The 2023 BET Awards just gave hip-hop the ultimate tribute in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, culture’s biggest night honored the genre’s milestone birthday (Aug. 11) with an evening of performances from an unprecedented lineup of hip-hop icons and current stars.
So far, The Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Warren G, Yo-Yo, Tyga, E-40, Trick Daddy, Trina, Uncle Luke, Chief Keef, Ying Yang Twins, Jeezy, T.I., Master P, Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Redman, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Fabolous, Styles P, and Ja Rule have hit the stage to rap some of their biggest hits. Kane also led a brief Biz Markie tribute in honor of the late hip-hop icon. Other acts like DJ Unk, Fast Life Yungstaz & Easton (F.L.Y.), Kid ‘N Play, and Soulja Boy are expected to hit the stage as well for what BET calls a “wall-to-wall party” curated by legendary DJ Kid Capri.
Ahead of the award show, Connie Orlando – BET’s EVP, specials, music programming and music strategy – released a statement with its hip-hop 50 performance slate that read, “We have an incredible lineup of performers who will take us on a musical journey, covering hip-hop spanning every decade, style, and region. From music to dance and fashion, we are digging through every crate as we celebrate 50 years of hip-hop and its diversity, evolution, and global impact.”
BET also teased “an unforgettable night of reunions and surprises as we celebrate hip-hop’s rich history, enduring legacy, and promising future.”
Scroll ahead to check out photos of the hip-hop 50 tribute performances at the BET Awards.
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