bet hip-hop awards ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Rakim & LL Cool J Perform A Boomin’ Tribute To Marley Marl

Earlier this month (October 3), the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards taped in Atlanta, Georgia. The awards show now aired tonight (October 10). Among its highlights was producer/DJ Marley Marl winning the coveted I Am Hip Hop Award in the culture's ceremonial 50th year. Marley Marl is the Queens, New... Read more

October 10, 2023 TV, TV/Film, Video

Method Man, Busta Rhymes & 18 Other MCs Perform A Medley Of Their Classics

Many would like to forget the events of 2020, with good reason. The year brought a lot of challenges. However, amidst the trials and tribulations, there were a number of culture-shifting events and personalities that arose. D-Nice captivated the world with an Instagram Live DJ set that entertained millions. The... Read more

October 6, 2022 Video

Joey Bada$$ Calls Out MCs Who Perpetuate Genocide In A Powerful Performance

There have been at least 59 Rap artists who have died from gun violence. That's more than one per year for a Hip-Hop genre which is less than 50 years old. Last night (October 4) at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards, during the performance of the night, Joey Bada$$... Read more

October 5, 2022 TV, TV/Film, Video

Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, M.O.P. & More Celebrate LOUD Records

Tonight (October 4), BET aired its annual Hip Hop Awards. Hosted by Fat Joe, the night was meant to celebrate Hip-Hop's finest, both old and new. The big winner of the night was Kendrick Lamar, who took home awards for artist of the year, album of the year, video director... Read more

October 5, 2022 TV, TV/Film, Video

Big Tigger & Rapsody Tear Down The Booth In A Rap City Freestyle

The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards aired tonight (October 4), hosted by Fat Joe. The show has been BET's celebration of the culture since 2006, featuring appearances and performances from Rap's biggest stars, as well as next generation MCs poised to grab the torch. This year's show featured performances by... Read more

October 4, 2022 TV, TV/Film, Video

Rap City Is Back For One Night Only…For Now

BET's Rap City was a staple of Hip-Hop culture for nearly 20 years. The show evolved with Rap culture over a series of hosts, studios, and themes. Through it all, BET found a vehicle that was a rival to Yo! MTV Raps as a vessel of the music on television. From 1989 to late 2008,... Read more

October 5, 2021 News, TV, TV/Film

Busta Rhymes Has Made A Classic Album 30 Years Into His Career

Busta Rhymes is one of Hip-Hop's most enduring stars. Named by Chuck D, a fixture within Native Tongues, a requested artist on Tupac's One Nation project, a member of the Aftermath/Shady/G-Unit reign as well as Cash Money/Young Money, and one of J Dilla's closest collaborators, Trevor Smith, Jr. has done... Read more

November 2, 2020 Audio, Fresh, Video

King Los Kicks The Best Verse Of The Night In The Last Standing BET Cypher

Last night (October 8), BET broadcast the 2019 Hip Hop Awards. The event included a tribute to Lil' Kim (featuring a Junior M.A.F.I.A. reunion of sorts), performances by Rapsody, YBN Cordae, Anderson .Paak, Chance The Rapper, Rick Ross, and a salute to Battle Rap. Notably, a TV event recognized for... Read more

October 9, 2019 TV, TV/Film, Video

Debra Lee Is Stepping Away From Running BET After Leading For More Than A Decade

Since 2005, Debra L. Lee has served as the Chairman & CEO of BET Networks. While, one of the most powerful Black women in all of media will retain both of her current titles, today (December 14), it has been announced that Lee is stepping away from her day-to-day duties... Read more

December 14, 2017 TV, TV/Film

Mysonne Used His Turn In The Spotlight To Shed Light In An Underrated BET Cypher (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

October 17, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Eminem Was A Political Rapper Years Before The BET Cypher. Here’s The Proof (Video)

Tuesday night (October 10), Eminem spit what already appears to be the most talked about freestyle verse of all-time. At Detroit's First Street Parking with Shady Records artists and friends looking on (some would later get their turn to rap), Marshall Mathers went off the rails on an a capella... Read more

October 14, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Meet Eminem’s Newest Signee In The Rawest BET Cypher Of 2017 (Video)

Last night (October 10) Eminem's BET Hip Hop Awards cypher shook the universe, in what stands to be the MC's most political moment in a career that's never shied away from dissing public figures of all kinds. The previous time Marshall Mathers blessed the BET cypher stage, he brought his... Read more

October 11, 2017 Video

Uncle Luke Was The Original Hip-Hop Pioneer Who Fought For Free Speech And Won (Video)

Luther Campbell, better known under his monikers Uncle Luke or Luke Skyywalker, is often revered as one of the pioneers of Hip-Hop music south of the Mason-Dixon line. On the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards stage, receiving the night's honorary "I Am Hip Hop Award," Luke asserted his history from... Read more

