Beyonce who is currently overseas for her Renaissance world tour took home three awards including a tie for album of the year with SZA who also won three awards. Usher and Chris Brown tied for best male R&B / pop artist. Drake and 21 Savage won the best group.
The night ended with an epic dance off shinning a light on viral trends combing through the last five decades and it’s constant influence in major cities like New York, Florida, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and more.
Cousins, be sure to check out the full list of winners from the 2023 BET Awards and let us know in the comments a few of your favorite moments below.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR (TIE)
SOS – SZA
RENAISSANCE – Beyoncé
BEST COLLABORATION
WAIT FOR U – Future feat. Drake & Tems
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
SZA
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST (TIE)
Chris Brown
Usher
BEST NEW ARTIST
Coco Jones
BEST GROUP
Drake x 21 Savage
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Latto
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar
DR. BOBBY JONES BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Bless Me – Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin
BET HER AWARD
Break My Soul – Beyoncé
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Kill Bill – SZA
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor
BEST MOVIE
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett
BEST ACTOR
Damson Idris
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Marsai Martin
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Angel Reese
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Hurts
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
Break My Soul – Beyoncé
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Burna Boy