World Music Views® can exclusively reveal that a slew of legendary dancehall artists will be on stage at the BET Awards this Sunday June 25, 2023 in tribute to Busta Rhymes, who will be honored with the BET LifeTime Achievement Award.
80s dancehall artist Cutty Ranks confirmed with WMV that he will perform his 1992 hit “Who Seh Me Dun” which was recorded on Sly and Robbie’s “Bam Bam” riddim. He also shared an image of himself and Busta on Instagram stating, “Paying tribute to an icon such as @bustarhymes is an honor and a privilege 👏 I salute 🫡 you more life health and strength 💪 🙏 wait deh man a who that a come wait deh man busta caah done ✔ @bet @garrisonent@akeem876_records @bradhemmings.”
Cutty Ranks’ feature with El Chombo “Dame Tu Cosita” is the sixth most streamed music video on YouTube surpassing 4.3 billion views. This will be the Carlendon native’s first time performing at the BET Awards.
Other dancehall acts to join in the tribute include the Queen Of Dancehall Spice, who pulled out of the Groovin In The Park show in Queens New York this Sunday causing some to speculate that it was because her nemesis Marion Hall formerly Lady Saw is also on the show. 90s hit maker Super Cat and Dexta Daps will also make his first BET appearance.
Coi Leray, M.O.P and Rah Diggah will also join in the tribute.
Busta Rhymes whose parents are Jamaican has been in the music industry since 1986 when he was part of the Long Island rap group Leaders Of The New School. Ten years later he found the hot solo single “Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check” and all throughout the 1990s and 2000s he was known to release some of the most lyrical songs and creative music videos on BET along with his hype man Spliff Starr with songs like “Anti Up” with M.O.P., “Give It To Me” with Mariah Carey and Rah Diggah, “Make It Clap” Remix with Sean Paul, “Pass The Courvoisier” with Diddy and “Touch It”.
Scott Mills, CEO of BET in a statement said, “Busta Rhymes is a multifaceted award-winning artist who has mesmerized audiences for decades with his original hip hop sound and one-of-a-kind visuals. He continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture that we hold dear, and it is with great pride that we present this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award to a visionary, a master of rhyme, and a true pioneer. His unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, unapologetically expressing his art, and empowering generations of artists is a testament to his unparalleled legacy.”
Rolling Stones also reports that Patti LaBelle will perform a tribute to Tina Turner at the awards.“Tina was a trailblazer and someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for because of all that she overcame and all that she accomplished,” LaBelle tells Rolling Stone in a statement. “She was and is everything! And I am honored that I am able to pay tribute to her in this way.” LaBelle added.
Tina Tuner died on Wednesday (May 24, 2023) at age 83, but her legacy lives over through a catalogue of timeless hits.
The “Simple The Best” singer born November 26, 1939 became one of the most iconic artists in the world after entering the music industry as part of Ike Turner’s King Of Rhythms in 1957. She sold her catalogue and all of her musical rights to BMG in 2021.
The BET Awards will also have a 50th anniversary tribute to Hip Hop with performance from 69 Boyz, E-40, Remy Ma, Chief Keef, Soulja Boy, Tyga, Trina, and the Ying Yang Twins.
“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,” said Connie Orlando, a BET executive. “This wall-to-wall party will reverberate with the amazing energy and passion these artists bring to the stage and the culture.”
The BET Awards will air live on June 25 at 8 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. It’ll be simulcast on BET, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, and VH1.