October 11, 2017 News, Video

Eminem Destroys Donald Trump For 5 Minutes In A Devastating BET Cypher (Video)

Beginning in 2009, the MC cypher has taken center stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Exciting groupings of rappers, often tied by region and label affiliation or simply raw talent, freestyle on one of the mainstream Rap world's biggest platforms. Eminem is a cornerstone of the Hip Hop Awards... Read more

October 10, 2017 Video

Rapsody Says Forget Best Female MC. She Wants The Top Spot (BET Hip Hop Cypher)

Cypher Season is upon us, as the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards is ahead. With one of the most lauded and overall talked about albums of the moment in Laila's Wisdom, Rapsody sets off a grouping of MCs who happen to be women—and DJ Premier resumes his post as cypher... Read more

October 7, 2017 Video

Here Are The Best Hip-Hop Performances & Videos Of 2016

2016 has been a unique year. With it, Hip-Hop had a lot to say, visually. Poets new and old, independent and well-heeled, used their art to promote awareness, suggest change, and when appropriate, provide distraction. At a time when the music video largely lives online, artists made statements—about themselves, their... Read more

December 13, 2016 Food for Thought

The Symphony 2016 Was Just 1 Of The Truly Amazing Performances & Videos Of The Year

2016 has been a unique year. With it, Hip-Hop had a lot to say, visually. Poets new and old, independent and well-heeled, used their art to promote awareness, suggest change, and when appropriate, provide distraction. At a time when the music video largely lives online, artists made statements—about themselves, their... Read more

December 12, 2016 Video

RAIN910 Is Not Concerned With Industry Trends & Has the Rulebook To Prove It…Or Does He? (Video)

RAIN910 is an MC and producer who has pursued full creative control of his career since its genesis. It was a decade ago when he dropped the first of his mixtapes to make waves nationwide, and in the years since Only in America, he has not fumbled with the reins,... Read more

November 2, 2016 Ready Or Not

Big K.R.I.T. Details Being Moved To Tears For His BET Performance (Video)

Last week, Big K.R.I.T. seemingly delivered the musical performance of his career to date. During the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards, the Mississippi MC/producer performed a remix to Kenneth Whalum's "Might Not Be OK" dressed as an officer of the law. In addition to the highly evocative lyrics, Krizzle's delivery... Read more

October 13, 2016 Video

Did Chris Rivers Have The Best Verse Of The 2016 BET Cyphers? (Video)

For many Heads, the handful of cyphers that take place during the BET Hip-Hop Awards telecast are some of the most exciting aspects of the event. This year, fans had plenty to look forward to, with State Property, Dead Prez, Biv & Devoe, and others using 2016 to showcase scorching... Read more

October 5, 2016 Video

Token Torches The BET Hip-Hop Cypher While DJ Premier Cuts The Record (Video)

The 2016 Hip Hop Awards are airing on BET on Tuesday, October 4, and with them come the annual Cyphers. While this year's Cypher participants have not yet been announced, several details have surfaced about the show which was taped in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, September 17. Snoop Dogg Is... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Snoop Dogg Is Finally Being Recognized For The Hip-Hop Legend He Is

In April of 1992, Snoop Dogg burst onto the Rap scene thanks to the title single from the Deep Cover soundtrack. The Long Beach, California MC with the smooth flow, seemingly effortless delivery, and calm demeanor in tight circumstances became an instant sensation. After playing a crucial role on Dr. Dre's... Read more

September 14, 2016 News

Joyner Lucas Stunned The BET Cyphers. He Brings That Excitement To A Busta Rhymes Collabo (Audio)

Since the 1990s, artists from Massachusetts have aimed to put New England Hip-Hop on the big stage. Between Gang Starr's Guru, Made Men (f/k/a Almighty R.S.O.), and Edo. G, a number of MCs have signed deals large and small. Acts like REKS, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif, 7L & Esoteric, and Termanology... Read more

October 22, 2015 Audio

Spotlight: Despite His Name, Rain910 Is Here To Shed Light On His People’s Pain (Video)

North Carolina has consistently proven itself to be a breeding ground for forward-thinking, soulful, and prolific MCs, a tradition be carried on today by Rain910. Hailing from the land of 9th Wonder, J. Cole, and Little Brother, the 27-year-old Fayetteville rapper and producer is currently surfing the waves he left... Read more

October 21, 2015 Video

Scarface Receives The I Am Hip-Hop Award Like An O.G. (Video)

