BET Awards 2023 Celebrate 50 Years of Hip-Hop
The BET Awards returned on Sunday night, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop with a star-studded lineup of performances and tributes.
One of the biggest moments of the night came when Busta Rhymes was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The rapper was feted by a number of his peers, including LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and Swizz Beatz. In his acceptance speech, Rhymes reflected on his long and successful career, and urged the next generation of hip-hop artists to “keep pushing the culture forward.”
Other big award winners included Beyoncé, who took home the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award for the 11th time; Jazmine Sullivan, who won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist for the first time; and Kendrick Lamar, who won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for the fourth time.
The BET Awards also featured a number of memorable performances, including a medley of Mariah Carey’s hits by Chloe Bailey, H.E.R., and Latto; a tribute to the late DMX by Swizz Beatz and Nas; and a performance by Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X.
The show was hosted by Taraji P. Henson, who opened the show with a powerful speech about the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. “We are the culture,” she said. “We are the ones who make the world go round.”
The BET Awards 2023 was a celebration of black excellence and creativity. It was a night to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future of hip-hop.
Here is a list of the top award winners from the BET Awards 2023:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Busta Rhymes
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Beyoncé
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Jazmine Sullivan
- Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
- Video of the Year: “We Win” by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow
- Album of the Year: “Certified Lover Boy” by Drake
- Movie of the Year: “King Richard”
- Sportswoman of the Year: Naomi Osaka
- Sportsman of the Year: LeBron James
The BET Awards are an annual award show that celebrates the achievements of black entertainers and other minorities in music, movies, sports, and philanthropy. The awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network.