Busta Rhymes was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles. It commemorated 50 years of hip-hop with an electrifying extravaganza that honored late legends, honored the genre’s pioneers, and featured up-and-coming talent.
The evening was a lively celebration, pulsating with outstanding performances that harmoniously blended into a never-ending party.
In a surprising and heartfelt moment, Quavo and Offset, the surviving members of the sensational group Migos, took the stage. Their performance of “Bad and Boujee” was accompanied by an image of Takeoff, tragically lost to a shooting incident last December.
The duo commanded the attention of the crowd, passionately exclaiming, “BET, do it for Take!” The backdrop transformed from a space shuttle to an image of Takeoff pointing upward, symbolizing his enduring legacy.
Throughout the star-studded event, iconic figures in hip-hop, such as Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Biz Markie, and Pop Smoke, were honored. Performers and emcee Kid Capri paid homage to these late luminaries by briefly showcasing their most memorable hits. The focus of the evening remained on the music, with few awards being presented.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Busta Rhymes, an influential rapper, producer, and hip-hop pioneer with a remarkable 12 Grammy Award nominations. Swizz Beatz had the honor of presenting Rhymes with the award, recognizing his immense contribution to the genre. Rhymes, moved by the recognition, shed tears as he expressed his gratitude. In his touching acceptance speech, he shared personal anecdotes about his journey, including the challenges he faced, being estranged from his group Leaders of the New School, and finding solace and redemption in the studio. Rhymes proclaimed himself a pioneer of the collaborative feature, emphasizing the unique magic of the hip-hop culture.
The tribute to Rhymes continued with an energetic performance. Joined by Spliff Star, he flawlessly delivered a medley of his hit songs, including “Ante Up Remix,” “Scenario,” “Look At Me Now,” and “I Know What You Want.” A succession of A-listers joined them on stage, including Scar Lip, Coi Leray, BIA, and more. Midway through the performance, the atmosphere shifted to celebrate the vibrant dancehall genre. Dexta Daps, Spice, Skillibeng, and CuttyRanks captivated the audience with their infectious rhythms.
The BET Awards brought together the pillars of old school hip-hop and the fresh faces of the modern era. The performances paid homage to rap’s most influential cities and showcased its constant evolution. Trick Daddy and Trina represented Miami with their hit “Nann,” while Uncle Luke rocked the stage with “I Wanna Rock (Doo Doo Brown).”
Atlanta’s contributions were highlighted by Jeezy’s “They Know” and T.I.’s “24’s,” while Master P astounded the audience with a captivating performance of “No Limit Soldiers” followed by “Make ‘Em Say Ugh.” The reggae influence on hip-hop was not forgotten, as Doug E. Fresh and Lil’ Vicious performed an acapella rendition of “Freaks,” Mad Lion delivered “Take It Easy,” and PATRA brought the house down with “Romantic Call.”
Kid Capri skillfully transitioned to a crash course on West Coast rap, punctuated by Warren G’s “Regulate,” Yo-Yo’s “You Can’t Play With My Yo-Yo,” Tyga’s “Rack City,” and E-40’s
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