For over a decade, the BET Hip Hop Awards have given flowers to the hottest rap artists in the game while paying homage to the icons who've helped pave the way.
The BET Hip Hop Awards, hosted by DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean of the 85 South Show, aired on Tuesday. Tyler, The Creator took home the awards for Hip Hop Album of the Year, Best Live Performer and Rock the Bells Cultural Influence Award wins and J. Cole, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B all walked away victorious as well. But fans really tune in annually to see which lyricists will dominate the cyphers and who of their favorite hip-hop artists will set the stage on fire.
This year's talent did not disappoint. Both newcomers and industry veterans left it all out on the stage for what could be considered one of the biggest nights in hip hop. Here's how we rank this year's performances.
1. Nelly featuring Jermaine Dupri, Paul Wall & City Spud
Nelly was honored with the "I Am Hip Hop Award" and took us on a trip down memory lane with classic hits "Country Grammar," "Air Force Ones," "Hot in Here" and more. The crowd absolutely lost it when he brought out special guest, Paul Wall. Chicken head dances were abound.
2. Tobe Nwigwe featuring Fat & Nel
It's a family affair when Tobe Nwigwe, his wife Fat, and sister Nel are in the building. Nwigwe hit the stage squad-deep and made it shake as he performed his latest hit, "FYE FYE" alongside his wife. The Houston rapper and his fam donned head-to-toe mint green outfits, white durags and a gospel ensemble.
The electric energy from the stage flowed into the seats of the audience as everyone rose to their feet to sing at the top of their lungs and give praise. Nwigwe left the stage with a standing ovation.
3. Big Latto
Speaking of energy, Latto gave us nothing but "Big Energy" during her Vegas showgirl-themed set. The rapper brought her recent music video to life on stage while dripped in a red tassel bodysuit and red knee-high boots. The "Queen of Da Souf" rapper brought Vegas to life as she danced on a poker table surrounded by slot machines alongside her feathered showgirls and "broke boys." Fans appeared more than pleased as they chanted her name at the closing of the performance.
4. Isaiah Rashad featuring Doechii & Kal Banx
TDE may be saying goodbye to Kendrick Lamar soon, but there's no shortage of talent coming out of the West Coast record label. Isaiah Rashad is no newbie to the rap game, but if you've never heard of him before, this performance is a fine introduction.
The Chattanooga native brought out Doechii & Kal Banx to perform "Wat U Sed" and had no problem keeping the crowd engaged throughout the set. However, we must say Doechii stole the show, dominating with her sultry tone and effortless flow as she entered stage left. The trio was full of light-hearted energy and swag. They definitely understood the assignment.
5. Young Thug & Gunna
Atlanta rappers Young Thug and Gunna opened the BET Hip Hop Awards show with their hits "Tick Tock" and "Too Easy." If it wasn't Thugga's gigantic spider that caught everyone's attention, it was definitely the performance of his viral hit, "Ski."
6. Baby Keem
Baby Keem gave us a fiery performance of "Family Ties." The rendition served as a cross between something out of Kanye West and his cousin Kendrick Lamar's playbook. Keem kept the set visually engaging as he incorporated stage lifts, white smoke and dancers wearing all-black outfits and face masks. Aside from his set design, Baby Keem made sure to dominate the crowd with his bars and high energy.
7. BIA featuring Lil Jon
BIA performed her latest hit "Whole Lotta Money" on a green velvet couch, looking fine as ever. She switched up her zebra red carpet look to rock a diamond-studded bustier and booty shorts to match. If that wasn't enough, BIA brought out none other than Lil Jon for some added hype as they performed "Bia' Bia'" from her second EP, For Certain.
