The 2023 BET Awards brought out the culture’s biggest stars as the network highlighted Hip-Hop for its 50th anniversary. MC Lyte was on hosting duties at the Los Angeles Microsoft Theater, with DJ Kid Capri spinning on the 1s and 2s for the highly melanated and revered event.
The show found the audience time-traveling through Hip-Hop’s vast sonic palette from the past and the present of the genre’s lineage. BET’s 2023 edition featured performances from Davido, Lil Uzi Vert, Coco Jones, Lola Brooke, Ice Spice, Quavo, Offset, Doechii, Latto, and more. Hip-Hop’s 50th celebration was sprinkled throughout this year’s show, blending in seamlessly with the mentioned performers. Artists that hit the stage for the honor included Big Daddy Kane, T.I., Jeezy, Uncle Luke, MC Lyte, Master P, Fabolous, Soulja Boy, 69 Boyz, Rah Digga, Remy Ma, Yo-Yo, and more.
As Drake and GloRilla led nominations, Latto took home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Coco Jones won Best New Artist. Beyoncé won big, snagging Album of The Year for Renaissance, as well as the Viewers Choice Award and BET Her accolade for “Break My Soul.”
And to top it off, Busta Rhymes was honored with the 2023 BET Awards Lifetime Achievement accolade, commemorating his legacy in the genre and beyond. His greatness was capped with a tribute performance that spanned decades, showing off a range of styles and flows that the “Dungeon Dragon” adapted to over the years.
BET continued its momentum from its acclaimed 2022 show, crafting an experience for Hip-Hop to be heralded for changing the world and shifting culture on a global scale. In no distinct order, here are the 10 best moments from the biggest night in Black entertainment.
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Offset And Quavo Reunite On Stage Since Takeoff’s Death
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images A moment in Hip-Hop that many have been waiting for has finally come: Quavo and Offset reunited on stage in the name of Takeoff at the 2023 BET Awards.
The Migos rappers have had a rift since before the untimely passing of Take, which unfortunately boiled over even after his death. During their performance, the two standing group members put their differences aside as they paid homage to their brethren by sending off a rocketship and rapping his verses together.
Set and Qua performed Unc and Phew‘s “Hotel Lobby” before taking it back to Migos’ 2017 hit “Bad and Boujee.” Fashionably sporting all-black ensembles, the pair rapped as back up dancers helped keep the energy on stage high. The Migos were met with a standing ovation as Takeoff’s picture appeared in the background.
The two recently joined each other in celebration for Take’s birthday on June 18. Takeoff né Kirsnick Khari Ball would have been 29 years old.
Take a look at Quavo and Offset reunite onstage above.
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Busta Rhymes’ Decade Spanning Tribute Performance
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Busta Rhymes‘ tribute performance was a party. Piggybacking off the momentum of his emotional acceptance speech, Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star hit the stage to honor the OG’s legacy. Remy Ma and M.O.B. joined the duo for a rendition of the “Ante Up (Remix).” Busta then breezed through his standout verse from A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” and Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” before transitioning to his 2001 hit “Break Ya Neck.”
Switching the vibe to something for the ladies, the duo shifted to their Mariah Carey-assisted track, “I Know What You Want.” Suddenly, the arena’s lights glowed red as Busta welcomed Scar Lip to perform her viral hit, “This Is New York.” Hits kept going from there as the tribute turned up with “New York Sh*t,” “Touch It” with Rah Digga, and “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” which transitioned into Coi Leray’s “Players.” Busta Rhymes ushered in his next chapter by performing 2023’s “Beach Balls” with an assist from Bia.
Paying homage to his Jamaican roots, Busta ended the celebration by welcoming legendary dancehall artists like Skillibeng, Spice, Dexta Daps, and Cutty Ranks to the stage. A whole party was had.
