As we gear up for the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday and wait in anticipation to see who will act as the host for this year’s show, we felt it fitting to look back at some of the best hosts from year’s past to wet your whistle.
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Chief among them is comedian Mo’nique who put on for the big girls in 2003 as the host, but did it in true Beyonce fashion in 2004. She would later return to host again in 2007.
Regina Hall
Okay, so I know we jumped from way back when to 2019 when Regina Hall hosted but let’s not act like she doesn’t deserve to be at the top spot. She’s effortlessly funny, which most people can’t say, and absolutely nailed doing da butt soooo…that’s further proof as to why she’s number two on this list.
Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross
There’s a reason why Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross were asked to host two years in a row back in 2015-2016: with them you get great checmistry, double the laughs, and double the fun. Who doesn’t want that!
Chris Tucker
Seeing Tucker as the host was extra special for two reasons: the first being that we hadn’t seen much of him prior to this and the second being that it was four years after his good friend Michael Jackson passed away. This short snippet of his favorite memories, impression of, and song by the late King of Pop will forever be memorable.
Queen Latifah
You know we couldn’t slide out of the top five without putting the only queen we acknowledge on the list. Her fly fits alone as host back in 200 deserve a spot.
Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer
Two Kings of Comedy on one stage to kick off the first ever BET Award in 2001 and 2002?? ‘Nuff said.
Taraji P. Henson
“We back outside!” as 2022 host Taraji P. Henson said. And she was just the person we needed to hype up the joy we felt finally being back amongst kindred.
Jamie Foxx
The one and only Jamie Foxx also pulled double hosting duty, taking the stage in 2009 and 2018 and did it flawlessly. We miss you Foxx, get better soon!
Damon Wayans
You can never go wrong selecting a Wayans brother (or sister!) as a host for an event and the 2006 BET Awards showed you why.
Chris Rock
Feel how may about Chris Rock now, but back in 2014 he held nothing back and cam for the jugular all night.
Samuel L. Jackson
Y’all got thee icon Samuel L. Jackson to put on a pink bob and rap Nicki Minaj as promo for his hosting gig—which he did a great job at. Do I really have to say more?
Straight From 
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