The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards made a grand entrance at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Center as it aired on October 10th after being recorded the week before, and it was an event filled with celebration.
Hosted by the illustrious Fat Joe, the night was a joyous celebration of hip-hop culture, bringing together music enthusiasts from all walks of life.
The evening ignited with a scintillating performance by the incredibly talented DaBaby. He started the show and had the audience on their feet with his chart-topping hit “Shake Summ,” , but the real magic happened when Sexxy Redd joined him on stage to deliver her verse from the “Shake Summ” remix.
The energy then kicked up another notch when Juvenile and Mannie Fresh also took the stage to create a star-studded ensemble. Together, they delivered a captivating performance featuring tracks like “Ghetto Girls” mixed in with the original sample of the track “Project Chick,” setting the bar high for the night.
The BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 was also a platform for showcasing remarkable DJ skills, with renowned DJs like DJ Spinderella, Scott Storch, D-Nice, and more taking center stage.
The anticipation was met with excitement as the first award of the night was presented for the Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist.
This year’s winner was none other than the talented Ice Spice, shining a spotlight on the remarkable women in the industry and the positive direction in which hip-hop is headed.
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Glorilla and Fivio Foreign electrified the stage with their powerful presence and musical prowess, performing their hit tracks “Pop It” and “Cha Cha Cha.” Their performance left no doubt about their status as formidable forces in the world of hip-hop.
The night was brimming with Cyphers, kicking off with Team Swizz Beatz. They made a powerful statement with a cypher that included members Foggieraw, Symba, Cassidy, and Scar Lip, demonstrating their lyrical prowess and the heart of hip-hop.
Team Timbaland members, Lola Brooke, Lady London, Gloss Up, and Bun B, collaborated to present a medley of cyphers, highlighting their collective talents and their love for hip-hop.
The BETDigital Cypher featured voices that added to the diversity and talent within the hip-hop community, including Maiya the Don, Lanell Grant, and That Mexican OT.
Additionally, an off-air cypher featuring Da Brat, Scar Lip, Big Boss Vette, Lakeyah, and Saucy Santana was a hidden gem from the event.
The City Girls duo graced the stage with a memorable performance of their hit single “Face Down,” with JT starting the act with her solo track “No Bars,” showcasing their prowess as hip-hop sensations.
Sexyy Red made her debut at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2023 with an enthralling performance, presenting tracks like “Pound Town,” “Shake Yo Dreads,” and “SkeeYee,” firmly establishing her presence in the hip-hop scene.
The audience had the privilege of experiencing an energetic collaboration between the iconic music legend DJ Kool Red Alert, a WBLS staple, and the talented rapper Young Devyn.
The legendary producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz received well-deserved recognition for their monumental impact on hip-hop culture. They presented the I Am Hip Hop Award to our very own Marley Marl, who shared his inspirations and career highlights during his heartfelt acceptance speech.
A touching moment unfolded when Swizz Beatz credited Marley Marl for inventing sampling on a hip-hop record, earning a resounding cheer and applause from the audience.
Hip-hop icons Rakim and LL Cool J joined forces with Jazzy Jeff, DJ Technician, and Adam Blackstone to deliver a captivating homage to Marley Marl, honoring his legacy in hip-hop.
The Best International Flow Award was presented to Black Sherif from Ghana, acknowledging the global reach and impact of hip-hop.
Remaining awards were not televised, but announced online, including honors for Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Album of the Year, Best Live Performer, Best Duo or Group, DJ of the Year, Best Hip Hop Platform, Video Director of the Year, Hustler of the Year, Song of the Year, Impact Track, Best Collaboration, Best Hip Hop Video, Sweet 16, and Best Featured Verse.
Tributes didn’t end there! The So So Def family with appearances by Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Ludacris, Da Brat, Bow Wow, Dem Franchize Boyz, Chingy and Tyrese helping create a memorable finale for the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The night concluded with DJ Drama, who kept the energy high as Fabolous, T.I., and Jeezy, and performed their respective hits from an exciting mixtape era, creating a memorable finale for the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards were a spectacular celebration of the ever-evolving world of hip-hop. From sensational performances to heartfelt tributes and well-deserved recognitions, the event showcased the genre’s incredible talent and its enduring influence on the music industry.
This year’s awards was a perfect celebration of bridging the gap between regions, eras, and a celebration of DJ’s and producers.