In a career that's spanned 27 years, Scarface has seemingly done it all. The Houston, Texas MC/producer has hit records, platinum albums, legendary verses, and membership to a pioneering Gangsta Rap group. At this year's BET Hip Hop Awards, those achievements are recognized. In a year that's seen another potent... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

So So Def…Redman Delivers One of The Best Cyphers in Years! (Video)

It has been almost five years since Redman released an album. However, that does not mean that the Funk Doc cannot steal the show on prime-time TV. Red' lit up the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards cyphers with a Def Squad appearance (flanked by his mentor Erick Sermon and longtime... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

Doug E. Fresh, Rahzel & Nicole Paris’ Beatbox Cypher Is Supernaturally Dope. (Video)

Based upon its recognition in the mainstream, beatboxing may seem passé. While Rap groups like the Fat Boys and Get Fresh Crew kept the booming sound effects closely in tow, the emergence of the Hip-Hop producer and improved technology have challenged the gifted breath control and malleable mouths of yesteryear.... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

Black Thought Pumps Cypher Adrenaline In This Dazzling Display (Video)

Black Thought and The Roots rock the spot on television five nights a week. However, that doesn't mean that they can't shut things down in one fell swoop. Tariq and Ahmir hit the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards with the kind of vocal precision that they made famous, when cyphers... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

Black Thought, Redman, Doug E. Fresh & More Lead the 2015 Hip Hop Awards Cyphers

Last night (October 9), the 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped at Atlanta, Georgia's Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Hosted by "Uncle" Snoop Dogg, the annual affair honored Scarface with the "I Am Hip Hop Award," and handed out trophies to Rap and R&B's brightest and best. For TV... Read more

October 10, 2015 Fresh

Scarface To Receive “I Am Hip-Hop Award,” Celebrating His 25+ Year Legacy

Scarface is Hip-Hop. He was even on a 2012 collaboration with Nas, DJ Premier, and DJ Khaled that said so. The iconic Houston, Texas MC will be honored this year with the "I Am Hip-Hop Award" at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Taped at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in... Read more

September 24, 2015 Fresh

Here Are the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers. Who Had the Best Verse (Video)

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards featured a variety of artists and different styles. From up and comers to grizzled veterans, each had something to prove. Many also had something meaningful to say, with references to the killing of Mike Brown and the protests in Ferguson manifesting throughout several verses.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

The Digital Stars Of 2014 Show Out In This BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher (Video)

The first of many 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers has hit the web. Curated as a "Digital All-Star" grouping, this includes the Top 15-selling Andy Mineo, veteran Emilio Rojas, Common-cosigned Dreezy, De La Soul-cosigned Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, and Conceited. With the exception of Mineo, who rang bells last year... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here Are Highlights From the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in 5 Tweets

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped in Atlanta and they brought some epic moments, including an appearance by the parents of Michael Brown. Here's a summary of what's to come in 5 tweets. RT @Daydog: Murda Mook just stole the whole #BEThiphopAwards!! Too many barz!! #Eazy!!— Julia Beverly... Read more

September 20, 2014 Fresh

Who’s Part Of The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers? See The List!

The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards will air on October 14 at 8pm. Hosted by "Uncle" Snoop Dogg, the affair will reportedly include performances by Jay Electronica, Common, T.I., Mike WiLL Made It, and others. The annual music event will also continue the honored tradition of the annual cyphers. While specifics... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh

Action Bronson’s 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher Sneak Preview (Video)

Bam-Bam Bronson goes off the top in a promo for October 15's airing of the recently-shot 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards show. The Queens MC is now on a major label and has a Top 200 digital EP under his belt, but he still hasn't lost his nonchalant flow from... Read more

October 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Controls The 2013 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher

Hot off the presses from Atlanta, Kendrick Lamar "killed" this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, and we were there to witness it. Symbolic of what Kendrick's Control verse did to the industry in August, the entire TDE family (Kendrick, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock and new member Isaiah Rashad) spit... Read more

September 28, 2013 Fresh

MC Lyte To Be Honored With BET’s I Am Hip Hop Award

With the upcoming 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards filming at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on September 28, Billboard revealed today that MC Lyte will be receiving a lifetime honor award. The Brooklyn native who helped make First Priority Records (along with affiliates Audio Two) a destination label in... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Here are some of the best of the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers. These include, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, TechN9ne, Machine Gun Kelly, B.o.B., Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Skillz, Blind Fury and of course Shady 2.0. Click below to check them out.

Who had the best verse? Big K.R.I.T., TechN9ne, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendrick Lamar and B.o.B. Reek Da Villain, 2 Chainz, Busta Rhymes and Ludacris Lady of Rage, Blind Fury, Dom Kennedy and Skillz Yelawolf, Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5'9" and Eminem Click here for the rest... Read more

October 11, 2011 Video