In an epic celebration of Black talent and contributions, the 2023 BET Awards returned for another exciting evening. Tonight, as many questioned how this year's show would navigate the writer's strike, musical performances were the primary focal point. Following arrivals on the red carpet and pre-show, the BET Awards themselves also celebrated Hip Hop's 50th anniversary.
Not only was excellence in entertainment celebrated, but this year's show brought attention to the importance of mental health, Black entrepreneurs and the expansiveness of our community's culture.
Here are some of the best moments from the evening:
Coco Jones Wins Best New Artist
Presented by Princess Love and Ray J from Love and Hip Hop: Miami, Coco Jones won the award of Best New Artist. Jones took time to thank the culture for their support, her family, and fans while shining light on the struggles Black girls must go through to make it. She later sang her new hit "ICU."
For the first time in the award show's history, this category featured all female artists in the category.
Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor Wins Video Director of the Year
After announcing her retirement from music, Teyana Taylor made an impressive impact on the field of videography this year. Directing the commercial for her Air Jordan collaboration to being a creative director for up-and-coming stars, this award symbolizes that there is no limits to what she can accomplish. Her creative efforts were seen in rapper Lola Brooke's performance during the show that she choreographed and helped put together.
Her mother Nikki took a moment to FaceTime Teyana while accepting the award on her behalf so that she could enjoy her moment.
Quavo and Offset Perform and Honor Takeoff
After a public fallout, Offset and Quavo came together to honor their late group mate Takeoff and the accomplishments that the rap trio made in Hip Hop. This reunion was undoubtedly emotional for the two and those who love Migos.
50 Years of Hip Hop Celebrated in Totality
Kid Capri took the audience through a musical voyage showcasing Hip Hop through five decades. Sugarhill Gang and MC Lyte kicked off the show performing their greatest hits after Lil Uzi Vert's "I Just Wanna Rock." DJ D-Nice even stepped from behind the DJ booth to spit a few bars. Big Daddy Kane showed the crowd just why he is so respected in the genre. He also took a second to honor the late icon Biz Markie who passed away last year. Kid Capri also made sure to highlight the regional impact of Hip Hop from the east coast, west coast and the dirty south.
Throughout the show, Hip Hop's many, many legends paid respect to those who contributed to the Hip Hop landscape. For example, Latto paid tribute to one of ATL's finest rappers Shawty Lo in her performance of "Put It On the Floor" and Warren G showed love to his homie Nate Dogg.
Patti LaBelle Pays Homage to Tina Turner
Following a humble acknowledgment of those we've lost in the Black community over the last year, the BET Awards took time to commemorate the life of Patti LaBelle. In her traditional exuberant fashion, Patti LaBelle sang Tina Turner's classic song "The Best" in an outfit that would have made her proud.
Busta Rhymes Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by Swizz Beats and Marlon Wayans, Busta Rhymes was the recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Celebrated by Diddy, Chuck D, Pharrell, Janet Jackson, June Ambrose, Mariah Carey, Dave Chappelle and Missy Elliott, it is clear that Busta's impact and command of music and Hip Hop as a whole is enormous. In his speech, he took a moment to soak in the love and energy he was rightfully receiving while giving an emotional reflection on his life's work. Afterward, he performed a medley of his greatest tracks and got the crowd on their feet.
