The BET Awards are happening Sunday at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The network’s annual celebration of Black excellence is going to be one for the books. The show starts at 8 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on BET, BET HER, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1. In addition, it will also livestream on BET.com
“We have an incredible lineup of performers who will take us on a musical journey, covering Hip Hop spanning every decade, style, and region,” Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, revealed in a statement. “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.”
Between a red carpet full of impressive fashion to star-studded performances, here are 5 reasons we can’t wait to tune in tonight.
Patti LaBelle Will Pay Homage to Tina Turner
The passing of Tina Turner last month stunned the world. The Queen of Rock & Roll paved the way for Black women in entertainment with a historic career of epic proportions. Patti LaBelle will pay homage to the late legend during Sunday’s ceremony, with a performance that could consist of gems like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” There is no better person to honor Turner’s legacy.
Kid Capri Will Lead Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
With Hip-Hop turning 50 this year, the BET Awards are celebrating it with the legendary Kid Capri helming its tribute. His set will feature the genre’s most groundbreaking moments. Expect acclaimed emcees performing the classics as well as pivotal hip-hop fashion highlighted throughout the years.
Busta Rhymes Will Receive the BET Lifetime Achievement Award
Innovative artist Busta Rhymes is set to receive the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, which Sean “Diddy” Combs received last year. Busta is a 12-time Grammy Award-nominated rapper and producer whose creative vision has helped evolve the rap genre. Rah Digga, Bia, Coi Leray and Swizz Beatz are scheduled to participate in the tribute.
There Will Be a Bevy of Talented Performers
The BET Awards have made it a point to boast impressive musical acts every year, and 2023 will be no different. This year’s lineup includes performances from Chief Keef, DJ Unk, E-40, Fast Life Yungstaz & Easton (F.L.Y.), Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, The Sugarhill Gang, Tyga, Yo-Yo and Ying Yang Twins.
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5. A possible surprise appearance from…Drake?!?!?
Drake has the most nominations at this year’s BET Awards with seven. The categories he’s nominated in include Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Best Collaboration and the Viewer’s Choice Award with Future and Tems. In addition, the 6 God is also nominated for Album of the Year. With all of these tentative accolades, will the Toronto native make a surprise appearance? You’ll have to tune in to see.
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