The 2023 BET Awards honored the fiftieth anniversary of hip-hop with dozens of performances that performed like a musical household reunion as pioneers of the style blazed the stage throughout a hostless however party-filled present held throughout the writers strike.
The Sugarhill Gang, Large Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Doug E. Contemporary, Erick Sermon and Keith Murray carried out Sunday on the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating rap music and honoring its roots in addition to its domination in popular culture.
Ja Rule, Pink Man, E-40, Grasp P, Fats Joe, Remy Ma, Kinds P, T.I., Fabolous, Trick Daddy, Trina, Uncle Luke and Skillz hit the stage, serving to the four-hour-show stream throughout the writers strike, which a number of presenters acknowledged earlier than giving out awards, together with Grammy-winning singer Muni Lengthy.
“Let’s take a second to acknowledge and stand in solidarity with the artists who make us snicker, cry and, most necessary, suppose — our Writers Guild of America household. Writers are, in lots of cases, the glue to the execution of artistry and storytelling. Our skill to extract emotion for performers, serving to them to articulate their voices and visions to the world is irreplaceable,” mentioned Lengthy, a revered songwriter who has written songs for Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, H.E.R. and Mary J. Blige.
“The safety of the author is essential. We merely should defend our mental property.”
Child Capri helped the night time go on with out a hitch, spinning traditional hip-hop information and introducing performers like D-Good, Warren G, Yo-Yo, Child ‘n Play and 69 Boyz — who carried out quick variations of their songs — following business breaks.
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Patti LaBelle’s tribute to Tina Turner was additionally a spotlight — however not for utterly good causes. LaBelle sang “The Greatest” and flubbed among the lyrics, telling the viewers: “I can’t see the phrases. I don’t know. I’m attempting y’all.”
However she championed via the efficiency, because the viewers cheered her on, hitting excessive notes and later joined by 10 background singers. “God bless you, Tina Turner,” she mentioned.
Busta Rhymes earned a standing ovation as he acquired the lifetime achievement award. He eliminated his glasses to wipe tears from his face. “I do wanna cry,” he instructed the viewers.
Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Dave Chappelle, Pharrell and Diddy highlighted his legacy in a video bundle, whereas M.O.P., Rah Digga, Coi Leray, Bia and extra paid tribute with a efficiency. Rhymes additionally carried out his main hits.
Others have been emotional throughout the present, together with rapper Latto, who gained finest feminine hip-hop artist. She beat out Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, Coi Leray and GloRilla.
The “Large Vitality” performer screamed in her seat and tried to take away her heels earlier than operating to the stage. “Shout-out to all the opposite girls within the class [and] all the girls who paved the way in which for this to even be doable. This class goes loopy this yr,” she mentioned with one shoe on.
She went on to thank different feminine rappers who mentioned she ought to have been nominated, together with Doechii, Flo Milli, Maiya The Don, Mello Buckzz and TiaCorine.
“Shout-out to all the ladies — we killing it. That is the yr of the feminine, [the] yr of girls. Hopefully we’re going to see an all-female tour, you are feeling me, very quickly,” Latto mentioned.
Bel-Air actress and R&B singer Coco Jones cried onstage after accumulating one of the best new artist award. This yr she launched successful with the R&B ballad “ICU,” which she carried out in sturdy kind below misty rain.
“For all of my Black ladies, we do need to struggle a little bit more durable to get what we deserve, however don’t cease preventing. Even when it doesn’t make sense and also you’re unsure the way you’re going to get out of these circumstances, maintain pushing as a result of we’re deserving of nice issues y’all,” Jones mentioned.
Teyana Taylor was named video director of the yr, and her mother was current to just accept her honor. As she started to offer a speech, she determined to video name her daughter and shared her display with the viewers.
“What is going on?” Taylor requested. “You gained!” her mother replied.
“Oh shit!” Taylor mentioned, leaping in her seat. She rattled off thank-you’s however her speech reduce off as “weak wifi” appeared on her mother’s cellphone display.
The night time additionally paid tribute to these in hip-hop who’ve died, from icons to current performers, whereas Capri performed songs by Tupac, Nate Dogg, Guru, Pop Smoke, Younger Dolph and extra.
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After performing, Large Daddy Kane instructed the gang: “I’d not be on this enterprise or this stage tonight if it weren’t for this one particular person.” That’s when Biz Markie’s “Only a Buddy” performed as the gang sang the rap tune.
“Relaxation in peace, Biz Markie,” Large Daddy Kane mentioned.
Quavo and Offset of Migos carried out with a lightweight beaming in between them to symbolize Takeoff, who died in November. As a rocket ascended, a photograph of Takeoff together with his hand pointing to the sky appeared on the big display. Quavo wore the quantity 94 on shirt, representing the yr Takeoff was born, and the duo ended their efficiency by making the letter T with their arms.
Throughout the stay present, Beyoncé — who’s on tour — gained the BET Her and viewer’s alternative awards for “Break My Soul.” A number of awards, together with album of the yr and finest feminine R&B/pop artist, weren’t handed out throughout the telecast.
The BET Awards kicked off with MC Lyte introducing the night time’s performers and presenters, which was instantly adopted by a efficiency by Lil Uzi Vert. Different performers included Ice Spice, GloRilla, Doeechii, Davido and Lola Brooke.
