X’s up!

BET showed out and celebrated an epic year in music with their 21st annual BET Awards on Sunday night (Jun. 27). Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the event was held in-person following last year’s virtual ceremony.

Packed with an all-star cast of performances, tributes, and awards, Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin took the L.A. Microsoft Theater to church with their victorious opening performance of “We Win”.

The Migos delivered a fiery performance of “Straightenin” and was joined by Cardi B for “Type Shit”, where the proud mom made a big reveal of her baby bump and announced her and Offset’s second child.

H.E.R. brought her rockstar status to the awards with an uplifting performance of “We Made It” from a floating drum set before touching down with her guitar. Moneybagg Yo took center stage with his balling anthem “Time Today” and “Wockesha”, while DaBaby stunted as well with his first performance of his new single, “Ball If I Want To”.

All eyes were on this year’s Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Megan Thee Stallion, who brought her “Thot Shit” to the stage. Hot Girl Meg also won Best Video Of The Year with “WAP”, and more. Tyler, The Creator re-created his video for his standout record “Lumberjack”, and Jazmine Sullivan welcomed Ari Lennox and Maxine Waters with “Tragic” and “Elegant”.

Roddy Ricch gave broadway vibes in front of a city skyline with “Late At Night” and Lil Nas X got a standing ovation with “Montero” by recreating Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time” video. The City Girls twerked down the dance line to their latest single “Twerkulator”, and Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak wooed the ladies with their Silk Sonic’ hit, “Leave The Door Open”.

Queen Latifah was honored this year’s Life Achievement Award. Following a tribute by Mary J. Blige, Lee Daniels, and more, Lil Kim, Monie Love, Rapsody, and MC Lyte performed a medley of the legendary rapper’s hits before the emotional Queen herself accepted her prestigious award.

DJ Khaled performed an epic medley with guests Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Da Baby, Lil Durk, and H.E.R. including a performance of “Hats Off”, as well as “I Did It”, and then another one, “Every Chance I Get”. After performing her verse, Meg exited the stage prior to DaBaby emerging to do his, which stems from their Twitter exchange earlier in the week.

For the grande finale, DMX was honored with a heartfelt tribute by his Ruff Ryders family and friends. Method Man gave an acapella of “Get At Me Dog”, before Griselda’s Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway the Machine performed their DMX collaboration “Hood Blues” and “Where the Hood At?”. Actor Michael K. Williams channeled X by reciting “Slippin’” followed by Swizz Beatz, The Lox, and Busta Rhymes’ performance of “Ruff Ryders Anthem”, “Party Up (Up In Here)”, and a prayer. Amen.

The evening include huge wins throughout the evening. Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales took Album Of The Year and Silk Sonic’s Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak was named Best Group.

H.E.R. and Chris Brown took Best R&B/Pop Artists, while Lil Baby and Megan Thee Stallion were named Best Hip Hop Artist. “WAP” was dubbed both Best Collaboration and Video Of The Year, and Giveon is this year’s Best New Artist.

Kirk Franklin’ “Strong God” was blessed with the Dr. Bobby Jones’ Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, SZA’s “Good Days” took the BET Her Award. Across the pond, Burna Boy’s “Nigeria” was bestowed Best International Act and Bree Runway won Best New International Act.