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Killer Mike, Tyla Taraji P. Henson, Usher, Will Smith and More Make Cultural Statements At 2024 BET Awards

  • Donovan Watkis
    • Taraji did a parody performance of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Drake diss drake.

    Taraji did a parody performance of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Drake diss drake.

    The 2024 BET Awards, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, aired live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on BET.

    Going into the ceremony, Drake and Nicki Minaj lead the nominations with seven and six nominations respectively. Neither artist attend the ceremony and Taraji did a parody performance of Kendrick Lamar‘s ‘Not Like Us’ Drake diss drake.

    The three time BET Awards host kicked off the night with an electrifying opening, following a performance by Megan Thee Stallion. The Color Purple took the stage sporting a red hoodie, jeans, and a red cap similar to Kendrick’s attire at the Amazon Prime Pop Out event on June 19, 2024.

    “Taraji on the beat,” Henson rapped, launching into a playful parody of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” While Lamar’s original lyrics targeted Drake, Henson’s version celebrated Black culture with the line, “It’s about us.”

    In her opening monologue, Henson referenced the recent CNN presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. She addressed Trump’s controversial claim that immigrants are “taking Black jobs.”

    “[This is] a show packed full of all-stars with Black jobs. Whatever that means,” Henson quipped to the audience. “But clearly, we know there’s a difference. Thanks for the info, but we already knew it.”

    Later, media personality B. Simone humorously revisited Trump’s “Black jobs” comment, asking the audience if roles such as TSA agents, TV judges, and hairstylists were “Black jobs.” The crowd responded with a resounding yes.

    Tyla, Gunna and Skillibeng performed their UK Afrobeats chart topping hit “Jump” on the 2024 BET Awards held on Sunday June 30.

    The performance was opened by Skillibeng who sang his patois verse followed by Tyla who entered the stage in a cage with dancers who formed the image of tigers.

    The African jungle themed performance which lasted just over 2 minutes saw Gunna standing beside an oversized elephant delivering his verse then Skillibeng came back at the end of the performance. Tyla won 2 awards including Best International artist and Best New Artist.

    One of the biggest moments of the night was Usher being honored with this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award with tribute performance from Danny Glover, Keke Palmer Coco Jones, Marsha Ambrosius, Chloe, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monét and Latto.

    Will Smith did a gospel performance of his new song “You Can Make It,” GloRilla, Latto, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Victoria Monét, Lauryn Hill.

    Killer Mike clinched one of the most coveted awards of the night at this year’s BET Awards.

    The Grammy-winning artist took home the Album of the Year award at Sunday’s ceremony for his album MICHAEL. Nominees in the category include Chris Brown for 11:11, Gunna for A Gift & a Curse, 21 Savage for American Dream, Usher for Coming Home, Drake for For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition), Victoria Monét for Jaguar II and Nicki Minaj for Pink Friday 2.

    Killer Mike accepts the award for album of the year onstage during the BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 30, 2024 in Los Angeles. KEVIN WINTER/GETTY

    In his acceptance speech, Killer Mike expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from his fellow Black artists and community. “Thank you for seeing me, Black people,” he began. “Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for honoring me in this way.” He extended his thanks to his wife Shana, their four children, and his manager.

    Reflecting on a tumultuous year, Killer Mike shared his experience of being arrested at the Grammy Awards, saying, “Technically, I was not supposed to be here. I was put in handcuffs and marched out of this building. But look at God, because I’m back, baby. I’m back and I’m living.”

    He emphasized the significance of his return, crediting BET for their support. “I want to tell Black people that because of BET, I’m back. Not because of no white person calling nobody. A Black man runs this business. A Black company put this show on, and they got my Black ass back in here. Thank y’all.”

    Killer Mike continued, “I am a representation of one of the finest things God has ever made — and that’s one half of the Black family. Black men and women — I am you, whether you’re young, whether you’re old, whether you like me, whether you don’t like me. I am absolutely you, and this win is absolutely ours.”

    Before leaving the stage, the rapper urged viewers to engage in the political process. “They’re gonna tell you who we vote for is important, and it is. But it’s more important you know who your city council person is, who your prosecutor is. If you don’t like the people running, run your Black ass to the poll and run yourself.”

    Killer Mike’s win comes just days after it was announced that he would not face charges for his Grammy night arrest. Back in February, the rapper was escorted out of the ceremony in handcuffs shortly after winning best rap song and best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for MICHAEL.

    At the time, Killer Mike attributed the incident to “confusion around which door my team and I should enter.” He assured fans, “We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the utmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to MICHAEL, and keep going after your dreams.”

    Lauryn Hill performs a rock version of ‘Lost Ones,’ with images Menen Asfaw, Empress of Ethiopia and the wife of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie impressed not the backdrop at the 2024 BET Awards. She was joined by her son YG Marley who sang his latest song Survival and the Gold selling hit “Praise Jah in The Moonlight.”

    Later Wyclef joined the stage to do a Fugees reunion performance.

    2024 BET Awards Winners List (Updating Live)

     

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