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One of the biggest nights of the year in music took place last night (October 10). Well, at least it aired last night. The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped last week at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Considering the fact that the culture has been celebrating hip hop turning 50 all year, every one in attendance and at home watching expected an action-packed show. Luckily for us all, that’s exactly what we got.
For the second year in a row, South Bronx native Fat Joe had the pleasure of hosting the annual awards show. Throughout the night, Joey Crack made it a point to give flowers to the DJs and producers who have helped hip hop become the global phenomenon that is today. Swizz Beatz and Timbaland presented Marley Marl with the I Am Hip Hop Award, which was followed by electrifying performances by Rakim and LL Cool J. The legacy of So So Def Recordings was honored with a huge tribute. Jermaine Dupri was joined on stage by some of his most frequent (and some surprise) collaborators as they tore the stage down with hit after hit. DJ Drama blessed fans with a medley of his bangers from some of the biggest names in the game including Jeezy, Lil Jon, Fabolous and T.I.
The younger generation made their presence felt last night also. Especially the women, who are obviously taking over the game. The City Girls, GloRilla and Sexyy Red all ripped the stage with records that got the crowd on their feet and in their bags. Even when you look at the legendary fan favorite cyphers, there was no escaping the force of the women (The guys held their own too, of course). Artists such as Scar Lip, Lola Brooke Lady London, Gloss Up, Lanell Grant and Maiya The Don all showed why their names are buzzing and why many people consider the future of hip hop to be very bright.
Unsurprisingly, Lola Brooke and Sexyy Red were both nominated for Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist. Although she wasn’t there to accept it, Ice Spice ended up victorious in the category that also featured Central Cee, Doechii and others. Similar to Ice Spice, the biggest winner of the night was also not in attendance. Kendrick Lamar took home four awards and made history with each one. He became the first artist in history Hip Hop Artist of the Year three times. He tied Jay-Z and Kanye West by winning Best Live Performer for the fourth time. Lamar extended his lead for most wins in the Lyricist of the Year category with his ninth. He also won Video Director of the Year alongside his partner Dave Free. The duo won last year also, making them the first directors to win back-to-back awards in the category since Hype Williams won four years in a row from 2009-2012.
Her Loss won Hip Hop Album of the Year. Its creators, Drake and 21 Savage, also won Best Duo or Group. Lil Uzi Vert’s ‘Just Wann Rock’ beat out Drake and 21’s ‘Rich Flex’ and Lil Durk and J. Cole ‘All My Life’ for Song of the Year. It also won Best Hip Hop Video. Metro Boomin got his third victory in the Producer of the Year category (he won previously in 2015 and 2017), breaking a tie he had with Kanye West, DJ Mustard and Hit-Boy.
Check out a gallery of all of the best moments from last night below! Let us know which ones were your favorites in the comments. HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO HIP HOP!!!