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Patti LaBelle Traverses Through Technical Troubles In Tina Turner Tribute Performance
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Patti LaBelle paid homage to the late “Queen of Rock,” Tina Turner, while powering through technical difficulties. LaBelle hit the stage in a shimmery black dress, ready to shower the icon in love. “Give it up for Tina Turner,” the Philadelphia native said before breaking into her rendition of “The Best.”
However, things began to take a turn as the teleprompter glitched, causing the songstress to stumble over a few of the track’s lyrics. But, the show must go on, and Auntie Patti improvised using her vocal range to subdue the crowd temporarily. “I’m trying y’all,” she told the audience with a smile. Shoutout to the icon for always giving her best and giving the internet a new meme.
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Hip-Hop 50 Dance Finale With Doug E. Fresh, Kid ‘N Play, Soulja Boy, Fast Life Yungstaz, And More
Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images Dance moves have tranversed across Hip-Hop from generation to generation. Dating back from breakin’ in the ’70s, all the way to music lovers rocking their hips today, the 2023 BET Awards had it all covered.
From Doug E. Fresh hitting the “Dougie,” Kid ‘N Play actually doing their synonymous dance, to Soulja Boy showing everyone how to “Crank That” — tonight’s ceremony made sure to visit the various eras of Hip-Hop dance and the pillars of those movements.
Representing New York, King Combs “Harlem Shaked,” as dirty south rappers brought back the nostalgic days of “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” the “Stanky Leg,” and “Walk It Out.”
Of course with any event, the night wouldn’t be capped without the entire room “Swag Surfing.”
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Teyana Taylor FaceTimed By Mom After Winning Video Director of the Year
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Teyana Taylor snagged the Video Director of the Year award at the 2023 BET Awards but could not attend in person. But, have no fear, as Nikki Taylor, Teyana’s mother, accepted the accolade on her behalf. As Nikki made her way to the stage, she revealed to the crowd that she wouldn’t take away from her daughter’s moment and hit a left turn. “Sorry BET,” Nikki said, phoning Tey on stage.
The multihyphenate was surprised when her momma FaceTimed her, giving her a glimpse of the sea of Black beauty in Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater. Nikki then told “Spike Tey” that she won Video Director of the Year, to which she flipped out and sent the audience into applause. Tey attempted to run through her impromptu speech but was unfortunately cut short due to a wacky Wi-Fi connection.
Teyana Taylor was nominated for Video Director of the 2023 BET Awards alongside Burna Boy, Cole Bennett, A$AP Rocky, Benny Boom, Dave Free and Kendrick Lamar, and Director X.
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Ice Spice Pays Homage To The Bronx, Her And Hip-Hop’s Birthplace
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Ice Spice brought the Bronx to Los Angeles in her inaugural BET Awards performance. Capping off what some thought was an overnight rise to fame, Ice hit the Microsoft Theater to perform three of her most viral tracks: “Princess Diana,” “In Ha Mood,” and, of course, “Munch.”
Paying homage to her home borough and the locale Hip-Hop calls its birthplace, Spice began her performance sitting atop a basketball hoop. She then hits up other points of interest referencing New York City, including the Fordham Road MTA train stop and a Dipset-esque bodega backdrop, accompanied by background dancers matching the young rapper’s laid-back demeanor.
Although she didn’t win hardware tonight, Ice Spice was nominated for several awards, including Best New Artist, Best Collaboration, and Best Female Hip Hop Artist.
“The People’s Princess” quest to the top has just begun and it’s safe to say the Bronx is still making noise.
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Coco Jones Gets Emotional As She Accepts Best New Artist Award
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Coco Jones was nominated for three BET Awards this year. Deservingly taking home Best New Artist, the songstress visibly became emotional while accepting her accolade.
Soaking in the moment of her first win, as her mom and other relatives emotionally watched from the crowd, Coco reflected on the earlier days before her career took off. The 25-year-old recalled performing on 106 & Park at 16 years old, and acknowledged her “long, long journey” to the current moment.
“Thank you so much BET,” the “ICU” crooner began. “I remember when I did 106 & Park with y’all when I was 16, in them tight little grey skinny jeans and my sneakers. It’s been a long journey. Thank you guys for rocking with me the whole time.”
