The 2023 BET Awards rolled out its pink carpet for the biggest names in entertainment from all over the world to celebrate culture’s biggest night. Stars strutted the carpet showcasing their unique looks and vibrant personalities. The carpet had appearances from Busta Rhymes, Lola Brooke, Summer Walker, Lil Meech, Davido, Lance Gross, Lil Uzi Vert and so much more.
The evening could not go on without discussing the triumph of African American people, the music and honoring the achievement that is 50 years of hip hop.
“It’s about watching this thing flourish, and evolve,”
Christopher Martin, famously known as Kid from the legendary Kid n’ Play said when speaking about the growth that hip-hop has seen.
“We need both [old school and new school hip hop]. This thing doesn’t keep going without both. We want 50 more years,”
New York battle rapper and podcast host Math Hoffa added to the discussion. Many also paid their respect to Busta Rhymes who was Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Jess Hilarious named the rap legend as one of the most quotable rappers of all time.
“Busta Rhymes, like what are we talking about,”
she acknowledged.
Comedian Michael Blackson also named the honoree as one of his top five favorite rappers. He added,
“I got to give Busta Rhymes his props”
During the ceremony, in honor of 50 years of Hip Hop, Kid Cupri took us on a Hip Hop journey, which showcased the evolution of the popular genre with performances from Warren G to T.I and Yo-Yo. Each performance served as growth for Hip Hop as the crowd went wild for each unexpected performance. Patti LaBelle performed a tribute to the late Tina Turner singing Simply The Best. The crowd instantly responded in awe when Migos‘ members, Quavo and Offset, seemingly reunited as they performed together on the main stage giving a tribute to the late Takeoff.
Busta Rhymes grew emotional when receiving the long overdue Lifetime Achievement Award. In his speech, he pointed out that he was nervous when Leaders of The New School split, adding that his desire wasn’t to be a solo artist but despite it all, he came out on top and evolved into a successful solo act.
The show concluded with the honoree performing his hottest records and bringing out legendary performers from older artists, to the newest ones. BIA hit the stage with Rhymes as they performed Beach Ball together. The honoree also paid tribute to his Jamaican heritage bringing out Spice, Skillibeng, Dexta Daps and much more.
