Black Music Month: Moments From The BET Awards Where They Honored New Artists FIRST
Source: Prince Williams / Gettykast
In honor of the 2022 BET Awards taking place this Sunday, June 26, let’s take a walk down memory lane. BET has been a staple in the Black music community, recognizing talent before they reach global stardom. Notable artists like Outkast, 50 Cent and newcomers Lucky Daye and Kiana Lede were all acknowledged first by none other than the BETAwards.
The 21st annual BET Awards will be hosted by Taraji P. Henson live from Los Angeles. It will be another epic celebration of Black culture featuring fan-favorite artists from film, television, music and literature in culture’s biggest night. Artists set to perform this year include: Babyface, Jack Harlow, Chance the Rapper, Ella Mai, GIVĒON, Chlöe and Doechii. Doja Cat leads the pack in with 6 nominations this year.
Priscilla Renea, Baby Keem, Tems, Latto, Yung Bleu and Benny the Butcher are up for Best New Artist. Tyler, the Creator, H.E.R., Ye, Silk Sonic, Drake, Doja Cat and Jazmine Sullivan are in the Album of the Year category. The Best Female Hip-Hop category is a tough one featuring Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Nicki Minaj and Latto. While J. Cole, Jack Harlow, Drake, Ye, Lil Baby, Future and Kendrick Lamar are being considered for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
Other categories include Best Actor/Actress, Best Collab, Video of the Year, BET Her, and Best Group.
BET has remained at the pulse of Black music, discovering and honoring the biggest artists before they make it BIG. Comment who you think will take home BET Awards this Sunday below.
Check out our favorite moments from the BET Awards throughout the years, recognizing hidden talents before they truly took off:
1. Lucky Daye
Source:YouTube
Grammy award-winning singer Lucky Daye made his debut performance at the 2019 BET Awards. Daye performed on the smaller BET Music stage sponsored by Nissan. Raphael Saadiq introduced Daye, who performed his single “Roll Some Mo.” “Roll Some Mo” is featured on his debut album Painted.
2. Outkast
Source:YouTube
All star hip-hop duo OutKast won their first major music award ever, with two total, at the BET Awards in 2001. The dynamic group took home Best Group and Video of the Year for the iconic hit record “Ms. Jackson.” During their acceptance speech, Big Boi said they canceled prior engagements to attend the annual ceremony, citing, “BET been rocking with us since day one.”
3. 50 Cent
Source:YouTube
Iconic rapper and executive tv producer 50 Cent made his first appearance at the BET Awards in 2003. Though it was his first major awards show, he took home two massive wins, including Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist.
4. Chris Brown
Source:YouTube
The now Grammy Award-winning R&B star, Chris Brown, won his first-ever music award for Best New Artist at the 2006 BET Awards.
5. Bow Wow
Source:YouTube
Young legend, formerly known as, Lil Bow Wow became the first-ever recipient of the Viewer’s Choice Award at the 2001 BET Awards. The young emcee was joined on stage by Grammy Award-winning super producer Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, and 106 & Park veteran hosts AJ and Free.
