The BET Awards were last weekend and history was truly made. The night was full of surprises, from Lauryn Hill giving an impromptu performance, to Janet Jackson coming out to give Teyana Taylor the Icon of the Year Award, the evening is being hailed as one of the most entertaining award shows this year.
The BET Awards were last weekend and it was the talk of the entertainment industry. In a night full of surprises and celebration. The BET Awards were the perfect blend of honoring the legends that paved the way, nostalgia, and celebrating newer artists who are taking over the world.
The night was hosted by popular online creator Druski, who made a grand entrance by descending from the rafters in a harness as a choir sang Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution,” kicking off a night of celebrating music, comedy, and culture. Druski made history as the youngest host of the show, surpassing Kevin Hart who previously held the record when he emceed in 2011.
One of the most talked about moments of the evening was a 20-minute tribute to Lauryn Hill and her iconic career. The segment was introduced by Ice Cube, and was then followed by performances from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, and her children Selah Marley and Zion Marley, who all sang songs from Hill’s catalog.
The tribute was then followed by a surprise performance from Hill, who sang her 1998 hit “Ex-Factor” after she accepted the Living Legend Icon Award. The Living Legend Icon Award is given to an individual whose work has remained “culturally essential across generations.”
She then closed out the show with “Everything Is Everything.” After accepting her award she gave an inspiring message to newer artists, telling them to always “embrace their gifts, and remain true to their purpose,” according to AP.
“I fight for y’all, and fighting for y’all is me fighting for myself, it’s me fighting for my children, it’s me fighting for my community.”
The Award show also took the time to honor influential figures from music and entertainment who passed away this past year with a moving memoriam tribute introduced by Erica Campbell of Mary Mary.
Campbell paid special tribute to the late gospel composer Richard Smallwood, whose music “strengthened her faith.” She also took the time to remember late music executive Clive Davis, who passed away just last week.
One of the biggest shocks of the night was a surprise appearance from Janet Jackson, who came out to present Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. As Jackson made her way to the microphone Taylor was visibly emotional and fighting back tears. Jackson approached and embraced Taylor before moving to the microphone to present the award.
While presenting, Jackson praised Taylor for her “relentless work ethic and artistic range” while pointing out her recent Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in “One Battle After Another.”
“They did not tell me Janet was coming, there will be no me without you,” Taylor said as she cried with tears of gratitude.
The Icon of the Year Award is given to an individual classified as a “creative force whose influence is shaping culture.” While Taylor started her career in entertainment as a multiplatinum recording artist, she swiftly moved into becoming an award-winning actor, director, producer, and choreographer, and after the past year, it was only fitting that she’d be given the title. Taylor praised herself for all the time and energy she put into building her ongoing legacy.
“I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”
The BET Awards also celebrated the legacy of the late D’Angelo with a tribute opening with appearances from his three children.
Among the artists who honored the singer with performances of his music were Ari Lennox, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, RAYE, and more. The artists and audience celebrated D’Angelo and his influence as one of R&B’s most notable voices.
Another music industry legend who was honored was music executive Sylvia Rhone, who received the BET Ultimate Icon Award in “recognition of her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the music industry,” AP reported.
Kelly Rowland presented the award and honored Rhone as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes were featured in a video tribute as well, and they highlighted her role in helping develop and expand the careers of well-known musicians like Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, and so many others.
While Rhone was accepting the award, she dedicated the honor to the artists and creative teams that she worked with throughout her illustrious career.
“Tonight’s honor bears my name, but it really belongs to all of us who create culture,” she said. Rhone then utilized her platform to speak up against a very pressing issue that exists throughout every branch of the entertainment industry today: artificial intelligence.
“We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us,” she said. “We must honor the musician. We must compensate the creator,” Rhone said, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing real creatives.
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
