The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards finally made their grand debut on Tuesday evening, and it was a night to remember. Hosted by the talented rapper Fat Joe, the event took place on October 3 in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. If you happened to miss out on all the action, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with all the fan-favorite performances, the deserving winners, and the esteemed honorees of the night. So grab a seat and get ready to relive the magic!
The evening kicked off with an electrifying performance from two powerhouse rappers, DaBaby and Sexyy Red. The dynamic duo joined forces to deliver an unforgettable rendition of DaBaby’s hit single, “SHAKE SUMN.” As the audience soaked in the energy, Hip Hop legends Juvenile and Mannie Fresh took the stage to join DaBaby in his performance. The moment was truly special for DaBaby, who took to social media the next day to express his gratitude. He commented, “Had to let it sink in a just performed ‘PROJECT CHICK’ w/ @juviethegreat & @manniefresh at the awards last night. #HOODCLASSIC That was my way of putting on for 50 years of Hip-Hop & anybody from the ghetto period! Especially da SOUTH… I appreciate all parties involved & @bet for letting me set the tone for the HipHop awards last night!”
Following their impressive opening act, the City Girls took the stage by storm. JT, one-half of the Miami-based duo, captivated the audience with a solo performance of her single, “No Bars.” The song, which was released in July, was accompanied by a resource website designed to support formerly incarcerated women, a cause close to JT’s heart. The ladies also delivered a memorable performance of their chart-topping single, “Face Down,” leaving the crowd begging for more.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. The show took a thrilling turn with a female-rap cypher curated by none other than Da Brat. Partnering with her haircare line, Kaleidoscope, Da Brat brought together a powerhouse lineup of talented artists, including Scar Lip, Lakeyah, Saucy Santana, and Big Boss Vette. These fierce ladies showcased their lyrical prowess and left everyone in awe with their undeniable talent.
The night was also filled with nostalgic moments as Jermaine Dupri graced the stage alongside legendary artists like Ludacris, Lil Jon, Nelly, and Chingy. This epic performance paid tribute to thirty years of Dupri’s label, So So Def, and reminded us all of the incredible impact he has had on the industry. It was a true celebration of his contributions and a reminder of why he remains a force to be reckoned with.
And let’s not forget the epic finale. DJ Drama closed out the award ceremony with a bang, joined by rappers Fabolous, T.I., and Jeezy. Their incredible collaboration brought the crowd to their feet and left them with a sense of awe and admiration for these talented artists.
Apart from the jaw-dropping performances, the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards also recognized some of the industry’s brightest stars. Bronx-bred rapper Ice Spice walked away with the highly coveted “Best Hip Hop Breakout Artist” award. This well-deserved win solidified Ice Spice’s rise to fame, following her earlier triumph at the MTV VMA for “Best New Artist” in September.
Ghanaian singer and rapper Black Sherif also received recognition, winning the “Best International Flow” award. His unique and captivating style has earned him a dedicated fan base and cemented his name in the industry. Another highlight of the night was Yung Miami’s ‘Caresha Please’ podcast, which snagged the “Best Hip Hop Platform” award. This win attests to the growing popularity and influence of podcasts in the Hip Hop world, with contenders like ‘Drink Champs,’ ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and ‘The Joe Budden Podcast’ also vying for the title.
The accolade for “Song Of The Year” went to the talented Lil Uzi Vert for his chart-topping single, “Just Wanna Rock.” This infectious track had fans across the globe singing along and dancing to its catchy beats. In the highly competitive category of “Hip Hop Album Of The Year,” rappers Drake and 21 Savage emerged victorious with their collaborative project, ‘Her Loss.’ Their seamless partnership and exceptional music earned them the well-deserved recognition from the industry.
But the true highlight of the evening was Kendrick Lamar, who took home the prestigious “Hip Hop Artist Of The Year” award. Known for his thought-provoking lyrics and undeniable talent, Lamar has cemented his place as one of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. Other contenders for the coveted title included Cardi B, Burna Boy, J. Cole, and a host of other talented artists.
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards also paid tribute to legends who have shaped the genre throughout the years. Producers extraordinaire, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, were honored with the Rock The Bells Cultural Influence Award for their immense contribution to Hip Hop. Their groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the industry, and this award serves as a testament to their enduring influence.
Furthermore, the legendary Hip Hop pioneer and Grammy-winning producer, Marley Marl, was bestowed with the esteemed “I Am Hip Hop” award, recognizing his unparalleled impact on the genre. Marl’s innovative talent and dedication to his craft have paved the way for countless artists and continue to shape the landscape of Hip Hop.
Overall, the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards was an evening filled with incredible performances, well-deserved winners, and a celebration of the genre’s rich history. The crowd was left in awe, and social media erupted with excitement as people from all walks of life shared their favorite moments from the show. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable night that served as a reminder of the powerful influence and enduring legacy of Hip Hop.
So, whether you were there in person or witnessed the magic from the comfort of your own home, there’s no denying that the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards was a night to remember. From the mind-blowing performances to the deserving winners and the honored legends, the event showcased the very best of the genre. Can’t wait to see what next year brings!