Jones then showed immense gratitude for the support from the culture and her team, which she thanked for “taking a chance” on her when she “didn’t have anything going for [herself] at that time.”
Concluding her heartfelt speech, she said, “I just want to thank God so much for keeping me when I didn’t understand. And for all of my Black girls: we do have to fight a little harder to get what we deserve, but don’t stop fighting even when it doesn’t make sense and you’re not sure how you’re going to get out of those circumstances. Keep pushing because we are deserving of great things, and I’m going to continue to give y’all my everything.”
See Coco Jones’ emotional acceptance speech above.
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Sugar Hill Gang, MC Lyte, D-Nice, And Big Daddy Kane Open BET Awards
Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images The 2023 BET Awards opened in a major way with a few pioneers of Hip-Hop.
In celebration for the genre’s 50th anniversary, DJ Kid Kapri held down the 1’s and 2’s as The Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, D-Nice, and Big Daddy Kane took the audience back to the early days of MC’ing.
The Sugarhill Gang performed the 1980 timeless track “Rapper’s Delight” as the audience rapped word-for-word. MC Lyte then took the stage with her classic 1989 hit “Cha Cha Cha,” before DJ D-Nice rapped his 1990 single “Call Me D-Nice.” Big Daddy Kane brought the audience to their feet as he blazed the stage with “Raw.”
To cap off the segment, the audience all joined in rapping along to the late Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend.”
Take a look at Hip-Hop royalty open the show above.
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Latto Wins Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Over Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, And More
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images Latto continues to have it her way as she took home Best Female Hip-Hop Artist at the 2023 BET Awards. Up against seasoned femcees and newcomers including Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Coi Leray, GloRilla, and Ice Spice, the “Put It On Da Floor” rhymer came out on top.
During Latto’s acceptance speech, she not only thanked her team and God, but also shouted out other rappers who she believes deserves the spotlight put on them, too. Wearing only one heel and her sheer floor-length gown, the 24-year-old hilariously started with, “Child, I’ve got one heel on, one heel off.”
“OK, I’m not gonna cry this year,” she continued. “Shout-out to God. He be doing his big one on me. Shout-out to all the other women in the category, all the women who paved the way for this to even be possible. This category is going crazy this year.”
Accompanied on stage by her sister Brooklyn Nikole, Latto took time out of her speech to acknowledge other talented women who rap that deserved a nomination this year.
“Doechii, I love you, baby; Maiya The Don; Flo Milli — oh my God, I can’t even think — Mello Buckzz; TiaCorine. Shout-out to all the women. We killin’ it,” she continued. “This is the year of the female, year of women. Hopefully, we gon’ see an all-female tour. You feel me? Very soon. Keep killin’ it.”
She also thanked her mother, and her man. “Y’all always give me my flowers. I could cry. Thank you, BET,” she ended.
Take a look at Latto accepting the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist award above.
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Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Styles P, Fabolous Honor The Aughts
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Styles P, and Fabolous performed a tribute to the Hip-Hop hits of the early aughts. Joey Crack and Remy hit the stage first, bending the rules a bit by performing their 2017 smash hit, “All The Way Up.” As lights shifted into a scarlet hue, the duo got the crowd lit to the Plata O Plomo single.
Kid Capri transitioned into the next track, with Fabolous smoothly grabbing the microphone to perform his Just Blaze-produced banger, “Breathe.” The Billboard 100 top 10 entry found the Brooklyn emcee calmly spitting the song’s first verse with the crowd bopping along to the triumphant number. Styles P rounded out the ill performances with the crowd pleaser, “Good Times.” Dressed in all-black, the LOX member got the crowd on its feet to celebrate the good times one can have when getting high.
The trio of performances was a part of a grander tribute to Hip-Hop for its 50th anniversary, as BET sprinkled in homages to the culture throughout the show. And Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Fabolous, and Styles P’s performances were one of the freshest.